What does 100% renewably-sourced electric mean exactly?

In the current market for renewable energy, 100 percent renewable electric power supply must be provided for an independent aggregation program, like the City has created, through the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECS). It is an additional goal of the City that 100 percent renewable power supply using RECS should be provided only through Green-e RECS, which are independently verified through a third party and are generally a requirement of certification programs like LEED for Cities (Shaker Heights is LEED Gold certified in this program). Ultimately, the City hopes to source power from newly-built renewable energy projects, ideally within the State of Ohio. There is currently more demand than supply for large renewable projects in Ohio, so it may take several years before this is possible.

Until these new projects are available, the City will contract for Renewable Energy Credits. This means that for every electron used in the program, a corresponding electron was generated through wind or solar somewhere in the U.S. and fed into the electric grid. Since there is no difference in electrons, a REC is how we establish that the electrons we are using have been offset by renewably-generated ones somewhere on the grid. This is verified by an independent third party.

Energy Harbor has purchased, on the City's behalf, national wind Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to cover 100% of the electric supply of participating customers in the City. These RECs ensure that the dollars participants spend on their electric supply go to support the further development of green energy infrastructure.

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1. Why did the City create its own 100% renewable electric aggregation program?
2. When will the 100% renewable electric aggregation program be available?
3. What does 100% renewably-sourced electric mean exactly?
4. Who is eligible for the 100% renewable electric program? Who is not eligible?
5. How can eligible customers sign up for the 100% renewable electric program?
6. What if I receive the opt-out notice, but do not want to be in the electric aggregationprogram?
7. What if I do not receive an opt-out notice?
8. What if I want to enroll but am not eligible for the program because I am on a contract with another electric supplier?
9. Am I obligated to remain in the program if I enroll?
10. Why make it opt-out?
11. What will the cost be for this new 100% electric aggregation program?
12. Why not just stick with NOPEC? Doesn’t it offer a 100% renewable plan?
13. Won’t a 100% renewable electric program be more expensive?
14. I have solar panels on my home. Can I use the City’s aggregation program for net metering?