Florida Focus: Green Power Switch

Now more than ever America needs Green Power. Green Power means domestic energy and that means domestic jobs. Green Power means less money going to Iran, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela and more staying right here in America. Green Power means cleaner air, cleaner water, less carbon emission and a stronger economy. And it is something we ALL can be a part of.

Here are a couple of programs to help Florida residents make the switch to green energy. The cost is generally less than 3 cents per kilowatt-hour more than you currently pay for energy. By participating you contribute to reducing carbon emissions, cleaning up Florida's environment, and stimulating Florida's economy. Three important ways of helping your local community, local environment and local economy, all for less than 2 cents per kilowatt-hour of energy you use. When my wife and I made a similar switch in New York, we barely noticed the difference in our energy bill. We also switched to compact fluorescent bulbs at the same time and the energy savings reduced our bill by one-third even with the small increase from buying green energy. Together, we reduced our carbon footprint by about 30% while overall saving money. I highly recommend the switch.

Tampa Electric’s Renewable Energy program:

When you participate in Tampa Electric’s Renewable Energy program, you're joining others who support the use of cleaner renewable sources like the sun and biomass (plant materials) to produce electricity. Our program gives you the opportunity to purchase renewable energy in 200-kilowatt “block” units at $5 each per month. There is no limit to the number of blocks you can purchase. Learn more about the benefits of renewable energy and how your participation will produce a positive environmental impact – and check out Tampa Electric's solar panel installations installed throughout the community.

How to participate

Both residential and business customers can participate. Residential customers can sign up online for as little as $5 per month added to your electric bill. Tampa Electric will create a customized package for business customers who wish to join our list of Power Partners. Learn more about becoming a Power Partner.

Customers can also sign up and learn more by calling 813-228-4848.

Green Power Choice:

You now have the opportunity to participate in Green Power Choice, the latest innovative program designed to protect the environment. Green Power Choice allows interested members to join their local electric cooperative in actively caring for the environment while supporting the environmental benefits of using renewable energy - in this case, methane gas - as a fuel source.

Find out more here.

Or sign up here (based on your energy cooperative...available in Alabama and the Florida panhandle)