GreenChoice® Wind Energy

FAQs

GreenChoice® - Frequently Asked Questions

Launched in 2001, GreenChoice is the longest-running voluntary renewable energy program in Texas. In the beginning, subscriber usage was matched to specific wind generators. Now, customers can subscribe to clean Texas wind generation from Austin Energy’s current portfolio.

  • What is renewable energy?

    Renewable energy is generated from natural resources—sunlight, wind, tides, and geothermal heat. Texas produces the most wind power of any U.S. state. In fact, only four countries have more wind power than Texas!* Learn more about Austin Energy's commitment to the environment.

    *Source: American Wind Energy Association State Fact Sheet for Texas

  • What is the GreenChoice program?

    When you subscribe to GreenChoice, you are choosing renewables as your energy source. Austin Energy allocates Texas wind to match your subscribed usage.

  • Why should I subscribe to GreenChoice?
    Subscribing means that Austin Energy allocates wind energy to meet your electrical needs. Relying less on fossil fuels means less air pollution and less water wasted. That's especially important in drought-prone Texas. Your subscription also supports Austin’s South and West Texas wind farms.
  • How does subscribing to GreenChoice affect my carbon footprint?
    Energy usage billed at GreenChoice rates has zero emissions. This typically covers 100% of a subscriber's energy consumption.
  • How does a GreenChoice subscriber’s renewable consumption compare with that of a customer not subscribed to GreenChoice?

    A Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is a commodity that represents the non-power attributes of renewable electricity. One REC is equivalent to the generation and delivery of one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity from a renewable energy source to the grid. Each spring, the utility applies RECs to the energy you consumed the previous year and then retires the RECs on your behalf to ensure no one else can claim them.

    Austin Energy’s GreenChoice program is annually audited and certified by Green-e Energy®. It meets the environmental and consumer-protection standards set by the Center for Resource Solutions.


  • If I sign up will my home or business receive electricity generated from renewable energy?
    Subscribers contribute to the generation of clean, renewable power. Wind energy is purchased to match 100% of subscriber usage. This wind energy enters the electric system daily. Energy from Austin Energy’s renewable generators is allocated to GreenChoice participants. Electricity generated by wind is not directed to a specific home or business.

    GreenChoice® is the longest-running voluntary renewable energy program in Texas and is Green-e Energy® certified. It meets the environmental and consumer-protection standards the Center for Resource Solutions set.

    Find out more information about Green-e Energy

  • Where does Austin Energy support wind farms in Texas?

    Austin Energy's wind energy investments impact Texas from Far West to the Gulf Coast. GreenChoice wind farm locations are shown on the map and key below.  

    Map of 10 Texas wind farms used by Austin Energy 2022

    Generation outputs for each location are in megawatts (MW).

    Northwest Texas

    1. Jumbo Road — 300 MW
    2. Whirlwind — 60 MW
    3. Hackberry — 165 MW

    South Texas

    1. Karankawa — 206 MW
    2. Whitetail — 92 MW
    3. Gulf — 170 MW
    4. Los Vientos 2 — 200 MW
    5. Los Vientos 3 — 200 MW
    6. Los Vientos 4 — 200 MW
    7. Raymond — 200 MW

     

  • How will subscribing to GreenChoice affect my bill?
    The GreenChoice charge adds about $7.50 to a residential customer’s monthly bill (based on 1,000 kWh usage).
  • If I sign up for the program, may I later decide to cancel?

    Residential and commercial subscribers who do not have a contract can unsubscribe at any time. Austin Energy requires two billing cycles to cancel a subscription. Customers can also resubscribe to GreenChoice during the next calendar year. Subscriptions are not transferable from customer to customer.

  • Where do GreenChoice funds go?
    Austin Energy has invested in renewable energy over time. Renewable energy generally costs more. When Austin Energy allocates Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to your account, that portion of renewable energy is removed from all other customers. By applying your contributions back to the Power Supply Adjustment (PSA), we're keeping transactions fair for all customers.
  • Will GreenChoice participation affect my electric service if there is a service interruption
    No, GreenChoice participation does not affect physical electric service.
  • Do I need special equipment? (e.g. Wi-Fi thermostat or extra meter)?
    No special equipment is needed to participate in GreenChoice.
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GreenChoice Energy Is Green-e ®  Energy Certified

 

GreenChoice is Green-e Energy certified and meets the environmental and consumer-protection standards set forth by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions. Learn more at www.green-e.org.

Date last reviewed or modified: 06/29/2023