Green energy certificates — Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in North America, Guarantees of Origin (GOs) in Europe — are the standard mechanism for commercial businesses to account for renewable electricity use. One REC represents 1 MWh of renewable generation added to the grid.
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What a REC Represents
Each REC is issued when a renewable generator (solar, wind, hydro) produces 1 MWh of electricity. The generator sells the REC separately from the electricity itself. When you buy RECs matching your consumption, you're claiming that an equivalent amount of renewable electricity was generated on your behalf. RECs are tracked in state and regional registries.
Bundled vs. Unbundled RECs
Bundled RECs are sold together with the electricity itself — your supply contract includes the renewable attribute. Unbundled RECs are purchased separately from commodity electricity. Bundled RECs are generally considered higher quality for sustainability claims; unbundled RECs are lower cost but represent a less direct connection between your electricity and renewable generation.
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REC Pricing and Markets
REC prices vary by source (solar RECs command a premium over wind), vintage (current-year RECs more valuable), and geography (some state programs require in-state RECs). Commodity RECs (often wind from Texas) trade for $1–$3/MWh. Solar RECs in eastern markets trade higher. We source REC quotes alongside supply quotes.
Corporate Renewable Goals and RECs
Most corporate renewable electricity claims (RE100 targets, ESG reporting, Science Based Targets) accept REC-based procurement as a valid accounting method. The key is documenting REC purchases with registry-verified certificates in the same accounting period as your electricity consumption.
Beyond RECs: Direct Renewable Procurement
For commercial accounts with significant renewable goals, direct PPAs and on-site generation (solar, storage) deliver stronger renewable claims and can provide economic benefits beyond certificate purchases. We evaluate these options for larger accounts as part of a comprehensive energy strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a commercial energy broker get paid?
Brokers are compensated by the supplier you choose — a small per-kWh fee built into the contract rate. This fee exists in every supplier's pricing regardless of whether a broker is involved. You pay nothing out of pocket.
How many suppliers will you get quotes from?
We submit to 30+ licensed retail energy suppliers active in your state. Not all will quote every account — load size, credit profile, and industry classification affect who bids. We pull from the full available market.
How long does the process take?
From data collection to competing offers typically takes 3–5 business days. Contract execution takes another 1–2 business days. Service transition happens on your next billing cycle — no interruption.
Is there a contract with the broker?
No. You authorize us to collect your usage data and solicit quotes on your behalf. There's no fee arrangement, no retainer, and no commitment until you choose a supplier offer to execute.
What if I'm currently under contract?
We'll review your existing contract terms, note the expiration window, and initiate a quote process 6–9 months before expiration. If there's an early termination option that makes economic sense, we'll flag it.