Greenchoice FAQs
What is Greenchoice?
Greenchoice is ActewAGL's green energy program that lets everybody help the environment by supporting renewable energy generation.
How does the program work?
You don't need extra powerlines or installation. Your electricity is supplied the same as before. It just means ActewAGL can buy more energy from green sources, like wind power, solar, mini-hydro and biomass.
ActewAGL buys electricity on the national electricity market. When you join Greenchoice, you are instructing us to buy a specified amount of renewable energy on your behalf from 'green' sources.
That green energy is fed back into the national electricity grid, replacing the same amount of energy that would have been generated from traditional fossil fuel sources. So the overall result is fewer carbon emissions.
Is there an independent review of the program?
Each financial year, Greenchoice is reviewed by government–appointed independent auditors to ensure that our Greenchoice energy really comes from renewable sources, and that we purchase enough to cover our customers' demand.
Will I receive a separate bill?
If you're an ActewAGL customer, your Greenchoice payment will be itemised separately on your regular electricity bill. The cost is separate from and in addition to your normal electricity charges. If you are not an ActewAGL customer, and sign up to Greenchoice, you will receive a separate Greenchoice bill from us and your regular electricity bill from your normal provider.
What happens to my Greenchoice payments?
The extra money you pay for Greenchoice is used by ActewAGL to purchase electricity from renewable sources, which is more expensive than energy from fossil fuel sources.
Why does renewable energy cost more than fossil fuel produced electricity?
Fossil fuel- based electricity generation does not take into account hidden costs such as resource depletion, pollution and climate change impact.
While you might not directly experience the impact of this now, the environment does - and future generations will.
By joining Greenchoice you are helping to even-up the playing field between these two types of energy sources.
I thought ActewAGL had to buy renewable energy for the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) - why should I pay extra when you have to do it anyway?
The MRET requires energy retailers to purchase an additional two per cent of total electricity sales from renewable energy sources by 2010. By joining Greenchoice, you can boost green energy purchases above that level, contributing even more to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Do I have to be an ActewAGL customer to join Greenchoice?
No, anybody in Australia can join Greenchoice – you don't need to be an ActewAGL customer.
Greenchoice payments are separate from and in addition to your electricity charges. They are additional payments used solely to purchase energy from renewable sources, which is then fed back into the national electricity grid.
How can I join Greenchoice?
Simply complete and submit the online form – home or business – or call 13 14 93.
How does joining Greenchoice compare to other things I might do?
Joining Greenchoice is one of the most effective actions you can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A customer on the residential Greenchoice 15 plan will help to prevent about 5.15 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere this year – that's like taking 1.2 cars off the road!
Does ActewAGL purchase green energy for its own needs?
Yes. It is an accreditation requirement that we purchase green energy for our own needs.
Does Greenchoice buy electricity generated from native wood waste?
ActewAGL does not and will not purchase this type of energy for Greenchoice or for any other purpose.
Where does ActewAGL source its green energy from?
This changes from year-to-year as we enter into new supply contracts. Most recently, ActewAGL has purchased hydro power from the Canunda wind farm (SA) and biomass energy from West Nowra Landfill (NSW).
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is energy generated from sources that cannot be depleted or can be replaced such as wind power, solar, mini-hydro and biomass. Renewable sources such as these will always be available and are essentially non-polluting.
Greenchoice is independently assessed by the National GreenPower Accreditation Program to ensure our renewable energy purchases are acceptable. Suitable green energy sources include:
- wind farms - wind turbines
- solar farms - photovoltaic (PV) cells
- small hydro - not involving the flooding of ecosystems or the construction of new dams
- biomass - using landfill gas and agricultural industry wastes (for example, bagasse)
- solar thermal.
Where can I find out more about the greenhouse effect, green energy and renewable energy generation?
A useful starting point would be the GreenPower website, or visit the other websites listed on our green energy page. You can also call us on 13 14 93.
What is the GreenPower 'tick'?
The GreenPower 'tick' signifies that Greenchoice is accredited by the National GreenPower Accreditation Program. It is your guarantee that Greenchoice energy comes from government–approved renewable energy sources.
To display the tick, Greenchoice must:
- participate in an independent annual audit to verify its GreenPower purchases
- ensure we use renewable energy only from approved, environmentally friendly sources
- use customer contributions to drive additional investment in the Australian renewable energy industry above legislative requirements.
