Renewable and Alternative Energy Rates
Over the past decade, we’ve provided customers with sources for renewable energy. In fact, our first generating plant was hydroelectric, producing clean energy from Alabama’s rivers. We believe renewable resources are crucial to our present and future.
Whether it’s by generating hydroelectric power at home or investing in wind farms and solar energy projects throughout the U.S., we’re committed to unlocking their unlimited potential. That’s why we launched Greener State in efforts to make renewable energy easy and affordable for our customers.
Greener State
Greener State allows you to power your home with renewable energy through purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). RECs represent energy generated from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.
Purchasing RECs is a way for individuals and businesses to support renewable energy development. You can choose one of three plans based on the renewable source - wind, solar, and biomass energy. You can also customize your plan to match your electric usage for as little as $1.25 a month. The cost of your Greener State plan is added to your monthly power bill, so you enjoy the convenience of one payment.
Why Greener State?
You're Making an Impact
You’re using 100% renewable energy from existing wind, solar, and biomass sources—and making the world greener.
You’re Increasing Demand for Renewable Energy
You’re supporting the movement that employs people who work every day to harness our planet’s renewable resources in new ways.
It’s Easy on Your Wallet and Easy to Join
It costs as little as $5 per month to go green. That’s less than the cost of a cup of coffee! And it only takes a minute to sign up.
How Greener State Works
Renewable and Alternative Energy Rates FAQs
What is a REC?
- One REC represents the environmental attributes and benefits associated with 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity generated from a renewable fuel source.
- Such renewable sources include solar or wind farms, low-impact hydroelectric facilities or biomass generators.
- RECs are a commodity that can be separated from the energy they were generated with and “bundled” with energy customers purchase for their homes or businesses.
How does the purchase work?
- You can purchase one REC for as little as $1.25 per month for a period of 12 months. Or you can choose to purchase multiple RECs.
- The cost is in addition to your regular monthly charges.
- At the end of 12 months, you will receive a certificate that shows the number of RECs you have purchased.
- When a REC is bundled with 1,000 kWh of energy, that 1,000 kWh becomes classified as “green” or “renewable” energy. So, when you pair a REC with energy you purchase for your home or business, you get the exclusive right to claim that you were served with the renewable energy associated with the REC. Customers who enroll in Greener State can therefore ensure that all or part of their electricity usage comes from renewable resources, supporting the continued development of environmentally-friendly generation technologies.
How many RECs does it take to match your energy consumption?
- It depends on your average annual usage.
- For example, if you want to green-match the entire energy usage in your home and you use approximately 10,000 kWh per year, you would purchase 10 RECs. This would cost you an additional $12.50 per month on your power bill.
- Or, you may decide to green-match only some of your energy. A Customer Service representative can help you choose what’s best for you.
To learn more and to sign up for the Renewable Energy Certificate program, visit Greener State.
More information about RECs is available from the EPA’s website.
The billed amount for your REC purchase will be shown on the back of your power bill as a separate line item. The cost of each REC is $15, and will be billed at the rate of $1.25 per month for 12 months.
You may choose to end your participation before the end of the 12-month billing period. By doing so, you will not receive a certificate. You must call us at 1-800-990-APCO (2726) to cancel your participation. The program automatically renews for another year after the 12-month period unless you notify us of your wish to cancel.
Purchase of Alternate Energy
Rate PAE applies to customers with distributed generation units, such as a solar panel array or a wind turbine, and would like to sell the excess energy back to Alabama Power. See the resources below:
Purchase of Alternate Energy
Special Rules Governing Application of Rate PAE
For assistance with Application Process of rate PAE only, email us at acrum@southernco.com.