We have established both environmental and financial/contractual minimum requirements for green power offerings. REI strongly prefers Green-e certified products and requires both transaction audits and source verification based on the green-e standard.

Environmental

The source must be new renewable energy generation qualifying under the most recent Green-e certification requirements.

Financial

The product must offer a financial "hedge" against future energy price escalation, particularly risks associated with fossil fuel costs. This may be accomplished via a medium to long term fixed price energy contract, contractual protection from fuel cost surcharges or other contractual means. This requirement favors direct energy contracts and some bundled energy products but generally excludes Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) options.

Audit

The source and chain of custody must have a clear and independently verified audit trail at least as robust and transparent as green-e certification.

Pricing

REI is prepared to pay a premium for green power contracts. The maximum premium is usually greater than 1 cent per KWhr but may vary by location depending on factors such as underlying cost volatility, avoided generation mix and other factors.