Most local power companies offer their customers the opportunity to purchase renewable energy. By paying a little extra every month, you can ensure that some, or all, of the energy you use in your home comes from renewable sources. By purchasing this option, the power company will derive your power through the use of renewable energies, such as wind or solar power, rather than from power plants which account for 40% of carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. annually.

While you may pay a bit more in the short run, your investment will help improve future technologies, benefitting your energy bills in the long run.

City-Specific Guidelines for Renewable Energy

Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Washington D.C.

Local Options

The Obama Administration has done more than any other president to help stimulate the renewable energy industry, but local building codes and statewide incentives still affect your choices in the short run.

• The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency offers a detailed description of individual statewide tax credits for alternative energy.

• Use ecomii's guide to solar energy for ideas and information about installing an energy source in your home.