September 2021 CarbonBetter® Impact Update
Every month we share the impact our customers have made through their use of CarbonBetter energy, which is included in every Provision clean energy plan. This update reflects the impact our customers made through August 2021. We’re honored to be able to provide affordable energy that makes a real difference.
Our Customers’ CarbonBetter Impact – September 2021 Update
42.1k
mWh
Provision customers funded 42,080 mWh of clean energy generation since 10/2020, which could power roughly 4,524 homes for a year.*
16.6k
tons
Provision customers offset 16,569 tons of carbon since 10/2020, which is like avoiding over 41 million miles of driving.**
24.1k
trees
Provision customers funded planting 24,078 trees since 10/2020, which may sequester 396 tons of carbon.***
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 energy, which helps you make a difference while 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.
Featured CarbonBetter Partner: Kokomo Solar Project
The Kokomo Solar Project is a solar generation plant located in Kokomo, Indiana, funded by Alterra Power and Inovateus Solar. The expansive plant is responsible for providing 7,000,000 kWh of energy to local residents. Previously, the site was home to the Continental Steel Corporation, but it was abandoned due to contamination and pollution. The United States Environmental Protection Agency spearheaded the efforts to transform and repurpose the land to provide clean energy to Kokomo residents.
Renewable Energy Certificates 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 there, 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 through the purchase of RECs. These certificates fund 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 this year, Provision customers helped fund over 47,000 mWh of renewable electricity using RECs.
Steel to Solar: Site Revitalization Efforts
Steel production took place on-site of the Kokomo solar project for over 70 years. The Continental Steel Corporation provided materials for various projects throughout the years including World War II, construction supplies for the Golden Gate Bridge, and building materials for the Chicago World Fair. Unfortunately, there was extensive improper handling of materials and waste disposal practices. This led to the contamination of surrounding soil, sediments, and water with chemicals such as arsenic. The EPA began efforts to decontaminate the area by removing and treating the surrounding contaminated areas. This process took over 12 years before the development of the Kokomo solar plant could begin.
Clean Energy Generation for the Community
The Kokomo solar plant is a nine-million-dollar project across 25 acres. There are over 21,000 fixed panels at the site making it one of the largest solar plants located in Indiana. The plant has a capacity of 7.2 megawatts and produces 9.1 million kilowatt-hours of solar energy a year. This energy production is enough to power up to 1,000 homes. This area was the perfect candidate to develop a clean energy facility because there is a high demand for energy from residents, and community members were responsive to bringing clean energy generation into their area.
Provision Customers are Using their Energy for Good
The renewable energy certificates Provision purchased to deliver 100% renewable electricity to our customers supports funding the Kokomo Solar Project and their efforts in expanding clean energy in Indiana. The solar panels provide homes with clean energy, and it also supports the community’s revitalization efforts. We look forward to the opportunity to support the Kokomo Solar Project’s clean energy generation efforts again in the future.
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 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.
