Energy is one of the most basic elements of our society today - it powers our homes, businesses and even our  vehicles.  However, energy production has become the major source of air pollution in the United States, harming our health and our environment. Gas, coal and other fossil fuels are the primary sources used in the production of electricity and are considered non-renewables (i.e. they cannot be easily replenished).

In the case of electricity generation, Green Power is generated using renewable resources, those that can be used sustainably; i.e. replenished at a rate equal to or less than the rate at which they are used, with the goal of having a lighter environmental impact and reducing harmful emissions.

Sources of green or renewable electricity include such sources as solar, wind, biomass, hydro, geothermal or municipal solid waste. There still exists a healthy debate regarding the labeling of some of these resources as green or renewable. All power generation sources have quantifiable environmental impacts with solar, wind, and small hydro production being the cleanest.

Recently, governmental agencies and non-profits have been promoting greener power through state, regional, and federal initiatives. Entities such as the non-profit Maine Green Power Connection and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Green Power Partner Program have active programs to promote greater understanding and use of green power.  See the MPO website for links and information relating to Green Power .

Maine’s existing small hydro facilities and wood fired biomass plants use readily available renewable resources, the use of which have the added benefit of supporting Maine’s economy.   The Maine Public Utilities Commission has categorized Maine’s sustainably run wood biomass plants as neutral emitters of CO2 the most prevalent greenhouse gas and as producing lower levels of N0x and SO2 than production by fossil fuels.

Wind  and solar generation exist on a very small scale in Maine; larger wind farms are in the planning stage for two sites, Mars Hill and the Carrabassett Valley region. Maine PowerOptions members have been leaders in the State of Maine through their purchase of Green Power. MPO member, York Hospital signed the first commercial renewable supply contract in the State of Maine.

Maine PowerOptions members have requested “greener” electricity options for a variety of reasons including concerns regarding air quality, pollution related health issues, and depletion of natural resources. Maine PowerOptions can provide green electricity supply and/or Tradable Renewable Certificates to all members and all rate classes.  MPO works with suppliers to custom blend products to match a member’s renewable and price parameters.

• Green-e Certified Renewable Power – Green-e Certified supply can originate from wind, landfill gas, solar, small hydro and biomass, while meeting specific Green-e program requirements. 

• Maine Made ^TM   Renewable Power – Maine based supply from small hydro facilities and biomass plants.Maine-Made supply supports the Maine economy while reducing pollution and our dependence on foreign fuel sources.

• Green Tags –Certificates or Green Tags are available as an alternative to directly purchasing green supply.  Tags represent the generation attributes of the production of power.  Green Tags are available to support the production and distribution of Green Power in place of conventional power in the electric grid and are counted and regulated through power regulators worldwide.

• Custom Blend – All of the above products, including Green Tags are available for custom blending to match a members renewable and price requirements.

All Maine PowerOptions green products benefit customers by having a positive impact on the environment through their choice of energy and promote the development of generation from Maine, New England’s and the United States’ renewable energy resources.