June 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 – June 2024 Update
123.8k
mWh
Provision customers have funded 123,844 mWh of clean energy generation, which could power 13,317 homes for a year.*
96.9k
tons
Provision customers have offset 96,882 tons of carbon, which is like avoiding over 247 million miles of driving.**
100.2k
trees
Provision customers have funded planting 100,196 trees, which may sequester 1652 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 2024 Featured Project: Raura Hydro Electric Power Project
Courtesy of Google Maps.
About the Project
The Raura Hydro Electric Power Project, part of the CarbonBetter Certified Offset (CBCO) Portfolio 22-1, generates renewable energy in northern India, helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This small, run-of-river hydroelectric plant, owned by DLI Power India Private Limited, is located in the Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh. By harnessing the power of flowing water, it minimizes environmental impact and provides clean energy to the regional grid. It is also this month’s Featured Project as a major provider of electricity to the region and a source of substantial environmental benefits.
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 Raura Hydro Electric Power Project operates by redirecting water from a river to a turbine. The water’s potential energy is converted into mechanical energy using three Pelton-type horizontal axis turbines, each with a 4 MW capacity. This mechanical energy is then transformed into electricity, which is fed into the grid via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB). This process results in the generation of approximately 12 MW of renewable electricity.
Project Benefits
The Raura Hydro Electric Power Project is a prime example of sustainable development, offering numerous benefits:
- Environmental Benefits: The project offsets approximately 56,726 tons of CO2 equivalent annually, significantly contributing to climate action. By generating clean energy, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoids pollutants such as sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and suspended particulate matter (SPM) typically associated with coal-fired power plants.
- Local Benefits: This hydroelectric project provides renewable electricity to nearby communities, thereby improving the regional energy infrastructure. Additionally, it enhances local infrastructure by adding a new road and water pipeline, which are crucial for community development. The project also generates direct and indirect employment opportunities, bolstering the local economy.
- Community Support: The Raura Hydro Electric Power Project goes beyond environmental and infrastructural benefits by actively supporting the local community. Initiatives include the construction of a playground, the establishment of health clinics, and the provision of educational programs. The project also engages in the distribution of free food and pandemic relief support, particularly aimed at assisting poor and vulnerable populations. By integrating environmental sustainability with community development, the Raura Hydro Electric Power Project exemplifies a holistic approach to renewable energy projects. It not only addresses climate change but also promotes socio-economic growth and well-being in the local community.
Conclusion
The Raura Hydro Electric Power Project exemplifies sustainable development, offering significant environmental and community benefits. By investing in this and similar projects, Provision customers contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Interested in offsetting your carbon footprint? Check out our plans and join us in supporting renewable energy initiatives like the Raura Hydro Electric Power Project. Learn more.
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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.
