How can I shrink my carbon footprint efficiently? In my state I can choose to have 100% of my electric energy supplied from alternative sources through my established power provider.
I chose the least expensive choice of 50% wind and 50% low impact Hydro provided by Green Mountain Energy through FirstEnergy Corp to supply 100% of my electricity demand adding 1.3 cents/kWh to my cost; I currently pay 0.13049363 cents/kWh (kWh is 1000 watts of electricity used continuously for one hour or 100 watt light bulb lit for 10 hours).
The other options available in my state are: 100% wind power for 15% usage which adds 5.5 cents/kWh extra on 15% of monthly usage; 200 kWh of wind power for a flat rate of $11/month extra; or an option to choose any amount of wind power adding $5.50/100 kWh.
I am increasing my outlay an estimated $275 annually for electricity not accounting for in-home energy conservation. I figure this outlay is less expensive than installing a solar panel system, replacing my natural gas heating system or buying a hybrid car right now; however, I will be lessening my home’s carbon emissions immediately. More importantly, I will be effecting supply and demand forces to facilitate the creation of more clean sources of energy using the infrastructure already in place.
