Green Energy FAQs
Particular information relating to green energy below has been provided courtesy of GreenPower. Please visit their site at greenpower.gov.au to find out more.
What is GreenPower?
GreenPower is renewable energy sourced from the sun, the wind, water and waste that can be purchased by Simply Energy on your behalf. Electricity is generated at a range of sites across Australia and supplied to a central power grid. Your homes and businesses are connected to this grid to access electricity. Traditionally, electricity on the national grid came from generators who burn coal. Only a small amount currently comes from renewable sources.
Green energy customers of Simply Energy receive accredited GreenPower. We buy electricity generated from accredited renewable energy generators on your behalf. This renewable energy gets transmitted to the national electricity grid. GreenPower is independently audited and verified by the National GreenPower Accreditation Program. Retailers can only use the GreenPower logos if they meet the strict rules of the program.
Why is green energy important?
There is a lot of publicity about green energy these days, both on a local and global scale. In Australia, approximately one third of our greenhouse gas emissions are generated through the production of energy from fossil fuels. In a nutshell, this means the electricity we use day to day is harming our environment. The ultimate impact of these greenhouse gas emissions is the climate change we are experiencing as a result of global warming.
What is the GreenPower Guarantee?
The National GreenPower Accreditation Program accredits GreenPower products to ensure that participating consumers' contributions are used to purchase electricity from approved renewable resources. To gain accreditation, Simply Energy has met a series of strict requirements and earned the right to use the GreenPower 'tick' of approval.
Where does Simply Energy source its GreenPower?
Simply Energy currently sources its GreenPower from a range of sources mainly wind. This source is subject to change from time to time.
What is wind energy?
Wind comes from the movement of air resulting from thermal gradients and the earth's rotation. Depending on climatic conditions and surface topography, wind can vary significantly in intensity over a day, over a season, or over a year. The basis of a successful wind energy facility - or wind farm - is to find a site which has a strong and steady wind. A good wind resource is usually characterised by an average wind speed of more than 6.5 metres per second (23 km/hr).
How can I be sure I am buying accredited GreenPower?
All accredited generators and electricity companies are audited each year as part of the GreenPower program. Reports are publicly available. Anyone can review the accredited product and verify that net electricity purchases are being invested in the growing demand for new renewable energy.
What does GreenPower accreditation mean?
An accredited GreenPower product will always carry the 'tick' label. This accreditation label is supported and managed by governments throughout Australia. These labels tell you the amount of accredited GreenPower your energy retailer is purchasing on your behalf, as a percentage (10% - 100%) of your household's electricity consumption. 100% means that your energy supplier purchases renewable energy from accredited GreenPower sources to the amount equal to all of your household's electricity consumption.
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