Households switch to GreenPower

The number of ACT households opting for GreenPower has increased by almost 150% over the past two years, with over 10,200 customers (8% of all energy customers) using it.

Chief Minister and Minister for the Environment, Water and Climate Change, Jon Stanhope said: “Since the beginning of 2006, GreenPower customers in the ACT have risen by almost 150%, while sales have risen over 230%.

"Buying GreenPower is an action that every household and business can make to ensure their power comes from renewable sources such as the sun, wind, water and biomass waste. Using GreenPower can cut household greenhouse gas emissions by around 50%."

The ACT government is leading by example, choosing to source 23% of its electricity from renewable sources.

Stanhope said a new GreenPower opt-out scheme, commencing 1 January 2009, would see more Canberrans making the switch to renewable energy: “The ACT is the first jurisdiction to legislate for the mandatory offering of accredited GreenPower electricity to new customers. This opt-out scheme is a key action in our Climate Change Strategy — Weathering the Change.

“It must be stressed that while energy suppliers must offer a green product, customers may exercise their right to accept, reject or modify the offer to suit their circumstances. There will be no pressure put on customers to take up GreenPower, although I am hopeful that many will take up the opportunity to support renewable energy.”