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FAQs
What is CleanStepsSM WindPower?
What is a wind farm?
Where does CleanStepsSM WindPower come from?
Why should I choose CleanStepsSM WindPower?
What are renewable energy credits (RECs)?
Can I be assured I will receive wind power?
Does wind power cost more?
Is wind power a new technology?
Do wind farms harm birds or bats?
Is wind power a growing resource?
How many people work in the U.S. wind industry?
Which country leads the way in wind-capacity growth?
What is CleanStepsSM WindPower?
Washington Gas Energy Services (WGES) brings you an exciting electricity option - renewable energy credits from regional wind farms. Wind power, the world's fastest-growing energy resource, displaces conventional power, reduces carbon dioxide and your carbon footprint, and helps eliminate air pollution problems such as smog and acid rain. Plus, wind is an unlimited resource with an unlimited supply! Electricity deregulation provides choices, and wind power simply is the clean choice…and the right choice.
What is a wind farm?
A wind farm is a group of wind turbines (also known as windmills) that produce electricity when wind turns the turbines.
Where does CleanStepsSM WindPower come from?
At WGES, we think local is important. That's why we purchase wind power within our own region of the transmission system, PJM. In 2009, we purchased from wind farms in West Virginia, Illinois and Pennsylvania. Wondering why WGES purchases no wind power in D.C., Maryland or Delaware? That's because the region has no large-scale wind farms in operation.
Why should I choose CleanStepsSM WindPower?
CleanStepsSM WindPower is sourced entirely from wind. Wind is one of the cleanest energy sources available: Wind power displaces power from oil, natural gas or coal and avoids the environmental and health effects associated with drilling, mining, transporting and burning non-renewable fuels. Wind power does not contribute to global warming. Plus, CleanStepsSM WindPower provides a local option that benefits your community: CleanStepsSM WindPower comes from the regional power grid.
What are renewable energy credits (RECs)?
Renewable energy credits (RECs) represent the property rights to the environmental and other benefits of 1 megawatt hour (MWh) or 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWhs) of renewable energy generation. When you purchase an REC, that REC is yours and no one else's. Each REC makes a difference for wind power developers. The more RECs you buy, the more wind power facilities will be developed in place of non-renewable sources.
Can I be assured I will receive wind power?
Yes. For every unit of wind power you consume, WGES purchases the same number of wind energy credits and enters them into electronic tracking/accounting systems. Once an REC is "retired" in a tracking system, it can't be used again by someone else.
Does wind power cost more?
WGES' CleanStepsSM WindPower costs can be higher or lower than standard utility costs. However, the 50% or 100% CleanStepsSM WindPower options have price premiums over the WGES standard electricity offer, which includes 5% wind for all customers.
Is wind power a new technology?
No. Wind energy has been used for more than 4,000 years. By 1800, there were about 500,000 windmills across Europe and China. By 1930, more than 600,000 windmills were pumping water and producing electricity in the U.S. Today's large, utility-scale wind turbines, first installed in the early 1980s, continue to improve through research and development.
Do wind farms harm birds or bats?
The proper design and planning of wind farms has greatly reduced adverse effects on wildlife, and today bird deaths from wind farms are minimal. Ongoing research into bat populations continues to inform wind farm development. Some of the strongest wildlife organizations, such as the Sierra Club and Defenders of Wildlife, support wind energy.
Is wind power a growing resource?
For the past several years, wind has been the fastest-growing power source worldwide, with an annual average growth rate of more than 30%. By the end of 2008, American wind projects under development totaled more than 11 times the installed capacity of 25,369 MW.
How many people work in the U.S. wind industry?
One megawatt of wind creates nearly five job-years of employment. The wind industry added 35,000 jobs in 2008, bringing total employment up to 85,000.
Which country leads the way in wind-capacity growth?
The United States continues to lead the world in annual capacity growth, adding more wind capacity than any other country during the past several years, including 2008.
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