Formed in 2003, NC GreenPower is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to expand public knowledge and acceptance of cleaner energy technologies to all North Carolinians through local, community-based initiatives. The program is designed to improve the environment by supporting renewable energy, carbon offset projects and providing grants for educational solar installations at N.C. K-12 schools.
NC GreenPower is supported entirely by voluntary contributions from citizens and businesses across the state. Contributions to renewable energy can be given to NC GreenPower through your utility bill as a separate line item. We then pass contributions in their entirety to NC GreenPower. By offering anyone the ability to support a cleaner future for North Carolina for as little as $4 a month, we bridge the gap between those who are unable to develop their own projects with those who need additional financial support through this incentive program.
Renewable energy funds are used to pay approved generators across the state for each kilowatt hour of green energy they produce and put onto the electric grid from their project. And while green power may not be going to the individual contributor’s home, renewable energy projects add their electrons to North Carolina’s power supply for the benefit of all North Carolinians. Carbon offset contributions are used to pay carbon mitigation projects for every pound of greenhouse gas that is destroyed from their project. Funds support cleaner air, fund local projects and help create N.C. jobs.
How does the program work? Participation is completely voluntary, and you can opt to donate on your electric bill.
Renewable Energy
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For each $4 Renewable Energy block subsidized by a member, NC GreenPower pays a premium to a generator producing green power from renewable sources like the sun, wind, and organic matter.
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For every $4 donated, 125 kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy is supplied to the electric grid in North Carolina, rather than from traditional sources. In addition, each $4 donation provides grants to N.C. K-12 schools for educational solar installations.
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Over the course of a year, that monthly $4 donation will support 1,500 kWh of green power – that’s more than five weeks’ worth of traditional residential power usage put back on the grid from renewable resources, and the environmental equivalent of planting 240 trees!
Carbon Offsets
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NC GreenPower also offers the ability for you to support local carbon offset projects. For each $4 block contributed by a member, NC GreenPower pays a premium to a project owner or developer in the NC/SC/VA regional area that is mitigating greenhouse gases through a project such as: methane gas capture from animal waste or a landfill; reforestation or avoiding deforestation.
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For every $4 donated, 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent emissions are mitigated.
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Over the course of a year, that monthly $4 donation will offset 12,000 lbs. of greenhouse gases – that’s the approximate emissions of a car traveling 17,010 miles and is like planting 923 trees!
About your contribution
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NC GreenPower contributions will be itemized on the member's monthly statement and appear as an additional charge on their regular electric bill.
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NC GreenPower contributions are collected on your behalf and passed in their entirety to the nonprofit. We do not keep any of the money.
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Donations to the 501(c)(3) charity are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
Members who would prefer to make a one-time contribution to NC GreenPower - instead of monthly contributions - should send it to NC GreenPower, 909 Capability Drive, Suite 2100, Raleigh, NC 27606 or make a payment online: www.ncgp.org/donate
How else can I support NC GreenPower?
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Sign up for their monthly electronic newsletter – It’s a great way to keep up with the program on a regular basis and connect with their social media audience.
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Schedule a presentation by the Speakers Bureau – These free presentations are available to any group and will provide insight into how the program works.
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Give the gift of NC GreenPower – NC GreenPower gift cards are available on their website. When you give to NC GreenPower on behalf of someone else, your recipient will be informed of your renewable energy or carbon offset contribution, and the environmental benefits that your gift has provided them.
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Green up your next event – Through a tax-deductible contribution to NC GreenPower Event Offsets, you can help to minimize the environmental impact of electricity usage, travel and food emissions.
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Sign up to be a volunteer, join their social networks on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and follow their Blog.
Corporate Connections Program
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NC GreenPower offers many ways for businesses to participate in the Corporate Connections Program::
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LEED purchases – NC GreenPower renewable energy generation was accepted by the US Green Building Council in 2008 as a source that qualifies for renewable energy LEED points – a true “buy local” option for N.C.
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Employee Awareness Drive – NC GreenPower can schedule a free presentation for your employees to learn more about our program and consider making a donation on their power bills.
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Employee Matching Campaign – For employers who match donations, employees can donate through payroll deduction and your company then can pass along your donation, as well as their matching donation, directly to NC GreenPower.
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Corporate Sponsorship - If an organization decides to enter into a corporate sponsorship with NC GreenPower, we will work with each one to best leverage those marketing benefits that suit their needs, including an Employee Awareness Drive and listing on our website.
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We invite any North Carolina business to help us protect the environment while increasing our supply of renewable energy. Larger businesses may contribute a minimum of $100 per month toward renewable energy at the lower rate of $2.50 per block of 250 kWh. Carbon offsets are available for $4 per block. Small to mid-size businesses can also contribute at $4 per block of renewable energy or carbon offsets. Simply contact your electric utility representative to sign up. For more information, call 1-866-533-NCGP (6247) or email us: corpsales@ncgreenpower.org