Green Energy (cont)
Likewise, medium or large-scale hydroelectric power or sources of air pollution such as burning biomatter or petroleum, consume water and are often excluded from the label 'green energy'[citation needed].
Renewable energy certificates (Green certificates, or green tags) are currently the most convenient way for consumers and businesses to support "green power". Over 35 million homes in Europe, and 1 million in the United States, are purchasing such certificates.
No power source is entirely impact-free. All energy sources require energy and gives rise to some degree of pollution from manufacture of the technology.
Purchasing green energy through the electrical grid
In several countries with common carrier arrangements, electricity retailing arrangements make it possible for consumers to purchase green electricity from either their utility or a green power provider. The customer typically pays a small premium.
When energy is purchased from the electricity network, the power reaching the consumer will not necessarily be generated from green energy sources. The local utility company, electric company or state power pool buys their electricity from electricity producers who may be generating from fossil fuel, nuclear or renewable energy sources. In many countries green energy currently provides a very small amount of electricity, generally contributing less than 2 to 5% to the overall pool.
