From an Alameda Municipal Power press release:

Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) announced Wednesday that it is offering a new renewable energy program, Alameda Green. This voluntary program gives all AMP customers the opportunity to support 100 percent renewable energy by purchasing wind and solar power to match their monthly electricity use.

On behalf of Alameda Green program participants, AMP will purchase Green-e Energy certified renewable energy certificates (RECs) sourced from newly constructed wind and solar energy facilities located within western states and California.

"AMP and the City of Alameda are leaders in the promotion of clean, sustainable and renewable power," said Girish Balachandran, AMP's general manager. "But we also realize that a growing portion of our customers want to support 100 percent green power from wind and solar facilities, and we are happy to make that option available."

Alameda Green enables residents and smaller businesses to purchase renewable energy to match their electricity usage at only a penny and a half per kilowatt-hour (kWh) above the standard electricity rate. The average household using 400 kWh per month will pay an additional cost of $6 per month (rate will vary depending on monthly usage). Larger businesses can also participate in increments of $15 per month for each 1,000 kWh block. Every 1,000 kWh prevents 1,248 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere (Source: U.S. EPA's eGRID Database). 

Many utilities across the country offer similar programs. Two other Bay Area municipal utilities (serving Palo Alto and Santa Clara) offer programs that are nationally ranked for high participation rates.

Customers can enroll online at www.alamedamp.com/power/green or by calling (510) 748-3900.

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