Clean energy comes from sources that do not pollute the atmosphere and are carbon-free. Silicon Valley Clean Energy purchases electricity from wind, solar, large hydropower plants and other carbon-free resources.

A GHG is any gaseous compound in the atmosphere that is capable of absorbing infrared radiation, thereby trapping and holding heat in the atmosphere. By increasing the heat in the atmosphere GHGs are responsible for the greenhouse effect, which ultimately leads to climate changes.

The most significant GHGs are carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is largely a result of burning fossil fuels, like gas. About 55% of emissions come from gas-powered vehicles and most of the remaining emissions come from burning fossil fuels in homes and commercial buildings.*

*Sources: PG&E electricity and gas data; CARB; Metropolitan Transportation Commission; California DMV.

Californians are the second-largest consumer of petroleum products. In 2017, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from burning fossil fuels for energy are about 93% of total U.S. human-caused CO2 emissions.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Profile Analysis, January 16, 2020.

As a Silicon Valley Clean Energy Customer you have already committed to reducing our region’s emissions by 20%! If you’re now ready to reduce emissions even more, consider choosing to drive electric. Emissions from internal combustion engine cars are the number one air pollutant in Silicon Valley and across California.

From there, you can reduce emissions even further by switching to high-efficiency, electric home appliances. For example, replacing a gas-powered water heater to a heat pump water heater will eliminate about 50% of the emissions that come from your home and save you money in the long run.

To learn more about reducing your impact on the climate, and maybe save some money too, go to CoolCalifornia.org, a resource funded by California state government and non-profit agencies.

No, natural gas is not clean energy. It’s toxic to people and is a large contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and overall climate change.

Natural gas is commonly used to power gas appliances in California, emitting carbon monoxide into our homes and communities. Switching from gas appliances to high-efficiency electric is healthier and cleaner for all of us.

EVs are cheaper and easier to maintain than gas-fueled cars. When you drive electric you eliminate over two-dozen mechanical components that normally require regular service. That means no tune-ups, no oil changes, no transmission servicing, and no air intake filters, spark plugs or drive belt replacements. Perhaps best of all, there are no trips to the gas station!

Wrong. There are more than 150 models available today and this number is quickly increasing, as major car manufacturers introduce and expand their EV lines. From family cars and SUVs, to luxury sedans, there is a wide range of car manufacturers, features and price points for you to choose from to commute, run errands, travel and just drive electric with.

Whether it’s a quick trip to the grocery store or a long drive for a family vacation, you can drive electric anywhere from 200 to 300 miles with new EV models before requiring a charge. It has also become even easier to charge an EV, with the number of public charging stations on the rise. Now, you can charge more easily while you’re out on the road, or from the convenience of your own home. Seven different manufacturers currently sell fully electric vehicles with a range of over 200 miles.

When you’re installing solar, the size of your system should consider the additional electricity that you’ll use when you charge your EV at home. And, when you install solar panels and a battery, the electrician evaluating your electrical panel for solar and a battery can determine what, if any, upgrades may be required to install a charging station for the EV. By installing solar panels and a battery, you can produce and store your own clean electricity to use when you need it, and when you drive electric. Plus, solar+battery systems can reduce your electric bill.