Renewable electricity technologies, however, can be among the more environmentally friendly sources you can choose. Renewable power technologies have been part of California's electricity generation system for decades. Before deregulation and competition, the state was able to ensure that California's electricity mix included a minimum amount of renewable power. In the competitive market, the responsibility lies with consumers to choose renewable power, ensuring that existing renewable facilities continue to operate and providing a market for the development of new renewable facilities. When you choose renewable power you are supporting technologies that have many environmental advantages.
Renewable power makes use of secure, indigenous and replenishable natural resources.
Renewable energy also helps create jobs for Californians and establishes California as a world leader and exporter of renewable power technologies. Although any cost premium for renewable power is likely to be small compared to the total size of your electric bill, renewable power can cost more than conventionally-generated power. Through this program, your electricity bill can automatically be credited up to 1.5 cents for each kilowatt-hour of renewable electricity you consume. Customers who switch providers will still receive services from their original utility, but their dollars spent on electricity will support the energy sources of their choice. Green-e certified electricity products contain at least 50 percent renewable power and meet certain environmental criteria.