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Green tags represent the environmental attributes of power generated from renewable electric plants. Organizations offer green tags separate from electricity service; that is, you do not switch from your electricity supplier in order to purchase green power through green tags.

Green Tags are a way to pay the "green premium" for green electricity without being locked into a supply contract. They are completely separate from your electricity bill. When you buy Green Tags, just like when you switch your supplier, you are paying a green premium to put more green electricity into an electrical grid in the United States.

The difference between supply and tags is that when you switch your supply, you are locked into a supply contract and pay the green premium through your electric bill. With supply, your electric bill will increase because you pay a green premium for every kilowatt hour of electricity you use during the contract period. With Green Tags, you buy as much or as little green power as you want. It doesn't affect your electric bill. If you buy Green Tags in 2003, in early 2004 you'll receive a statement showing exactly which facilities generated the green power you paid for.

How Do Green Tags Work?

1. Green electricity generators build a wind or solar facility.
2. They sell their electricity at the market price and begin delivering electricity to the grid in their area.
3. They also sell a certificate for every 1,000 kilowatt hours they deliver.
4. Green Tags are based on these certificates; the extra revenue from the sale of Green Tags allows these green generators to stay in business, covering their higher operation costs.
5. Each kilowatt hour that a green generator delivers displaces a kilowatt hour from other generators, many of which burn fossil fuel.
6. Because they reduce the use of fossil fuel to generate electricity, Green Tags lead to cleaner air, a healthier environment and greater energy independence for our country.

Anyone in Maine can purchase green tags at any time.

For More Information

Want to buy green power through green tags? See Available in Maine - Tags.

Environmental Media Services - Green Tags
www.ems.org/renewables/green_tags.html

Green Power Network
http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/consumers.shtml

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