How much U.S. energy consumption comes from renewable sources?
In 2007, renewable sources of energy accounted for about 7 percent of total U.S. energy consumption and 9.4 percent of electricity generation, according to the EIA.

Why Don’t We Use More Renewable Energy?
For one thing, renewable energy plants such as large-scale wind or solar farms are generally more expensive to build and to operate than coal and natural gas plants. Also, the best renewable resources are often available in remote areas, so building transmission lines to the source is expensive.

Are there any tax credits designed to increase the use of renewable energy?
Yes. The Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit, a federal incentive, has encouraged a quadrupling of wind energy capacity over the past few years. Recent legislation has extended these credits until 2009. Possible further extension of the credit would increase the projected growth in renewable generation.

Has North Carolina passed any legislation recently to encourage electricity providers to increase renewable energy generation?
Yes, North Carolina recently passed a law outlining Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), which requires electricity providers to generate or acquire a percentage of generation from renewable sources. However, many RPS programs have “escape clauses” if renewable generation exceeds a cost threshold. Some states have delayed compliance and others lack enforcement procedures. As a result, states may not always meet their RPS goals.

I already have solar panels/windmill at my home and sometimes they produce more energy than I use! Any way I can sell my “extra energy” to my electricity provider?
Yes! Many electricity providers, including EnergyUnited, have what is called Net Metering. By connecting your renewable energy source to your electric provider’s grid, the utility can track the energy you use. At times, you will need to use electricity directly from your electric provider. At other times, you will have surplus electricity from your renewable energy sources. During the times of surplus energy, your excess will be added to the electricity grid to power additional homes and you will receive a form of a credit on your bill for those kilowatt hours.

I want to install renewable energy equipment at my home. Are there financial incentives available to help offset the purchase of equipment?
Yes. North Carolina offers very attractive financial incentives for individuals and organizations interested in purchasing and installing renewable energy technologies. There are also federal incentives available, as well as a number of lenders offering energy efficient mortgages that can assist in offsetting the initial costs of equipment. For a complete listing of financial incentives available, please visit the DSIRE website (maintained by the N.C. Solar Center) at www.dsireusa.org.

Installing solar panels or a wind turbine is not practical for me. Are there any other ways I as a consumer can help?
Yes, you can purchase blocks of green energy through NC GreenPower. With every block of green energy you pledge to purchase monthly (at $4 a block), 100 kWh of renewable energy will be added to EnergyUnited’s power grid. Visit www.ncgreenpower.com for more information or to sign up. Also, don’t forget to email your representatives through www.ourenergy.coop to make sure your voice is heard.