Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palmetto Clean Energy (PaCE)?
PaCE is a renewable energy program designed to support the development and generation of renewable energy, or green power, which will improve the environment through reduced greenhouse-gas emissions.
What is green power?
Green power is electricity generated using renewable resources. Renewable energy resources include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass energy. Renewable resources don't disappear forever when used to generate electricity and they are easily replenished by nature. For more information, see the Renewable Energy page.
How can customers support the development of green power?
Customers who want to help expand the production and distribution of renewable energy technologies can enroll in PaCE. By enrolling, customers are authorizing their electric provider -- Duke Energy Carolinas, Progress Energy Carolinas or South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. -- to add a certain dollar amount to their monthly bills. Customers also have the option of making one-time contributions to the program. Green power purchases are an added voluntary, tax-deductible contribution; they do not reduce your normal electric costs.
How much does it cost?
In addition to monthly energy costs, each $4 contribution supports the development of 100 kilowatt hours of electricity. Since an average home uses approximately 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each month, that means customers are purchasing a block of power that’s about 10 percent of the home’s overall usage. You can buy as many blocks as you wish and contributions are tax deductible.
How are customer contributions used?
Your electric provider turns your entire contribution over to PaCE, which uses the funds to promote and support the generation of green power. Contributions can be stopped immediately should customers decide to end their participation simply by contacting their electric provider.
Will renewable electricity come directly to my home or business?
The renewable energy you purchase with your contribution will be delivered to the power grid, not specifically to your home or business. Due to technological and logistical limitations, delivering the green power directly to your home will not be possible. However, you will be ensuring that clean, renewable energy will be produced and placed onto the grid.
Supporting PaCE will increase my power bill. How can I reduce my overall costs?
There are numerous, easy ways to lower your power bill, even while supporting PaCE. Small steps such as replacing light bulbs, installing power strips, insulating waterheaters, purchasing Energy Star appliances – all of these actions can substantially reduce your energy use and your monthly bill. For helpful tips, check out the following websites:
http://www.energysavers.gov/
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls
http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/vh.shtml
How can customers sign up?
To participate in the program, simply click here.
