March 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 – March 2023 Update
99.0k
mWh
Provision customers have funded 99,017 mWh of clean energy generation, which could power 10,646 homes for a year.*
68.6k
tons
Provision customers have offset 68,589 tons of carbon, which is like avoiding over 170 million miles of driving.**
74.7k
trees
Provision customers have funded planting 74,667 trees, which may sequester 1,231 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.
March 2023 Impact Update: The Klondike Wind Power Project
About the Project
The Klondike Wind Power Project is a 399.1 Megawatt (MW) onshore wind farm located in Oregon, USA. Developed in multiple phases and commissioned in December 2001, it generates clean and renewable energy for the region. The project is developed and owned by Avangrid Renewables, with a stake of 100%. Provision purchased Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for this project which generates enough clean energy to power 115,000 households, significantly contributing to the growth of renewable energy in the region and the reduction of dependence on fossil fuels.
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.
The Klondike Wind Power Project Works
The Klondike Wind Power Project was developed in multiple phases, from Klondike Phase I to Klondike Phase III D. It generates electricity using wind turbines. Each phase is equipped with different turbine models and capacities. The Klondike Phase I and Klondike Phase II are equipped with GE Renewable Energy 1.5s turbines. Klondike Phase III A is equipped with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SWT-2.3-93 turbines. In addition, Klondike Phase III B, Klondike Phase III C and Klondike Phase III D are equipped with GE Renewable Energy 1.5xle and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MWT92/2.4 turbines.
These turbines are connected to a gearbox which increases the rotation of the shaft connected to a generator. The generator then converts the mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy. The generated electricity is then sent to a transformer which increases the voltage and sends it to the power grid for distribution to homes and businesses.
The wind turbines are equipped with sensors that measure wind speed and direction. This data optimizes the turbine’s performance and predicts maintenance needs. They are connected to a control system that automatically adjusts the angle of the blades to optimize energy production. The control system also ensures that the turbine operates within safe parameters and can shut down the turbine in case of extreme weather conditions or other issues.
Avangrid Renewables manages the wind farm and is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the turbines. It includes regular inspections, repairs, and replacement parts as needed to ensure the turbines run efficiently. They also monitor the turbine performance and adjust as necessary to optimize energy production.
Project Benefits
The Klondike Wind Power Project offers a range of environmental, local population and recreational benefits. The project generates clean, renewable energy, which helps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and decrease dependence on fossil fuels. It helps to reduce air pollution and promote the use of sustainable energy sources. Additionally, the wind farm is likely to have a minimal impact on wildlife and habitat and can provide a source of income for local farmers and landowners.
For the local population, the project creates jobs during the construction phase and provides long-term employment opportunities for the maintenance and operation of the wind farm. It provides a source of income for local farmers and landowners who lease their land for the turbines. The project can also lead to the development of related businesses and services, such as wind turbine maintenance, construction, and transportation.
Recreational benefits are less common in wind power projects than the other two benefits. However, the Klondike Wind Power Project can offer some recreational benefits. The project can provide opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities in the area around the wind farm. The project may also provide educational opportunities for students and the public to learn about renewable energy and sustainable living.
Conclusion
The Klondike Wind Power Project is a 399.1 MW onshore wind power project in Oregon, USA, that generates clean energy for the region, reduces GHG emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, creates jobs and income for local farmers and landowners, and can provide recreational and educational opportunities for the public.
As a Provision customer, you are supporting projects like the Klondike Wind Power Project, which helps to reduce GHG emissions and save money on utility bills for businesses, schools, and families. Provision makes it easy for you to offset your carbon footprint and support sustainable energy projects that benefit the environment. 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.
