Duke sees the same theory applying here, Brooks says. The electricity from whatever renewable project Duke owns or contracts with to provide Google’s need are put on Duke’s grid. Those are counted to Google’s credit for renewable energy.
In both cases, the total amount of renewable energy, or gas, in the system is increased by the amount purchased by the customer. The carbon-free power purchased offsets the power used by the customer.
Other companies are eyeing similar efforts proposals. In December, Dominion Power in Virginia proposed a similar pilot program.
Brooks says Duke is not considering its proposal as a pilot. Duke intends to propose it as a standard tariff rate that the company can offer to any and all qualifying companies.