Q. What is DP&L’s Green Pricing program?
It is a program developed by DP&L and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that allows DP&L customers, on a voluntary basis, to support the generation of renewable energy resources. DP&L will purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) that represent the environmental attributes of electricity produced by renewable energy resources. DP&L has re-bundled the RECs into green kilowatt hour (kWh) blocks and is making them available for purchase by its customers.
Q. How much does it cost to participate in the Green Pricing program?
DP&L customers are now eligible to purchase kWh blocks of green energy attributes. Each block is equal to 100 kWh and costs $1.00. DP&L’s Green Pricing Program has a two block minimum purchase equaling $2 a month. This charge would be applied regardless of your actual energy consumption, and is in addition to your monthly charges determined by DP&L's rate schedule. The green charge will be a separate line item on your bill.
Q. Is the program voluntary?
Yes, this voluntary program is available to all customers taking service under DP&L’s standard offer tariffs, excluding Percentage of Income Payment Plan customers, and customers that are taking generation from Competitive Retail Electric Service (CRES) providers.
Q. How do I enroll in the Green Pricing program?
Customers can voluntarily enroll in the program by calling DP&L Customer Solutions Center at 937-331-3900 or
toll-free at 1-800-433-8500 or Click Here to Sign Up!
Q. What is a renewable energy credit (REC) and how does it benefit the environment?
When a renewable energy generator – for example, a wind power generator – produces one megawatt hour of electricity that is sold into the electricity market, it produces one REC. The REC can then be sold to a buyer, such as an individual or an organization.
A REC is a tradable instrument that represents the environmental attributes – for example, reduced carbon emissions – of electricity generated from renewable energy. These attributes are separated from the electricity commodity, allowing the attributes and the actual electricity to be traded separately. The additional value of the REC allows the project developer to charge more for the power produced from renewable sources, since green power typically costs more than traditional power. This extra value helps the economics of renewable projects, and allows more projects to be developed.
Q. What resources are used to produce the renewable energy?
Renewable resources that qualify under this program are those resources brought into service on or after January 1, 1997, and are defined as wind, solar photovoltaic, biomass co-firing of agricultural crops and all energy crops, hydro (as certified by the Low Impact Hydro Institute), incremental improvements in large scale hydro, coal mine methane, landfill gas, biogas digesters, biomass co-firing of all woody waste including mill residue, but excluding painted or treated lumber.
DP&L will work to purchase RECs from qualified renewable sources located within Ohio as they become available. However, DP&L may purchase RECs from outside Ohio.
It is not likely. Renewable electricity does not need to reach your home to benefit the environment. When renewable electricity is delivered to the power grid, it can travel in many directions because that is how the electrical grid works. The important point to keep in mind is how the electricity is generated and what impact on the environment it has.
Q. Is there a maximum purchase amount?
A customer can purchase up to 999 Green Pricing blocks per month.
Q. What if I’m a Budget Billing customer?
Signing up for Green Pricing will not interfere with Budget Billing. Your purchase will simply be added to your monthly budget billing amount.
Q. Can I add or subtract units after I have enrolled in the program?
To remain in the program, you must purchase at least the two block (200 kWh) minimum for $2.00. You can add or subtract additional blocks at any time by calling the Customer Solutions Center at 937-331-3900 or toll-free at 1-800-433-8500.
Q. Is there a cancellation fee if I decide to leave the program?
Participation in DP&L’s Green Pricing program is voluntary. There are no cancellation fees. You can withdraw from the program at any time. You can cancel or add/subtract blocks at anytime by calling the Customer Solutions Center at 937-331-3900 or toll-free at 1-800-433-8500.
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