Duke Energy Ohio to "Go Green"

CINCINNATI - Duke Energy Ohio announced today that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has approved its application for a green power pilot program.

Under the proposal, customers who receive generation service from DE-Ohio will be able to receive power from renewable resources, including wind, solar, biomass, low-head hydro and other sources. Called Go Green Power, the program would provide an easy option for customers interested in using green energy.

By designating an initial block of 200 kilowatt-hours of green energy per month, with an option to purchase additional blocks of 100 kwh, customers would be charged an additional $0.025 per kwh, or $2.50 per 100 kwh, above DE-Ohio’s standard rate. The premium reflects the higher price of renewable energy.

“Renewable energy is playing a more significant role in our overall energy supply,” said Sandra Meyer, president of DE-Ohio. “Our program concentrates on Ohio sources of renewable energy, which should provide additional encouragement for their development here, while giving our environmentally conscious customers an additional option for their electric service.”

DE-Ohio’s program is a pilot for one year through Dec. 31, 2008. It will determine whether the program will continue, based on customer acceptance and the availability of renewable energy supplies. Customers will be able to apply through www.duke-energy.com in the near future.