GreenPower
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The Earth’s climate is changing at an unnatural pace because of the way we live. Burning coal to produce electricity is one of the main causes of human induced climate change, making up 35% of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. You can make a difference by switching to GreenPower and ditching your coal-burning electricity ways.
- Visit GreenPower for a list of all energy retailers that provide accredited GreenPower.
- Have your last electricity bill on hand and call your current supplier.
- Tell them you want to switch to accredited GreenPower and ask how much this will cost. As a guide, 10% accredited GreenPower will cost from zero to $2 extra per week, while 100% accredited GreenPower will cost approximately $5 extra per week.
- Agree on a plan and price. If your current electricity supplier does not offer accredited GreenPower or a plan you like, ditch them and switch to a new supplier who does.
GreenPower is renewable energy produced from clean renewable sources such as solar, wind, water and biomass. Energy suppliers commit to buying a specified amount of electricity from approved new renewable energy sources. GreenPower retailers’ sales and purchases are independently audited on an annual basis.
GreenPower accreditation provides an assurance that the renewable energy you purchase will decrease greenhouse gases and actively contribute to the development of the renewable energy industry.
When choosing a renewable energy product, be aware of the basic differences between non-accredited renewable energy products and renewable energy products that are accredited as GreenPower. Non-accredited renewable energy products are products that are often promoted as other forms of ‘green’ or ‘zero carbon electricity’ or 100% renewable energy without mentioning GreenPower accreditation. Generally non-accredited products source their renewable energy from old sources that were established decades ago, such as large hydro-electric projects.
Purchasing products sourced from old renewable energy does not contribute to further investment in renewable energy. An older hydro-electric power station will continue operating whether or not you buy it. No independent audit process or guidelines exist to monitor non-accredited renewable energy products so it cannot be guaranteed.