Published on October 22nd, 2007 | by Stephanie Evans

Using Green Power

Want a really green house? Consider going "off the grid" altogether by powering your home only with the electricity you generate on your own land. Off-the-grid homes are a necessity in very remote areas where power lines do not reach. Even if your home has access to electric power, you can implement enough green power options to reduce or even eliminate your electric bill. If you are in an "annual net metering" state, you can even sell excess electricity back to the grid! One solar house in Maine—not the sunniest state in the nation by any means—has been doing this for more than 10 years.

Part of living in a sustainable home is choosing a renewable power source, and there are quite a few choices out there for homeowners geared toward sustainable living. Green Power is something that is available to almost anyone who wishes to make their home more sustainable. This optional utility service is for customers who want to help expand the production and distribution of renewable energy technologies. With Green Power, you do not have to change your electricity provider. Instead, customers choose to pay a premium on their electricity bill to cover the extra cost of purchasing clean and sustainable energy.