Green Mountain Energy in Texas

Green Mountain Energy is "Texas' only electricity provider dedicated to cleaner energy," according to its website. The company focuses on pollution-free renewable energy using wind and water. Customers of Green Mountain Energy enjoy comparable rates to other electricity providers with the added benefit of helping the environment with reduced carbon dioxide, CO2, emissions.

Types

Green Mountain Energy offers its Texas customers a variety of electricity options including Pollution Free, Pollution Free Reliable Rate, Pollution Free Introductory Rate and 100 Percent Wind products. The Reliable Rate plan allows customers to lock in their utility rates for 1 year but charges a $200 fee for early cancellation of the plan.

Function

Reliability and customer service are not sacrificed by offering a diversity of renewable energy products. There is no special wiring or equipment required for customers who choose the clean energy option. According to its website, Green Mountain ranked "Highest in Residential Customer Satisfaction With Retail Electric Service" in the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates study.

Features

Green Mountain Energy customers can visit the website and evaluate the environmental impact of choosing pollution-free energy. The criteria used are reduction in CO2 levels, number of trees planted and number of miles not driven. On the same page, customers can find a comparison chart for the prices of each product the company offers. Green Mountain also suggests a comparison with other electricity providers in Texas by directing them to PowerToChoose.org. Switching to pollution-free electricity is as simple as filling out a few forms on Green Mountain's website.

Effects

Total dependence on fossil fuels is no longer acceptable, and Green Mountain Energy is among those paving the way for our independence. Renewable energy sources like wind and water combined with the benefits of solar power help relieve our reliance on foreign oil as well as reduce the need to excavate coal from our mountains and drill for oil on our shores.

Prevention/Solution

Green Mountain energy solutions offer more than electricity, as stated on its website. The company is helping guide the way for safer and more efficient renewable energy solutions for all of us. Here's what the company has to say:
"The more customers who make the choice to switch to clean electricity, the less of the power pool's generation will need to be sourced from limited and polluting fossil fuel resources. In addition to the environmental impact of your choice, you are supporting the move towards greater diversity in the fuels we use to meet our country's energy needs--thus helping to create a more secure energy future for America."

Resources

• Green Mountain Energy