WHAT’S A REC?
A renewable energy credit (REC) is a tradable certificate of proof that one kilowatt of electricity has been generated by a renewable-fueled source. Credits are denominated in megawatt-hours (kWh) and are a separate commodity from the power itself. RECs represent the environmental, social, and other positive attributes of power generated by renewable resources.
Why Buy RECs?
RECs are an affordable, convenient alternative to signing up for a “green power” program through a utility company. When you purchase a REC, you have effectively stopped one megawatt of “brown” electricity from being produced, and replaced it with one megawatt of electricity from a renewable source.