GEC Membership Questions and Policies
What is the Green Energy Collaborative?
For more than a decade, Citizen Power has been working as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to promote consumer and environmental interests in the electric utility industry. Although we have been successful in lowering electricity bills and encouraging the use of renewable generation through litigation and negotiation with electric utilities, Citizen Power has been also been seeking unique opportunities to advance our dual goals of lower prices and greener electricity. A result of this mission is the Green Energy Collaborative Program (GEC), a program administered by Citizen Power aimed at promoting renewable energy resource development by encouraging individuals in western Pennsylvania to purchase competitively priced 100% certified renewable electricity.
Can I Shop for Electricity?
Electricity service is composed of three different products; the generation of electricity, the transmission of electricity through high-voltage lines from the generation plant to the local electricity network, and the distribution of electricity through the local network to your home. In Pennsylvania, you are now allowed to decide who produces your electricity. This choice has no effect upon the reliability of your electric service since your local distribution company is still responsible for repairing electric lines during storms and providing your monthly bill. The only difference is the source of your electricity.
Should I Shop for Electricity?
There are now numerous choices available to you regarding who provides your electricity. Many of these choices can save you money each month. Not only can you choose your electricity supplier based on price, but you have the option to choose an electric supply that is more environmentally friendly. Typically, these greener sources of electricity have been more expensive than conventional sources. Citizen Power saw an opportunity to assist the promotion of clean, renewable generation resources, such as wind, by bringing the cost of environmentally friendly electricity down to the level of conventional electricity. As a result of negotiations with TriEagle Energy, we have been able to find a supplier of certified wind electricity that is competitive with conventional generation.
What is Certified Wind Electricity?
Renewable energy credits (RECs) are tradable certificates in the United States that represent proof that 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from a renewable energy resource. The idea is to promote the expansion of renewable energy generation by allowing renewable generators to sell their electricity into the electricity market at market prices (which is convenient) while still collecting a premium by selling their RECs into a separate REC market. Utilities in Pennsylvania and other states are required to purchase enough RECs to back a small percentage of their power. Why have separate electric power and REC markets? Because the electric power markets must respond to supply and demand factors that change by the hour, while buyers in the REC market may want to purchase the RECs they need for a month or a year all at once. Certified RECs are guaranteed to be created from a renewable resource.
Will my power go out if the wind dies down?
No. Your power will be just as dependable as it is now.
Why Should I Choose TriEagle to Supply My Electricity?
TriEagle has offered to supply certified wind electricity to Green Energy Collaborative members at a price much lower than default service. You can save both money and the environment.
Is TriEagle as reliable as the other companies?
Yes. You will not lose power for any reason other than the risks you already face, such as a storm knocking down power lines in your neighborhood. If there is a problem, it is still your electric distribution company (Duquesne Light, PECO, PPL, MetEd, Penelec, or West Penn) that you call. It will still be your electric distribution company that sends you your bills and reads your meter. The only difference is that you will be paying less on your electric bills and you will be helping the environment.
Is there any fee to switch to TriEagle?
There is no fee for switching to Trieagle. However, if you currently have an alternative supplier, you should check with them to see if they charge a cancellation fee.
Is there a cancellation fee if I break my contract?
That depends. If you move, there is no cancellation fee. If you simply want to switch to a different supplier before the expiration of your contract, there is a fee of $20 per month for the remainder of your contract period. This is because TriEagle purchases all the electricity it expects you to use for the duration of the contract up front, which is why we can guarantee you a low price for the duration of the contract.
How long is the contract?
You may choose a contract for a fixed term of either 24, 18, or 12 month. Prices for different durations may vary.
What happens when my contract expires?
You will be offered another contract. You can accept the new contract or reject it without any fee.
How is the Green Energy Collaborative Involved?
The main obstacle to supplying low-cost, environmentally conscious electricity to residential consumers is the high cost of marketing. In fact, the marketing costs have historically been greater than the additional cost to provide green energy. Finding customers who want green energy is costly, and the price of green electricity has reflected those costs. This has resulted in a Catch-22 situation; high marketing costs necessitate higher prices while those same higher prices reduce the effectiveness of the green marketing effort. Citizen Power is currently supplying free marketing services in order to keep the marketing costs down in order to create a competitive green energy product. The purpose of the Green Energy Collaborative is to reach the number of consumers necessary to make a green energy product self-sustaining. Once we have enough members to support a green energy product without needing additional expensive marketing efforts, our goal is to spin the GEC off into a true collaborative.
Why do you want me to be a Member of the GEC to Purchase the Discounted TriEagle Green Eagle electricity products?
The GEC needs a large number of members to become self-sufficient.
Why don't I see the Green Energy Collaborative rates on the PA Power Switch website?
Since TriEagle Energy only offers its Green Eagle electricity products to Green Energy Collaborative members, you must first complete the GEC sign-up process before TriEagle will offer you its Green Eagle prices.
Are There Any Other Benefits to Joining the GEC?
Yes. In the future the GEC will be providing some energy efficiency services for their members in order to further reduce environmental impacts from electricity generation. These services will be completely voluntary and provided at either no cost or a subsidized rate.
Are There Any Additional Expenses With GEC Membership?
No. The only price that you will pay is the currently advertised price charged by TriEagle for their electricity product.
What if I Receive Benefits from a Energy Assistance Program?
Switching to a electric generation supplier away from the default service provider may affect your ability to receive benefits. It is recommended that you stay with the default service provider.
I am in a Net-Metering Program, Can I Switch Generation Providers?
Yes, you can. However, you will no longer be eligible to receive net-metering credits for the billing cycles in which your generation is greater than your consumption. Your generation will continue to offset up to 100% of your consumption charges.
How do I know if I have successfully switched my electricity provider?
You will receive a residential electric agreement and a residential disclosure statement to your email account the same day you submit your application to TriEagle Energy. Within a few weeks you will receive a letter from your electric distribution company confirming your electricity generation supplier switch.
Will I still be able to take advantage of “budget billing”?
Yes, You can purchase the electricity you use from us and remain on your utility’s Budget Billing Program. Residential customers who desire to take advantage of budget billing may contact their electric utility and/or supplier and request budget billing at any time.
What does my TriEagle price include?
It includes your energy rate, supplier transmission costs and an estimated Gross Receipts Tax (GRT). Pay special attention when comparing supplier prices. Some suppliers are not including GRT into your price. Since GRT is mandatory, TriEagle’s price gives a better view of what you will pay every month. No hidden surprises. No pass through charges. Your will pay your energy rate times usage plus any applicable taxes (i.e., GRT).
When will the switch happen?
Once you complete the sign-up process on line, an email will be sent confirming your enrollment and contract date. Your switch will occur 16 ½ days before your next meter read date. If you enroll after the 16 day Pennsylvania Switch rule, you will be enrolled at the next meter read date. Please check the email sent, which will give an approximate switch date for your location.
For more information, check PA Power Switch, a site run by the Pennsylvania Utility Commission.
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