For Your Consideration: AEP Energy’s ECO-Advantage Program

Ohio is one of 14 states where citizens can choose their electricity and natural gas providers. Hilliard residents who look for ways to “go green” may want to check out AEP Energy’s ECO-Advantage Program, which supports renewable energy generation.

Participants in ECO-Advantage will not necessarily get their energy from a renewable source BUT their usage will be matched 100% with the purchase of wind-powered electricity. Why this exchange? Ohio has many wind- and solar-power generation facilities in the works… but not yet many operational. As of July 25, 2018, we have four wind-power facilities generating at least 5 MW. While we can’t get all of our electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar at this point, ECO-Advantage participants can build and support the marketplace for renewable energy, making it likely that Ohio will continue to generate more and more of its energy from renewable sources in the future.

If you switch to the ECO-Advantage program, AEP Energy will purchase wind power RECs (Renewable Energy Certificate) matching 100% of your electricity usage. These RECs are certified by Green-e, a global leader in green energy certification. (They appear to be vigilant with the enforcement of their standards for certification; see here for an example of an REC program for which Green-e actually revoked their certification.)

Those interested in checking out the program can contact AEP Energy. Right now they are running a promotion in which people who switch over also get a $25 gift card to Giant Eagle.