May 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 – May 2023 Update
101.0k
mWh
Provision customers have funded 101,437 mWh of clean energy generation, which could power 10,907 homes for a year.*
73.0k
tons
Provision customers have offset 73,034 tons of carbon, which is like avoiding over 187 million miles of driving.**
78.2k
trees
Provision customers have funded planting 78,225 trees, which may sequester 1,290 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.
May 2023 Impact Update: Grand Coulee Dam
About the Project
The Grand Coulee Dam, located in Washington State, USA, is a monumental hydroelectric power facility generating an astounding 6,480 megawatts (MW) of electricity. As the top hydroelectric power producer in the United States and third-largest globally, it also holds the title of the country’s largest concrete structure. The facility, owned and operated by the US Bureau of Reclamation, serves as a peaking plant, complete with intricate monitoring and pump systems to stabilize the downstream river banks. Equipped with six turbines, the plant produces 3,900 MW of power, an addition made possible through a repowering project. On June 20, 2002, the facility set a new hourly generation record of 6,007 megawatt hours (MWh) and currently contributes around 110,000 MWh of energy every day. Provision supports this clean and renewable energy source by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for this project.
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 Grand Coulee Dam Project Works
The Grand Coulee Hydroelectric Power Plant operates by utilizing extensive turbine and generator systems to capture the Columbia River’s power. Water released from the Grand Coulee Dam enters a series of large pipes, or penstocks, guiding it to turbines at the dam’s base. The falling water’s force spins the turbines, driving the generators to produce electricity. The electricity then travels to a substation, where transformers increase its voltage for efficient long-distance transmission via high-voltage power lines. Conversely, lower-voltage power lines distribute the power from the substation to homes, businesses, and other customers. The Grand Coulee plant stands out for its role as a peaking facility, providing electricity during periods of high demand, such as during extreme weather conditions.
Project Benefits
The Grand Coulee Project presents various benefits, including reliable electricity, flood control, and recreational opportunities. The hydroelectric power plant’s renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable energy production. It also plays an essential role in controlling the Columbia River’s flow, thereby preventing flooding and safeguarding nearby communities.
On the economic front, the plant bolsters local economies by creating jobs for engineers, technicians, and operators, thereby encouraging the growth of related businesses and industries. Additionally, the area surrounding the Grand Coulee Dam attracts millions of tourists annually, offering various outdoor activities and educational opportunities about the dam’s history and engineering.
Conclusion
The Grand Coulee hydroelectric power plant is a significant engineering marvel, harnessing the Columbia River’s might to generate up to 6,809 MW of electricity. This renewable energy source offers a plethora of benefits, including greenhouse gas reduction, reliable power during peak demand periods, and local economic support.
As a Provision customer, you have the opportunity to back renewable energy projects like the Grand Coulee hydroelectric power plant, propelling us towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. With Provision, individuals and businesses can offset their carbon footprint, support renewable energy projects, and contribute positively to the environment and local communities. 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.
