June 2023 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 November 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 – June 2023 Update
102.9k
mWh
Provision customers have funded 102,850 mWh of clean energy generation, which could power 11,059 homes for a year.*
73.9k
tons
Provision customers have offset 73,925 tons of carbon, which is like avoiding over 189 million miles of driving.**
79.7k
trees
Provision customers have funded planting 79,718 trees, which may sequester 1,315 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.
June 2023 Impact Update: Bonneville Dam
About the Project
The Bonneville Dam G1 project is a hydroelectric power generation facility located on the Columbia River, approximately 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon, in the United States. The project is part of the larger Bonneville Dam complex, which includes 11 generators and is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Bonneville Dam G1 was the first powerhouse constructed at the Bonneville Dam complex and was completed in 1937. The powerhouse has ten generators with a nominal total output capacity of 526.7 MW. The project provides renewable, low-cost power to the Pacific Northwest region and helps to support the stability of the regional power grid. Provision has purchased Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for the Bonneville Dam G1 project, helping to support the growth of renewable energy and offset carbon emissions.
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 the Bonneville Dam Project Works
The Bonneville Dam G1 hydroelectric power generation facility utilizes the Columbia River’s natural flow to generate renewable energy. Water is channeled through large pipes called penstocks and directed toward turbines located within the powerhouse. The force of the water turns the turbines, which are connected to generators that convert the mechanical energy into electricity.
The Bonneville Dam G1 powerhouse has ten generators with a nominal total output capacity of 526.7 MW. The electricity generated is then sent to a transformer which increases the voltage and sends it to the power grid for distribution to rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and large industrial customers throughout the Pacific Northwest region.
The operation of the facility is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, who are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the facility. This includes regular inspections, repairs, and replacement parts as needed to ensure the facility operates efficiently and safely.
Project Benefits
The Bonneville Dam G1 project provides various benefits to the Pacific Northwest region. As a renewable energy project, it provides clean, low-cost electricity to the area, helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The hydroelectric power generation facility has a total capacity of 526.7MW, enough to power around 230,000 homes annually.
In addition to providing renewable energy, the Bonneville Dam G1 project also plays an essential role in supporting the stability of the regional power grid. As a large-scale power generation facility, it provides a consistent and reliable electricity source that can help balance fluctuations in demand from homes and businesses. This helps to reduce the risk of blackouts and power outages, ensuring that residents and companies in the Pacific Northwest have access to the energy they need.
As a major infrastructure project, the Bonneville Dam Project has also created jobs during construction and ongoing operation. The US Army Corps of Engineers manages the project, which employs a significant workforce to maintain and operate the facility. In addition, the project’s low-cost electricity helps support local industry and attract new businesses to the region.
Conclusion
The Bonneville Dam G1 hydroelectric power generation facility significantly contributes to the Pacific Northwest region’s renewable energy portfolio, providing clean and reliable electricity to millions of homes and businesses. As one of the first powerhouses constructed at the Bonneville Dam complex, it has a rich history supporting the region’s economic development and stability.
As a Provision customer, you support projects like the Bonneville Dam G1 project in using and growing renewable energy sources. By offsetting carbon emissions and switching to sustainable energy projects, you positively impact the environment and the planet. 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.
