Carbon offsets are created through projects that result in a reduction of carbon in the atmosphere. Carbon offsets are purchased from a third party and can neutralize carbon produced from energy-intensive lifestyles.
This new program will be available to Duke Energy Carolinas’s North Carolina customers immediately, while its South Carolina customers are expected to be able to participate in the program in the near future.
Duke Energy Carolinas’s North Carolina customers can purchase a carbon offset for $4 a month, which represents 500 pounds of CO2, the equivalent of 500kWh of electricity. For the typical residential customer, the purchase of two carbon offsets for $8 a month would offset their average monthly consumption of 1,000kWh of electricity.
Duke Energy Carolinas will match the first carbon offset block purchased by customers from NC GreenPower up to $1 million through 2009. Carbon offset purchases will be reflected in a participating customer’s monthly bill and passed directly to NC GreenPower.
