A lot of people ask whether Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) actually make a difference or not. The media has stirred up some controversy about the subject lately and people want to be sure they are making a real change. Let me start by saying that the biggest difference you can make is to use less energy. The energy not used is the best kind of energy at all. And let me also say that RECs are not some kind of silver bullet that solves all your environmental problems with one easy shot. However, RECs do make a difference. They are responsible for a lot of new clean energy production coming online. They demonstrate a real viable market for renewable energy (and that gets the venture capital and deep pockets guys interested). They help educate the public about the impacts of energy choices.
At the end of the day, we will need a government mandate to move us quickly to a clean energy future. But voluntary purchasing or RECs will always have an important role to play, one step ahead of government action.
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I agree that buying RECs makes an important statement - - you are putting your money where your mouth is. It also gets people's attention more when you say, "I buy RECs and here is why it makes sense".
And my new dachshund puppy, REX, agrees !
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