Frequently Asked Questions – Territory GreenPower

What is Territory GreenPower?

Territory GreenPower is a program run by Power and Water, which is accredited by the National GreenPower Accreditation Program, a government scheme that accredits voluntary renewable energy programs which meet certain required criteria.

How do I know my energy provider is purchasing GreenPower on my behalf?

The National GreenPower Program manages an annual independent audit of energy retailers’ sales and purchases, making sure retailers are investing in renewable energy and energy credits on your behalf.

Where does National GreenPower come from?

It comes from energy and energy credits sourced from the sun, wind, water and waste which produce no greenhouse gas emissions. It is bought by your energy provider on your behalf. GreenPower is the only government accredited voluntary renewable energy scheme available in Australia at present.

What is a GreenPower REC?

Every megawatt hour of electricity from an accredited GreenPower generator creates a renewable energy certificate (REC). The GreenPower retailer purchases these RECs on your behalf as it represents the generation of GreenPower energy. At the end of the year, the energy retailer surrenders the RECs to the Federal Government’s Office of Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER). The amount of green electricity bought by the retail company must match the number of RECs held and later surrendered to ORER.

Is my house guaranteed to receive GreenPower?

When you opt for Territory GreenPower, the extra you pay in addition to your electricity account each day is invested in renewable energy generation from sources like methane gas from LMS Shoal Bay. Power and Water will purchase a certain amount of renewable energy credits on your behalf. This in turn benefits the environment, by helping promote investment in renewable energy sources in Australia. However, because electricity all goes into the one electricity grid, Power and Water cannot deliver the actual GreenPower electricity directly to your house.

What is the take–up of National GreenPower?

In August 2009, products accredited by the National GreenPower Program are purchased by 10% of Australian homes. 950,000 homes and 40,000 businesses purchase GreenPower Australia wide.

Is Territory GreenPower accredited?

Yes, Territory GreenPower is a nationally accredited product through the National GreenPower Accreditation Program, which is the only government accredited voluntary renewable energy scheme available in Australia at present.

Where does Territory GreenPower come from?

Accredited renewable energy and associated RECs are currently sourced from the LMS Shoal Bay landfill site in Darwin which produces approximately 9,000 megawatt hours per annum of green energy. Power and Water will use this renewable energy and associated RECs to support the Territory GreenPower Program.

Power and Water is continually seeking additional renewable energy sources within the Northern Territory, such as a one megawatt Alice Springs solar farm as part of the Alice Solar City Program. Power and Water will also use the renewable energy and associated RECs from this project and other future projects and, if necessary, RECs sourced from other states in Australia, to support the Territory GreenPower Program. The environmental benefits of renewable energy credits from interstate generators are the same as if the renewable energy is delivered directly to you. By buying Territory GreenPower you are helping to promote investment in renewable energy sources throughout Australia.

How do I know it’s GreenPower?

Look for the GreenPower ‘tick’ guarantee. Because GreenPower meets the highest environmental standards, the GreenPower ‘tick’ logo tells you the product you are buying is a better choice for the environment.

Territory GreenPower has been accredited and proudly displays the ‘tick’ logo.

Why does GreenPower cost more?

GreenPower costs more than standard "black" power (power generated from burning coal, gas and diesel). How much more depends on a number of factors including the renewable technology used, capital costs to set up and operate the plant and providing a commercial return to the GreenPower provider, and the cost of the RECs.

Power and Water enters into long term commercial power purchase arrangements with the GreenPower generator on the basis of demand.

What would be the impact on my power bill if I purchase Territory GreenPower?

By opting to purchase 10% Territory GreenPower your power bill will increase by $52 per year, representing an increase of approximately 3.77% of the annual average Northern Territory domestic power bill. The annual average Northern Territory domestic power bill is $1378, based on 8157 kWh per annum. 

You can choose to have one-tenth, half or all of the annual average Australian household consumption as GreenPower. The annual average Australian domestic power bill is 6470 kWh per annum (National GreenPower Accreditation Program: Program Rules, Version 5.1, June 2009).

10%      $1 per week or $52 per year incl GST
50%      $5 per week or $260 per year incl GST
100%    $10 per week or $520 per year incl GST 

How much GreenPower should I buy?

If you buy 100% GreenPower you can fully offset the average Australian household’s electricity consumption* with RECs. This energy is added to Australia’s electricity grids. The more people who choose to buy GreenPower the more investment is likely to be made in renewable energy in Australia.

* According to the National GreenPower Accreditation Program: Program Rules, Version 5.1, June 2009, the annual average Australian domestic power bill is 6470 kWh per annum.

I want to help but I can’t afford the extra cost

You can help reduce your impact on the environment by reducing your consumption of electricity and water.

Why switch to GreenPower?

• Almost 20% of our greenhouse gas emissions come from households. When you buy GreenPower you support the renewable energy industry without making any changes to your electricity connection.
• Drive demand for renewable energy. Your contributions will help grow the renewable energy sector.
• You can help reduce water consumption. Renewable energy generators use much less water than coal and gas powered stations.