What claims can purchasers make after they’ve purchased a REC or other EAC?

• After renewable energy is generated, two products are created—the actual energy that will be added to the grid and the environmental attributes of that energy. These are often sold separately. If someone is claiming use of the renewable energy, then they must have contractual proof that they own the renewable energy attributes associated with the generation, which takes the form of a REC or an EAC. The owner of this REC or EAC can then make a statement that either implicitly or explicitly communicates use of the renewable energy, or a “claim” on that renewable energy.
• The claims that you can make will vary based on your renewable energy purchase, but the seller that you work with can help guide your marketing claims.
  Some common renewable energy claims are:
  “By installing solar panels we have reduced our carbon footprint.”
  “Our product is manufactured using 100% renewable energy.”
  “In order to achieve our renewable energy goals, we purchase energy attribute certificates from Wind Farm X.”

For a full overview of the Dos and Don’ts of Marketing Your Renewable Energy Purchase, review our whitepaper.