Green Energy from Renewable Resources

What is Green Energy?

Energy generated from a renewable energy source that is clean and environmentally friendly. A renewable energy source is virtually infinite like the sun, wind, and tides, or others that occur naturally such as hydro, geothermal and biomass from crops or landfill gas.

What is GRUgreen^SM Energy?

GRUgreen Energy is a blend of renewable resources - biomass from landfill gas produced by decomposing garbage at the Alachua County Southwest Landfill, wind purchased from other energy companies, and solar produced locally. The biomass landfill gas project is generating approximately 1.1 megawatts of electricity. Wind and solar make up approximately 5 percent of the total blend.

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What is landfill gas, and how is it used to generate electricity?

Landfill gas (methane is the main component) is produced by the natural degradation of organic matter in the landfill. Anaerobic bacteria digest food waste, paper, cardboard and other organic-based materials and release methane as part of the process. Federal law requires landfill operators to destroy methane by burning it. GRU, in partnership with Alachua County, collects the gas and uses it as fuel for electric generators instead of allowing it to go to waste.

How is electricity generated from the sun?

Electricity is generated from the sun through photovoltaic (PV) cells, also known as solar cells, which convert sunlight directly into electricity. PV cells are made of semiconductor materials that produce a voltage when exposed to light. PV cells are costly to produce making solar power not as cost effective as other forms of renewable energy.

How is electricity generated from the wind?

A slowly turning wind turbine is connected to a fast-turning electric generator that converts the energy of the wind directly to electrical energy. Currently there are no wind generators in Florida, so we buy wind energy from out of state.

Does GRUgreen^SM Energy perform differently from conventional electricity?

GRUgreen Energy does the same work and performs as reliably as conventional electricity. In fact, you can't really separate electrons on the electric lines to know which electricity you are getting at your home or business. You can be assured, however that less energy from fossil fuel is being produced.

What does it cost?

GRUgreen Energy costs an additional 2 cents per kWh. For your convenience, you can support the production of GRUgreen Energy in $1 increments starting at just $5 per month. Choose from set monthly contribution amounts of $10, $15 and $20 or create your own amount. Your monthly contribution will be a fixed charge, reflected separately on your monthly GRU billing statement.

Why is it an additional cost to my bill?

The fact is, it's still cheaper to produce massive amounts of energy to serve thousands of customers by burning fossil fuels, so customers have to pay a little more for green energy. It's similar to recycled paper. It costs more than regular paper but it helps improve our environment. By participating in the GRUgreen Energy program, you are supporting renewable energy technology in our community. As more people invest in this technology across the US and increase the demand for renewable energy, the more likely the costs will decrease in the future.

Does the GRUgreen^SM Energy customer directly receive the green energy they are supporting?

Yes and no. The energy generated from the biomass landfill gas is placed on our grid and delivered to all GRU customers. There is no way to differentiate between a “green” electron and a “conventional” electron, so there is no way to direct that energy to a specific address location. In reality, all GRU customers, including GRUgreen Energy customers, receive green energy.

How do I receive the wind and solar electricity?

You won’t receive this generated electricity. Through the GRUgreen Energy program customers are supporting the environmental benefits of offsetting the conventional electricity needed to operate the facilities the wind and solar electricity are powering.

How can I support GRUgreen^SM Energy?

Customers who want to support GRUgreen can sign up online or by calling (352) 334-3434.

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