More and more property owners decide to green.

Concern about climate change and the air we breathe has gone from the realm of academic conferences to the mainstream of public concern and action. One of the actions many have taken in response is to choose renewable energy for their electricity supply.

A growing number of New York property owners actively seeking ways to "go green" are taking advantage of renewable energy supply options. 'Green power' programs offer building owners and managers a smart and surprisingly affordable way to protect the environment and raise the perceived value of their properties.

Thousands of residential and business customers across the state have already gone green by signing up for clean power from renewable resources. Purchasing green power is an easy way for building owners to have a positive impact on the environment. However, some owners and managers have been hesitant to "go green" due to common misconceptions about buying renewable green power.

However, such myths are easily dispelled. When property owners explore the array of options that are available and learn about the benefits of going green, it truly becomes a viable choice for their sites.

MYTH #1: It costs so much more to be green.

FACT: For New York commercial customers, renewable green power typically costs between 5 and 15% over standard electricity rates. Further, commercial users can choose any percentage of their electricity load to be offset by renewable power, thereby regulating their budgetary commitment to renewable energy. Some customers opt for 5 percent renewable power; others choose to purchase 100 percent of their energy supply from renewable power.

EarthPower[R] purchased by commercial customers through ConEdison Solutions is 100 percent wind power. A single 1.5 megawatt wind turbine produces four million kilowatt-hours per year. Wind-generated electricity is reliable, uses no fuel, emits no greenhouse gases, and causes no acid rain.

To keep an equivalent amount of carbon pollutants out of the atmosphere, you would have to eliminate four million miles of automobile travel or plant more than 300,000 trees. The many environmental benefits of wind power have made it one of the fastest-growing energy sources worldwide

When looking at the big picture, the marginally higher cost of pollution-free electricity gives consumers the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment. It can also benefit the local economy because it may increase investment in the production of wind power in the state. That benefits the economy not only by creating jobs, but also by increasing and diversifying the energy supply.

MYTH #2: Going green involves installing new equipment.

FACT: Renewable energy users do not need to re-wire or purchase any special equipment to make the switch. In New York State, thanks to deregulation, households and businesses have the option to choose their energy supplier and therefore easily purchase renewable power as an emission-free and renewable form of energy. The local utility continues to deliver the electricity and maintain the local infrastructure.

MYTH #3: There's no way to know that the money I spend actually gets green power onto the grid.

FACT: As a matter of public policy, New York State has established a reliable system to ensure that the overall proportion of "green" power purchased by the state's ratepayers is reflected in the statewide power grid. The New York State Public Service Commission monitors the amount of public demand for "green power." It also works closely with the certified providers who contribute renewable energy to the statewide power mix. Energy users can feel confident that their commitment to green power actually results in a commensurate expansion of renewable energy usage in the Empire State.

When it comes to cost, convenience and consumer confidence, purchasing renewable energy is an easy way to make a real, lasting, and positive impact on the environment.

The variety of supply possibilities offers property owners the information, tools and options they need to make smart energy decisions. Property owners and managers are able to join the thousands of residential and business customers who have already made the decision to go green.

You can help keep the air we breathe clean and make New York a better place to live by calling EarthPower at 1-888-320-8991. You may find your employees, tenantsand your stakeholders thanking you, and maybe breathing a little easier too.