Did you know?

More than 90% of the energy used by NSW households is generated by burning coal — this creates greenhouse gas pollution and causes global warming and climate change.

An average household emits eight tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide every year — twice as much as the average family car!

Where do I start?

Join the other 150,000 households across Australia (as at June 2005) who have already switched to Green Power.

Contact the Green Power energy supplier of your choice and ask to join up to an accredited Green Power product.

Follow the simple steps in the Green Power Sign-up-its-easy Fact Sheet.
[PDF download]

Find out how simple it is to choose Green Power

Choose where your electricity comes from and how it's generated. Depending on where you live, up to 100% of your household's energy can be generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar or hydro-power.

Easy ways to make a difference:

1. Use the Green Power Emissions Calculator to find out how much greenhouse gas your household currently emits, and how you can reduce this by choosing Green Power

2. Ask your current energy retailer if they can supply you with Green Power accredited energy

3. Find out who else supplies accredited Green Power in your area – shop around to compare prices and options.

4. Switch your energy to a Green Power source and feel good about your contribution to greenhouse gas reduction

What's the big deal?

Australians produce more greenhouse gases per person than any other nation in the world. This contributes to climate change and the greenhouse effect.

By choosing and using Green Power you will be making a direct contribution to reducing greenhouse pollution and therefore slowing global warming and climate change, as well as supporting the development of Australia's renewable energy industry.

Use the Green Power Emissions Calculator to see how much greenhouse gas you are contributing and why you need to switch.

Make the switch to Green Power – sign up

Choosing a supplier

Make sure you only deal with accredited Green Power suppliers. Accreditation means that the renewable energy you purchase is decreasing greenhouse gas emissions while actively contributing to developing the renewable energy industry in Australia.

When choosing a supplier look for the official "tick". An accredited Green Power product will always carry the "tick" label – a symbol of national accreditation and clean, renewable energy.

There are a number of suppliers providing Green Power – find out who.

What will it cost?

You can choose to source all your energy from Green Power (ideal) or nominate a percentage of your supply from Green Power accredited suppliers.

There are a number of accredited suppliers, so shop around – compare prices and options. Contact your electricity supplier, call 1300 852 688 or visit the Green Power website.

Learn how to read and compare your current electricity bill.

What is Green Power? How does it work?

Green Power is government-accredited electricity produced from clean, renewable energy sourced from wind turbines, solar, micro-hydro and biomass.

Green Power products are the only government accredited renewable energy products that provide assurance that your purchase is decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and actively contributing to the development of the Australian renewable energy industry.

The Green Power Accreditation Program protects customers and provides a guarantee of genuine renewable energy generation. Read the Green Power Fact Sheet.

How is it sourced?

Accredited Green Power suppliers buy renewable energy generated from approved renewable energy generators and feed it into the national grid.

Accredited Green Power is sourced from solar and wind energy. It is also taken from hydro electricity, but only where this is produced from existing dams and weirs, and does not interfere with natural water courses.

The national accreditation program sets environmental and reporting standards for renewable energy products. Energy suppliers gain the final Green Power tick of approval for their products if they meet the stringent requirements and standards as set out in the National Green Power Accreditation Document (PDF download).

How is Green Power managed?

Green Power operates throughout Australia and is managed by the NSW Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS).

Twelve energy suppliers across Australia have undertaken to provide accredited Green Power, and there are now approximately 250 renewable energy generators in Australia.

How can I find out and do more?

Energy smart home

Making the switch to Green Power is an important first step — saving energy is just as important!

Whether you rent or own your home, and whether you can only make small or large changes, you'll find opportunities to save energy that can save you hundreds of dollars.

Strategies and research

Find out about strategies and the future directions for Green Power:

• "Green Power from Strength to Strength" – A formal Review of Green Power options and the program itself was undertaken by the Department of Energy Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS). The aim "was to enhance the effectiveness of Green Power in supporting new renewable energy development".
  
  A discussion paper (PDF download) "Green Power, From Strength to Strength" was released in June 2005, with submissions and responses to this paper forming the basis for the released outcomes paper.

• Review of Australian Green Power Schemes Feb 2002 – Published discussion paper by Robert Passey and Muriel Watt

• More about the Department of Energy Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS)

• "The Green Power Tour" – community education campaign

• Research Institute for Sustainable Energy – research studies and training opportunities

Green Electricity Watch

Eight of Australia's key environment organisations joined forces to survey national energy retailers, with thirteen of the fourteen electricity retailers participating. Click here to learn more about the Green Electricity Watch Scorecard.