Green Power

What is green power?

Green power is electricity produced from low-impact sustainable sources — renewable resources that are replenished naturally and with minimal harm to the environment.

Generating green power is cleaner than producing conventional energy because it produces little or no air, ground or water pollution. This means that it also has minimum negative impacts on human health and social sustainability.

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What are the benefits of using green power?

Much of the electricity used in Canada is generated by high-impact conventional sources of energy such as coal, oil, nuclear, large hydro-power installations or natural gas. Conventional electricity production has negative environmental impacts. It contributes to climate change, leads to poor air quality, and alters watersheds and landscapes.

By purchasing green power, you are supporting the production of renewable energy and displacing high-impact conventional energy. You can choose to reduce the impacts of your personal household or business electricity use by purchasing renewable energy equivalent to the amount of energy your household, computers or facility consumes.

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What should I consider when buying green power?

You can play a role in expanding the adoption of green power in Canada. By purchasing electricity from green producers, you help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. There are also opportunities to invest in renewable energy companies that allow you to participate in a sustainable energy future — today!

• Pollution Probe's A Consumer Guide to Green Power in Canada provides a wealth of information for people interested in buying or investing in green power.

Does green power cost more than conventional energy?

Although it isn't apparent to the average consumer, the full cost of green power is actually lower than that of conventional energy. This is because the actual cost of high-impact conventional electricity is not fully reflected in its pricing. Unaccounted for costs include environmental impacts such as ground water pollution and smog, health costs related to poor air quality, and waste management and disposal costs.

The direct cost of green power may be slightly higher for the consumer than conventional power for a number of reasons:

• Conventional energy producers benefit from greater subsidies than do renewable energy producers: According to the Conference Board of Canada, in 2001, 93.5% of energy subsidies went to fossil and nuclear, while only 7.2% went to renewables.
• In Canada the industry is still in the early phases and has not yet experienced enough growth for economies of scale to take effect (this is, however, quickly changing).
• There are start-up infrastructure costs with creating a renewable energy market, including administration, distribution, and the creation of certification and tracking systems.

» More on transitioning to renewable energy

Pembina Institute | Bullfrog Power

How does purchasing Bullfrog Power support the work of the Pembina Institute?

By purchasing Bullfrog Power through the Pembina Institute, you support our work in advancing sustainable energy solutions that can help to protect the earth's living systems; ensure clean air, land and water; prevent dangerous climate change and; provide for a safe and just global community.

That's because Bullfrog Power donates a portion of the revenue to the Pembina Institute on your behalf.

Thank you, Bullfrog, for helping Canadians support our work!

What is Bullfrog Power's green power offering?

The Pembina Institute is partnering with Bullfrog Power, a leading Canadian supplier of 100% clean, renewable energy. Bullfrog Power sources its clean, renewable electricity exclusively from generation facilities that have achieved Environment Canada's EcoLogo^M certification.

100% Canadian owned and operated, Bullfrog Power is a double-bottom line organization that donates 10% of its profits to organizations such as the Pembina Institute that support sustainability.

What is Bullfrog Power's quality assurance?

The Pembina Institute partners with Bullfrog Power because Bullfrog Power shares our desire for a renewable energy industry that develops and abides by the highest standards possible.

Bullfrog Power's green electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogo^M program.

Additionally, Deloitte, an internationally recognized accounting firm, conducts an annual audit to confirm, among other things, that as many Green Electricity Certificates have been retired on behalf of Bullfrog Power's customers as Bullfrog Power has sold. The audit also ensures that these Green Electricity Certificates cannot be resold or double counted. The most recent audit is available here.

What does EcoLogo^M certification mean?

Electricity generated for Bullfrog Power comes from facilities that have been EcoLogo^M-certified under Environment Canada's Environmental Choice Program. This designation is granted to green power sources that have superior environmental performance and meet or exceed all government, industrial safety and performance standards.

» More on Environment Canada's EcoLogo^M certification