FAQ
Every Generation has questions. green generation sm finds solutions.
What is renewable energy?
What is wind power?
What is landfill gas?
Is the renewable energy delivered directly to my home or business?
Will my power be shut off or reduced when the wind doesn't blow, or the landfill gas isn't being produced?
How much does participation in Green Generation cost?
Are all Consumers Energy customers eligible to participate in the Green Generation program?
How and when can I participate in the Green Generation program?
If I participate in the Green Generation program, will there be any changes in my bill?
What kind of renewable energy does Consumers Energy purchase for the program?
How much renewable energy is Consumers Energy willing to invest in Green Generation?
Where is the electricity for Green Generation generated?
Is there a tax benefit to my participation in Green Generation?
Is Green Generation Green-e certified?
What is Green-e?
What does Green-e certification guarantee?
Is Consumers Energy seeking energy suppliers for the green generation program?
What if I participate in the green generation program and move my home or business?
Do I have to participate in the Green Generation program for a certain amount of time?
Where does the money that I pay to participate go?
How do I cancel my participation in Green Generation?
What are the Green Generation program terms and conditions?
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is energy that is produced by utilizing resources that are continually replenished. Renewable energy is produced by environmentally friendly resources such as wind power, landfill gas, solar power, geothermal and small-hydroelectric. In general, renewable energy has lower environmental impacts than traditional energy sources. Green Generation consists of wind and landfill gas. To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Energy website.
What is wind power?
Wind power is energy generated by the wind and captured by wind turbines. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wind power has been the fastest growing source of energy in the world since 1990. To learn more, visit the State of Michigan Wind and Solar Energy website or the U.S. Department of Energy website.
What is landfill gas?
This energy source is created by landfill gas-fueled generators. Methane gas is formed as part of the waste decomposition process. Converting the methane gas into electricity converts the methane by-product into a productive and reliable energy source. To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Energy website.
Is the renewable energy delivered directly to my home or business?
The electricity generated from renewable resources that you support is put into the overall electric grid along with electricity from all other generating sources. Electricity from a specific source does not reach a specific location, and you will see no difference in how you receive your power. However, by choosing Green Generation, you are supporting the environment and helping to increase the amount of renewable energy that is available to the entire system.
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Will my power be shut off or reduced when the wind doesn't blow, or the landfill gas isn't being produced?
No, your electricity service reliability will not change. Since the renewable energy purchased for the program is combined with energy from all other generating sources and placed on the electric grid to match your level of participation, your electricity service will not be interrupted because of green power supplies.
How much does participation in green generation sm cost?
If you choose to participate in the voluntary program, you'll pay your normal rate for electricity plus an additional small monthly payment to help offset the cost of purchasing renewable energy. There are many Green Generation program options , so you can choose one that is right for your home or your business. Our helpful cost calculator can help you determine your approximate monthly costs for the GreenBlock option.
Are all Consumers Energy customers eligible to participate in the green generation sm program?
All full-service electric customers of Consumers Energy may participate as long as payments are current in all existing accounts. Customers who received a shutoff notice within nine months before wishing to enroll or anytime after enrolling are not eligible to participate and will be excluded or removed from the program. Customers who purchase electricity from an alternative energy supplier are not eligible.
How and when can I participate in the green generation sm program?
Enrolling in the program is easy, and eligible customers can join at any time. Simply click on enroll now and fill out the form.
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If I participate in the green generation sm program, will there be any changes in my bill?
Your participation in the Green Generation program is a smart decision for all of us. But it's reflected by a small difference on your billing statement. The sample bill shown here indicates a typical example of how the participation charge will appear as an additional line item on your regular monthly billing statement. Your actual bill will reflect the Green Generation program option you select.
What kind of renewable energy does Consumers Energy purchase for the program?
Consumers Energy is purchasing Michigan-based wind power, which will provide approximately 5% of the energy for the Green Generation program. We will purchase the remaining energy from landfill gas fueled generators, turning a waste by-product into a productive and reliable energy source.
How much renewable energy is Consumers Energy willing to invest in green generation sm ?
Consumers Energy currently has supply contracts with seven new independent renewable energy projects, representing approximately 240,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy annually, enough to serve an estimated 30,000 customers. Your participation helps enable Consumers Energy to increase the use of renewable energy.
Where is the electricity for green generation sm generated?
Consumers Energy purchases Michigan-based wind power and landfill gas to create the Green Generation energy mix. Consumers Energy currently has supply contracts with seven new independent renewable energy projects, representing approximately 240,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy annually, enough to serve an estimated 30,000 customers. To learn more about the renewable energy generation facilities that serve the Green Generation program, visit our supply map.
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Is there a tax benefit to my participation in green generation sm ?
No. The premium you pay for your participation in Green Generation should be considered the same as any other energy charge you receive from Consumers Energy for electric or gas service.
Is green generationsm Green-e certified?
Yes, Green Generation is certified by Green-e. Green-e is the Nation's leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy products and the Green-e symbol is nationally recognized. It provides a simple way for the public to quickly identify environmentally superior energy products. When consumers see the Green-e logo, they can be sure they are getting what they pay for.
Green-e is administered by the Center for Resource Solutions, a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, California. Green-e was launched in November 1997 and has developed standards for certifying renewable based products nationwide.
For more information on Green-e certification requirements, visit the Green-e website or call 1-888-63-GREEN.
What is Green-e?
Green-e is the Nation's leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy products and the Green-e symbol is nationally recognized. It provides a simple way for the public to quickly identify environmentally superior energy products. When consumers see the Green-e logo, they can be sure they are getting what they pay for.
Green-e is administered by the Center for Resource Solutions, a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California. Green-e was launched in November 1997 and has developed standards for certifying renewable based products nationwide.
For more information on Green-e certification requirements, visit the Green-e website or call 1-888-63-GREEN.
What does Green-e Certification Guarantee?
The Green-e certification ensures that the electricity supply for Green Generation comes from qualified renewable resources and that the Green Generation program does not contain any nuclear power. Consumers Energy agrees to abide by the Green-e Code of Conduct, which governs the way companies represent their Green-e certified products. Consumers Energy also agrees to undergo an annual independent Process Audit to verify product claims and ensure enough renewable power has been purchased to meet customer demand. In addition, the Green-e certification ensures that Consumers Energy purchases a specified amount of new renewable (new renewable resources generation built after 1997).
For more information on Green-e certification requirements, visit the Green-e website or call 1-888-63-GREEN.
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Is Consumers Energy seeking energy suppliers for the green generation sm program?
Consumers Energy is not currently seeking new suppliers to provide renewable energy for the program. However, if you are a small renewable generator, you may qualify for the Company's Net Metering Program. For more information on net metering, please visit the 'Your Home' or 'Your Business' section of our website for more details.
What if I participate in the green generation sm program and move my home or business?
If you move to another home, your participation in the program ends. You may re-enroll in the program at your new address if you continue to be a full-service Consumers Energy electric customer. If you move outside our electric service territory, then you are no longer eligible for the program.
Do I have to participate in the green generation sm program for a certain amount of time?
Due to our purchase commitments with suppliers, you'll need to participate in the program for at least 12 months. After the initial 12-month participation period, Consumers Energy will automatically continue your participation on a month-to-month basis unless you cancel your participation with 60 days written notice, or if the program is terminated. Customers will be enrolled in Green Generation on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where does the money that I pay to participate go?
The premium paid by participants of the program goes to the renewable energy suppliers who are under contract to supply energy to Green Generation. The premium is necessary because electricity from renewable sources costs more than electricity from traditional power sources such as coal or nuclear. Consumers Energy does not make any profit from the Green Generation program.
How do I cancel my participation in green generation sm ?
If you have participated in the program for the required initial 12-month period, you can cancel your participation with 60 days written notice by mailing your written cancellation request to: Green Generation Program Royal Oak - Room 240, Consumers Energy, One Energy Plaza, Jackson, MI 49201-2276.
What are the green generation sm program terms and conditions?
Click on Green Generation program terms and conditions to review them.
If you have additional questions, please call Consumers Energy toll-free at (800) 241-3368, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
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