Green Energy: A Sustainable Electricity Source

“Green energy” is often used interchangeably with “renewable energy,” but the two terms are technically different. Green energy is a subset of renewable resources with the least environmental impact. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), green power sources include solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, eligible biomass, and low-impact small hydroelectric sources.

Renewable energy refers to resources that naturally replenish themselves over time. However, not all renewable energy sources are considered green, as some still have negative environmental impacts. For example, large hydroelectric power is renewable, but it can negatively impact fish populations and their ecosystems.

Not all renewable energy is generated in the same way. Here’s how various green and renewable resources convert energy into electricity:

• Solar energy: Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that capture and convert sunlight into energy.
• Wind power: This type of energy is produced by connecting turbines to a generator, which spins as wind pushes the blades, creating electricity.
• Geothermal energy: Power plants use hot water and steam from underground reservoirs to run a turbine and produce electricity.
• Eligible biomass: Organic material from plants and animals is burned and converted to fuel.
• Hydropower: Hydropower harnesses the kinetic energy of moving water by connecting to turbines or a generator.

As renewable resources become more available, consumers in many deregulated states can choose plans that support green energy generation. Using the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), we’ve compiled a list of deregulated states that use renewable sources and the amount of renewable energy they produced.

We partner with numerous energy providers nationwide to bring green energy products to our customers. Some of our top green energy suppliers include Gexa Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Rhythm Energy, and Octopus Energy. Here’s how to shop competitive renewable plans on our free marketplace:

1. Enter your ZIP code: Enter your location to browse the latest rates from local providers in your area.
2. Filter for green energy: Our marketplace offers convenient filters, like green energy, to help refine your results. You can also filter by provider, rate type, home size, and more.
3. Sign up online or over the phone: Once you’ve found a suitable plan, you can sign up online in minutes. If you’d like personal guidance from one of our agents, call the number on your screen.

Gexa Energy is one of our most popular electricity suppliers in Texas, thanks to its affordable plans. Explore Gexa’s top green power products to determine if they’d be a good fit for your home.

Rhythm Energy offers 100% renewable energy plans to customers across Texas. You can choose from fixed- and variable-rate plans to match your energy needs.

Green Mountain Energy serves deregulated customers in Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York. Explore some of its best renewable energy solutions.

Octopus Energy is a Houston-based electricity provider offering fully renewable plans. Choose from 12-, 14-, 18-, or 24-month contracts to enjoy a fixed rate and predictable monthly bills.

In many deregulated energy markets, businesses can also take advantage of deregulated energy plans, including renewable options. A commercial green energy plan can help reduce your business’s carbon footprint at an affordable cost. Contact our business electricity agents to learn more about your options.

What is a renewable energy certificate?

A renewable energy certificate (REC) enables energy suppliers to purchase renewable energy on behalf of consumers. When you purchase a green electricity plan, your provider buys renewable energy from a power plant using RECs to match your energy consumption. This way, green electricity is fed to the power grid.

Can green energy replace fossil fuels?

The short answer is yes, but it will take time to fully shift away from fossil fuels. In 2024, fossil fuels accounted for 84% of total U.S. energy consumption, indicating that the country remains heavily dependent on them. The good news is that you can take steps to reduce your household’s reliance on fossil fuels by choosing a green energy plan.

What is the benefit of green energy?

Green energy sources are naturally replenishable and emit little to no harmful chemicals. Compared to fossil fuels, which release a significant amount of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases into the atmosphere, green energy is a sustainable alternative to traditional electricity sources.