As the population of Texas grows, the demand for electricity also grows. Texas produces and consumes more electricity than any other state. Because of the size of the state, its diverse climate, and abundance of natural resources, Texas has potential to generate massive amounts of renewable electricity and reduce the demand for coal, oil, and natural gas.
In 2023, most electricity providers offer power produced from renewable sources. It still costs more than electricity generated from fossil fuel burning plants, but a growing number of consumers are electing to pay a premium for environmentally friendly electricity. An alternative is to buy “green” electricity, which includes power generated from natural gas-burning plants (cleaner than coal) that burn gas produced in Texas. Choosing one of these types of plans can contribute to a cleaner Texas.
Choose to Buy Renewable Electricity
When you choose to buy renewable electricity, the electricity plan you select tells the electric provider that you want your power to come from renewable resources. That percentage of renewable electricity is then produced and placed onto the power grid. The actual electricity that finds its way to your home or business represents the mix of all generators connected to the grid, but by choosing renewable power you help increase the amount of renewable energy produced statewide.
Did you know that you can sell your own excess renewable electricity?
Those who install power-generating sources, like solar panels or wind turbines (Distributed Renewable Generation or a DRG) have the option to sell their excess electricity back to the grid. Selling excess electricity works in different ways, depending on where you live.
If you live in an area of Texas with retail electric competition (that includes Lubbock, TX), you will be able to sell the excess power that you produce. You must sell to the company from whom you buy your electricity. Though it seems obvious that they should buy it from you, your electric company is not required to purchase this power. Those electric companies that do purchase excess DRG power will likely require that you subscribe to a specific retail offer. Other electric companies may allow the purchase and sales offers to be chosen independently by the customer.
Last Important Note About Selling Your Renewable Electricity
Electricity customers/producers that want to install a DRG system must sign an interconnection agreement with a local electric Transmission and Distribution Utility.