Sign up for a fully renewable energy plan

Sign up for a fully renewable energy plan

By Esperanza Navarro

Most climate actions we can take as individuals require some effort. This might mean changing the way we eat, dress, or manage our waste; and sometimes it even requires a financial investment, like installing a solar water heater.

However, there is one action that can significantly reduce our carbon footprint with minimal effort and time, and it often doesn’t add much cost either.

For millions of people living in countries like the United States, Germany, or Australia, where the electricity market is deregulated and there is an abundance of renewable resources, 100% renewable energy plans exist.

What is a 100% renewable plan?

When you subscribe to this type of plan, it doesn't mean that the electricity physically reaching your outlet comes only from renewable sources, as the grid is a mix. What you are doing is paying for your provider to inject into the grid the same amount of energy that you consume, but exclusively from renewable sources (wind, solar, hydroelectric). Ultimately, this way, you significantly reduce your household's carbon footprint and, at the same time, increase the demand for this type of energy, which encourages greater investment in wind, solar, and other zero carbon sources.

Furthermore, the process is generally done online, with no new installations required, and the cost is the same as, or even lower than, traditional plans.

How do you sign up?

You can search on Google for terms like "renewable energy plans [your city/state]" or "green energy providers". If you find providers in your area, make sure their plans are 100% renewable and that they have guarantees of origin to certify it, as some offer energy from various sources (i.e., mixed with fossil fuel energy). A practical way to verify this is to look for providers with third-party certifications. For example, a company like Green Mountain Energy offers its "Go Local Solar" plan which carries the Green-e Energy certification. Green-e Energy is an independent organization that specifically verifies the renewable origin of the energy. They conduct annual reviews to ensure that the company’s marketing and supply meet their strict standards.

The energy transition is a key part of global climate action. Switching to a renewable plan is one of the simplest yet most effective levers you can pull. So, if this opportunity exists in your area, take advantage of it and be part of the change.