Caring About Green Energy But Not sure About Paying Into Dominion's Green Power Program?

Caring About Green Energy But Not Sure About Paying Into Dominion's Green Power Program In Virginia?

Who wants to pay MORE for electricity these days? Most of us can't even afford healthcare anymore! Here are some thoughts about how to protect our environment AND save some money...

Look, I get it. You care about the planet. You recycle. You feel guilty about your carbon footprint. And then Dominion Energy sends you something about their "Green Power" program, and you think — wait, I'm supposed to pay EXTRA for electricity that's supposedly better for the environment?

In this economy? When groceries cost twice what they did three years ago? When you're already deciding between filling up the gas tank or getting that prescription refilled?

Yeah, no thanks.

But here's the thing: You're not wrong to be skeptical. And you're definitely not a bad person if you can't afford to pay more on your electric bill. Let me break down what Dominion's actually offering, and then we'll talk about some alternatives that might actually make more sense for your wallet AND the planet.

So What IS Dominion's Green Power Program Anyway?

First off, let's be clear about what you're actually buying. It's not green electricity flowing directly to your house. Nope. What you're buying are called Renewable Energy Certificates, or RECs for short.

Think of it this way: When a solar farm or wind turbine generates electricity, two things are created — the actual electricity that goes into the grid, AND a certificate that says "hey, this kilowatt-hour came from renewable energy." Those certificates can be sold separately from the electricity itself.

So when you sign up for Dominion's Green Power program, you're still getting the same electricity mix as everyone else (which includes coal, natural gas, and nuclear). You're just paying extra — about 1.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, or roughly $12 more per month for a typical household — for those certificates.

Does it help? Sort of. Does it directly power your home with renewables? No.

The Not-So-Green Parts

Here's where it gets messier. According to their own 2020 projections, the program's energy mix was:

• 56% wind

• 34% biomass (which is basically burning wood and other organic materials — and yes, it pollutes)

• 10% solar

And get this: Some of those renewable sources are coming from as far away as Mississippi, Georgia, Missouri, and Alabama — not even on the same power grid that serves Virginia.

Your money also goes toward "program costs" like marketing, education, and administration. So you're not just funding renewable energy — you're funding Dominion's advertising for the program.

Better Ways to Spend Your Green Energy Dollars

Okay, so if Dominion's program isn't great, what else can you do? Turns out, quite a bit. And some of these options might actually SAVE you money in the long run.

1. Make Your Home More Energy Efficient (This Actually Saves Money!)

This is the boring answer, but it's also the smartest one. Every kilowatt-hour you don't use is cleaner and cheaper than any renewable source. Here's what makes the biggest difference:

• LED bulbs — They use 75% less energy than old incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer

• Better insulation and weather stripping — Sealing up drafts can cut your heating and cooling costs by 20%

• Smart thermostat — Can save you $180/year on average

• Energy-efficient appliances — When it's time to replace that old fridge or water heater, look for ENERGY STAR models

These aren't sexy solutions, but they're the ones that'll actually lower your bills while reducing your carbon footprint. Win-win.

2. Install Solar Panels (If You Own Your Home)

I know what you're thinking: "Solar panels? Are you kidding? I can barely afford groceries!"

But hear me out. Yes, the upfront cost is significant (usually $15,000-$25,000 after incentives). BUT:

• There are still federal tax credits available (30% of the cost)

• Many companies offer $0-down financing options

• Your monthly solar loan payment is often LESS than your electric bill was

• After 20-25 years when the panels are paid off, you're getting basically free electricity

• Your home value increases

This is the gold standard for actually reducing fossil fuel consumption. You're directly generating clean power.

Downside: Only works if you own your home, have decent sun exposure, and can handle the financing.

3. Community Solar (Great for Renters!)

This is basically subscribing to a share of a local solar farm. You don't need to own property or install anything. You just sign up, and you get credits on your electric bill based on your share of the solar farm's production.

The best part? Many community solar programs will actually SAVE you money — like 5-10% off your electric bill — while supporting new renewable energy construction in your area.

Unfortunately, Virginia's community solar options are still pretty limited, but they're expanding. Worth checking what's available in your area.

4. Invest in Green Energy Companies

If you have some money to invest (and I know that's a big IF these days), putting it into renewable energy companies or green energy funds might do more good than paying Dominion's premium.

Some options:

• Individual stocks: First Solar, Enphase Energy, NextEra Energy

• ETFs (funds): ICLN, QCLN, PBW — these give you diversified exposure to clean energy

• Green bonds: Lower risk than stocks, funds renewable projects

This way, your money is directly funding renewable energy expansion, AND you might actually make money instead of just spending more.

The Political Side: Why Writing Your Representatives Actually Matters

Okay, I know. "Write your congressman" sounds about as effective as shouting into the void. But here's the thing: Individual green energy purchases are nice, but POLICY changes are what really move the needle.

Right now, our government is rolling back clean energy initiatives and doubling down on fossil fuels. That makes your voice more important, not less.

Where to Focus Your Energy

State and local officials matter MORE than federal: Energy policy is largely decided at the state level. Your state legislators, governor, and Public Utility Commission have enormous power over:

• How much renewable energy utilities must use

• Whether you can install solar without red tape

• Community solar programs

• Building codes and efficiency standards

When federal action stalls, state and local action becomes even more critical.

What to Actually Say

Don't just say "I support green energy." Be specific:

• "I want you to support expanded community solar programs"

• "Protect net metering for homeowners with solar panels"

• "Increase renewable portfolio standards — utilities should be required to use more wind and solar"

• "Oppose new fossil fuel infrastructure in our state"

Personal stories help too. If you can't afford healthcare but you're being asked to pay more for electricity, say that. If you want solar but can't afford it, mention it.

How to Actually Do It

• Find your representatives: Use Google or visit commoncause.org/find-your-representative/

• Email or call — both work, calls are slightly more impactful

• Show up to town halls and utility commission meetings

• Join local environmental groups — they amplify individual voices

• VOTE — research candidates' energy positions

One email won't change the world. But consistent engagement from constituents absolutely shapes policy.

The Bottom Line

Look, Dominion's Green Power program isn't bad. It's just... not particularly effective, and it costs you money you probably don't have to spare right now.

If you really want to make a difference:

• Start with energy efficiency — This saves you money AND reduces emissions

• Look into solar if you own your home — It's more accessible than you think

• Check out community solar if you rent — Might actually save you money

• Invest in green energy if you can — Your money works harder than buying RECs

• Engage politically — This might have the biggest impact of all

  
  

You don't have to do all of these. Pick what works for your budget and your life. Even small steps matter.

And please, don't feel guilty if you can't afford to pay extra for green power right now. The climate crisis isn't your fault as an individual, and you're not a bad person for prioritizing food and healthcare over electricity premiums.

But if you can find room in your budget for energy efficiency improvements, or five minutes to email your state representative, or an afternoon to research solar options? That's where your money and effort will make the most difference.

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Get ready to balance out all that intense, complicated, and soul-draining effort and thought! Check out these incredible environmental artists who are passionately working to make a positive impact on the world and raise awareness about environmental issues. Let's join them in making the world a more beautiful place!

Environmental Art: Finding Beauty in Climate Action

Art has always been a powerful way to visualize complex issues and inspire action. These five contemporary artists use their work to address climate change, environmental destruction, and our relationship with the natural world. Their pieces remind us why we're fighting for a cleaner future — and show us what we stand to lose if we don't act.

1. Olafur Eliasson — Ice Watch (2014)

Medium: Installation art / Ice sculpture

The Icelandic-Danish artist brought 12 massive chunks of glacial ice from Greenland and installed them in public spaces in Copenhagen, London, and Paris, where they slowly melted away as people watched, touched, and climbed on them. This powerful work makes climate change tangible and immediate — you can literally watch it happening, feel the cold water on your hands, and understand what we're losing. Eliasson, who serves as a UN ambassador for renewable energy and climate action, said the work offers "concrete proof of climate change in action."

2. Ana Teresa Fernández — On the Horizon (2021)

Medium: Painting and public installation

This Mexican-born, San Francisco-based artist created a stunning visual demonstration of rising sea levels threatening coastal communities. Her work shows what familiar landscapes will look like when waters rise, forcing viewers to confront the very real risk to their own neighborhoods. As she describes it: "We human beings who call this ocean planet home are key protagonists in the plot and pacing of this tale. Individual actions will have everything to do with how our collective story unfolds."

3. Judy Chicago — Stranded (2016)

Medium: Mixed media painting

Known primarily for her iconic feminist art, Chicago has increasingly turned her attention to environmental issues. This powerful piece shows a polar bear barely able to nestle on a rapidly shrinking ice floe — a stark symbol of "climate change and the exploitation of the environment which is now greater than nature can withstand." The work is part of her series "The End: A Meditation on Death and Extinction," which confronts humanity's impact on the planet's ecology.

4. John Akomfrah — Purple (2017)

Medium: 6-channel video installation

The British artist and filmmaker created this immersive installation by filming across 10 countries, weaving together the interconnected effects of climate change on a global scale. The work demonstrates the overwhelming scope and real impact of environmental destruction, from melting ice caps to disappearing habitats. Akomfrah's work forces viewers to see climate change not as a distant threat, but as a current reality affecting communities worldwide.

5. Madjeen Isaac — Weathering the Storm (2020)

Medium: Oil painting

This Haitian-American artist creates vibrant works that blend her Brooklyn neighborhood with lush Haitian gardens, addressing environmental justice and climate resilience. About this piece, Isaac explains: "I finished that piece towards the end of 2020... it was one of those pieces where I felt like I needed to look on the bright side and look forward. I was thinking about storms in Haiti, where folks will just have fun in the rain, take baths sometimes." Her work celebrates joy and resilience in the face of climate challenges, reminding us that environmental action isn't just about doom and gloom — it's about protecting the beautiful, joyful relationship people have with their natural world.

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These artists remind us that climate action isn't just about science and policy — it's about preserving beauty, protecting communities, and honoring our connection to the natural world. Their work inspires us to act, not out of guilt or fear, but out of love for what we stand to lose.