Virginia Green Pricing

Green Pricing FAQ

What is green energy?

Green energy is electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as the sun, wind, water and organic matter. The resources are replenished by nature and are a cleaner source of energy.

What are Appalachian Power's green pricing options?

Both options allow a Virginia customer, on a voluntary basis, to support renewable energy resources. Appalachian Power Virginia is now offering customers two unique green pricing options.

Premium Option-100% Renewable Energy (Wind Water Sunlight) program
The 100% Renewable Energy program allows a customer to purchase their entire energy needs from Appalachian Power renewable resources at an additional price of $.12297 per kWh above regular monthly billing.

Alternative Option-REC (Renewable Energy Credit) program
The REC program allows a customer to support renewable energy through the purchase of renewable energy certificates at an additional price of $.0145 per kWh above regular monthly billing. The RECs may come from a variety of resources but will likely be associated with energy from waste, solid waste, and hydro facilities.

What are examples of renewable energy sources?

Renewable energy sources include wind, hydro, solar and biomass. Appalachian Power currently acquires its renewable energy from wind and hydro power.

How much of the company's energy supply comes from renewable resources?

Currently, approximately 9 percent of the energy our Virginia customers use is from renewable resources.

What are the sources of renewable energy for both programs?

Under the 100% Renewable Energy program, both the customer’s entire energy needs and associated renewable energy certificates will come from the company’s renewable energy generation portfolio (wind, hydro and potentially solar). Under the REC program, the RECs will likely be associated with energy from waste, solid waste, and hydro facilities.

What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?

When a renewable energy generator ‒ for example, a wind power generator, solar power generator, or a company that collects methane gas from a landfill and burns it to generate electricity ‒ produces one megawatt hour of electricity that is certified and sold into the electricity market, it produces a Renewable Energy Certificate, or REC.

Are the green pricing options voluntary?

Yes. Customers are not required to participate in a green pricing program; it is entirely voluntary.

Why should I participate in green pricing?

Participating in Appalachian Power's green pricing options gives customers the opportunity to make a positive environmental impact in the region by helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand America's renewable energy resources, and provide support for the creation of green jobs.

Do I have any election decisions to make to enroll in the 100% renewable energy program?

No, because 100% of a customer’s energy needs will be supplied around the clock from our wind and hydro facilities (with solar facilities to be added soon) there are no election decisions. The RECs associated with your renewable energy purchase will be retired on your behalf.

Do I have any election decisions to make to enroll in the REC program?

Yes, the REC program allows you to purchase RECs in fixed blocks (1 REC -100 kWh) or elect to have your monthly energy requirements supported entirely by renewable energy certificates. Your election will facilitate the quantity of RECs retired on your behalf.

If you elect to purchase fixed blocks you will be billed for the number of green energy blocks you request regardless of your actual energy usage. The total cost of the blocks is added to your monthly electric bill in addition to the billing for the electricity you use.

How do I enroll in the green pricing option?

Customers may voluntarily enroll in the green pricing options by visiting the company's website at www.appalachianpower.com and going to Green Pricing Enrollment/Virginia or by calling Appalachian Power's Customer Operations at 1.800.956.4237. The cost of the selected program will appear on the customer's next monthly bill.

What if I no longer want to participate in the green pricing option?

Customers may opt out of the program at any time by visiting the company's website at www.appalachianpower.com or by calling Appalachian Power's Customer Operations Center at 1.800.956.4237. The Company requires 30 days to complete opt out of the program.