October 2024 CarbonBetter® Impact Update
Every month we share the positive impact our customers have made through their use of CarbonBetter-certified 100% energy, which is included in every Provision clean energy supply plan. Each customer on these plans receives an email with their personal impact for the month, and this blog post reflects the impact all of our customers have made together since we became CarbonBetter-certified in October 2020.
We’re honored to be able to provide affordable clean energy that makes a real difference. Check out all of our past Impact Updates here!
Our Customers’ CarbonBetter Impact – October 2024 Update
141.9k
mWh
Provision customers have funded 141,935 mWh of clean energy generation, which could power 15,261 homes for a year.*
99.3k
tons
Provision customers have offset 99,280 tons of carbon, which is like avoiding over 253 million miles of driving.**
107.7k
trees
Provision customers have funded planting 107,685 trees, which may sequester 1,776 tons of carbon in their lifetime.***
Want to be included in our next impact update?
It’s easy to contribute to the positive impact we make each month. All Provision energy plans include CarbonBetter clean energy, which helps you make a difference automatically when you use energy at home.
Our customers help fund clean energy generation through renewable energy certificates, offset carbon through carbon credits, and plant trees to aid in reforestation and increase our natural carbon-capturing capabilities. It’s never too late to start using your energy for good.
October 2024 Featured Project: Renewable Solar Power Project by Adani Green Energy Limited
Courtesy of Google Maps.
About the Project
The Crow Lake Wind Emissions Reduction Project, located on 36,000 acres near Chamberlain, South Dakota, generates clean, renewable energy by utilizing 108 wind turbines. With a total capacity of 162 megawatts, the project produces over 430,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power approximately 129,000 homes. By displacing electricity from fossil fuels, Crow Lake significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports regional sustainability goals. This initiative is part of the CarbonBetter Certified Offset Portfolio and is recognized for its substantial environmental impact.
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) Explained
100% renewable electricity is included automatically in every Provision electricity supply plan, and we use renewable energy certificates, or RECs, to deliver on our clean energy promise. Homes are connected to the power grid by transmission lines, and the electricity that’s supplied is derived from a variety of generation resources, both renewable and non-renewable. This is because when clean energy is generated and put on the grid, it’s mixed with other fuel sources, making it difficult for environmentally conscious consumers to supply their homes with 100% clean energy.
Provision ensures more clean energy is put on the grid by funding renewable generators by purchasing RECs. These certificates support electricity generation equal to the volume consumed by Provision customers, thus leading to a cleaner grid and delivering on pour 100% clean energy promise. So far, Provision customers have helped fund over 70,000 Megawatt-hours (mWh) of renewable electricity using RECs.
How It Works
The wind farm operates by converting the kinetic energy of wind into electricity using 1.5-megawatt turbines. The electricity generated is then delivered to the regional grid, offsetting energy typically produced by non-renewable sources. Additionally, Crow Lake supports educational initiatives by providing hands-on training to students from Mitchell Technical Institute (MTI). One turbine at the site is dedicated to the Wind Turbine Technology Program, allowing students to gain practical experience that prepares them for careers in renewable energy.
Project Benefits
The Crow Lake Wind Emissions Reduction Project delivers multiple benefits:
- Environmental Benefits: The project prevents approximately 432,000 metric tons of CO2 from being emitted each year by replacing fossil fuel-based energy with renewable wind power. It meets the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), which verifies the authenticity of its emissions reductions.
- Local Benefits: The clean energy produced supports the local grid and reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources. By partnering with MTI, the project also fosters local workforce development in the renewable energy sector, helping to prepare future technicians.
- Wildlife Conservation: In collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the project has implemented conservation measures to protect endangered species like the whooping crane, balancing energy development with wildlife preservation efforts.
Conclusion
The Crow Lake Wind Emissions Reduction Project exemplifies sustainable energy development by combining emissions reduction, workforce training, and wildlife conservation. Its comprehensive approach contributes to a cleaner future while empowering local communities and protecting the environment.
Switch to Provision and make a positive impact on the planet through your energy consumption!
Every Provision Customer Makes a Difference
About CarbonBetter Impact Calculations:
*The typical home in your area uses 9,300 kWh of electricity per year.
**https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gases-equivalencies-calculator-calculations-and-references#gasoline
***https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gases-equivalencies-calculator-calculations-and-references#seedlings
Impact is calculated based on our customers’ billings in the impact month, but planting, funding, and offsetting may not happen in that month. These activities must align with planting seasons and project life cycles to be effective. If you have any questions, please contact us at hello@getprovision.com.
