overview

press releases

in the news

image downloads

media kit

experts guide

Summer 2008 Newsletter

In this issue:

Get a sneak preview of things to come at NC GreenPower…

NC GreenPower plans to offer carbon offset option
On June 9, the North Carolina Utilities Commission approved NC GreenPower’s program plan proposal to offer a carbon offset product to its customers. A carbon offset is a subsidy paid to a project owner or purchased from the market for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

These carbon offsets will be offered by each participating electric utility in North Carolina on a monthly basis for a premium. Each block of carbon offset subsidized by a consumer or business will allow the NC GreenPower carbon offset program administrator to buy an equivalent block of carbon dioxide equivalents mitigated by an emission reduction project and sourced directly from the project or from the voluntary carbon offset market. The proposed price for the carbon offset product is $4 per 500 pounds of carbon in accordance with proposed tariffs filed by the participating utilities.

For the carbon offset product, projects will mitigate greenhouse gases and will not include indirect emission reductions from displaced electricity. Priority will be given to purchasing carbon offsets from participating utility service territories in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia; however, if no acceptable carbon offsets are available, other regions will be considered. In order to ensure that NC GreenPower acquires only reputable and certifiable carbon offsets, NC GreenPower has adopted the nine quality criteria for offsets originally developed by Environmental Defense Fund.

NC GreenPower’s 9 Carbon Offset Quality Criteria

1. No RECs as offsets
2. Additionality
3. Accurate Quantification
4. Clarity on Permanence
5. Appropriate Timeline
6. Demonstration of Ownership
7. Serialization and Tracking
8. Verified and Verifiable
9. Net Positive Impact

These carbon offsets may be purchased through individuals’ electric utility provider or directly from NC GreenPower’s website. NC GreenPower plans to make the carbon offset product available on October 1, 2008.

Music on the Mountain Festival benefiting renewable energy nonprofits

This summer NC GreenPower will be participating in a one of a kind music festival called Music on the Mountain. It is scheduled for August 23 in Boone, NC, tucked away in the heart of the high country at The Old Fairgrounds. Music on the Mountain is Boone’s first festival offering a full day of unmatched music, featuring several national acts, creating an eclectic blend of Americana, bluegrass, and acoustic funk and folk.

Music on the Mountain will also host a green village allowing hands-on interactive and multi cultural activities. The goal of the festival is to bring awareness to the real ecological issues affecting our environment. A portion of the proceeds will benefit NC GreenPower, the Appalachian State University Energy Center, and the High Country Conservancy. Artists who will be playing at the festival include Sam Bush Band, the Jerry Douglas Band, Acoustic Syndicate, Perpetual Groove, and many more.

Visit www.musiconthemountain.net for more information on how to volunteer or purchase tickets.