As a consumer, you may be concerned about how to identify real green power products. As the utility industry
begins to restructure, numerous suppliers label their product mix 'green.' Since no clear
definition exists for green power, environmentalists are concerned that consumers will receive inaccurate
or fraudulent information. In California, suppliers are now required to label their power to inform
consumers which energy resources are used to generate power. As a consumer, verify with your electricity
supplier what energy resources are being used. If the supplier will not provide this information, then
be cautious about the validity of the claim that the product is green.
Energy Resources: A list of the various energy resources used to generate electricity is provided
for consumers. The energy resources are categorized as eligible renewable and non-renewable resources.
Product: The electric service provider is required to provide a percentage breakdown the power by energy
resource for each offer. In the example, 55 percent comes from renewable resources. The actual resource
mix is not provided in this example, however, if you purchased this product the electric service
provider would be required to provide the detailed information at the end of the year.
California Power Mix: The information in this column is provided for California residents as a
comparison for evaluating the various electricity products.
