One of the largest challenges of bringing renewable energy to Texas communities, particularly low to moderate-income (LMI) communities, is having the capital, technical, and regulatory expertise to construct and operate solar installations. In Texas, the competitive energy market (CEM) allows millions of people to select their retail electricity provider (REP). Although costs of solar and wind power are at record lows and continue to decline, Texans with less disposable income often pay more for electricity and have limited access to green energy and emergency back up power.
While many REPs operate with the idea of providing their customers with a mix of electricity generated on the wholesale electric market, the mission-driven REP model involves purchasing solely solar and wind power from the wholesale market. The benefit of a mission-driven REP over other traditional REPs is that it offers an electricity product to LMI customers that is made up of 100% renewable energy sources and is lower-priced or cost-competitive with other existing retail power products. The mission-driven REP is able to achieve these lower costs by purchasing bulk, wholesale power and by minimizing profit margins and operating costs through philanthropic values. It is important to note, however, that the electricity generated from the renewable power sources cannot be separated from other electricity generated at traditional power generation sites, such as coal and natural gas plants. Nevertheless, the mission-driven REP model promotes the use of renewable energy and offers an avenue for many LMI households to have access to renewable electricity at competitive rates.
Powered for Good - The goal of Powered For Good is to design and help deliver clean, affordable, 100% renewable electricity offerings for low income households in Texas's Competitive Retail Areas, where households can choose their electricity provider. Powered for Good is a research and pilot initiative lead by the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), High Noon Advisors, Moonlight Interests, and the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI).
Disclaimer: The VEIC is still in its developmental stages! In the future, we will be able to provide you with a full Toolkit of resources to explore how you may be able to utilize the Mission-Driven REP.
