We’re currently experiencing issues with our phones. Members can contact us through SmartHub or the WEMC website.

Wake Electric will purchase solar power on your behalf

Wake Electric members can sign up for the co-op to purchase and retire additional solar RECS on their behalf. One solar REC represents the renewable attributes associated with 1,000 kWh and will be priced at $10 per 1,000 kWh.  That’s an extra 1 cent per kWh.

No long term commitment is required, so feel free to cancel your additional solar REC request at any time if you change your mind. To sign up for additional solar RECs, please contact customer service during regular business hours, M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., at 919.863.6300 or 800.474.6300 or at information@wemc.com.
For more on Wake Electric’s Solar REC program, read through the details in the co-op’s rate schedule, Rider SP-1.
For the Wake Electric’s entire rate schedule, click here.

How does Wake Electric manage solar RECs?

Wake Electric’s compliance strategy with the NC Renewable Portfolio Standard requires 10 percent of Wake Electric’s energy resources to be renewable by 2018.

In implementing that strategy, Wake Electric has signed 20-year contracts for over 100 million kWh per year of NC solar renewable energy certificates (RECs) or the equivalent of more than 15,000 residential scale rooftop installations.

While Wake Electric has contracted with more than 25 large solar farms across eastern NC, none are directly connected to Wake Electric’s distribution system.

This is the same approach primarily used by companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon in meeting their sustainability goals. Of course, the difference for us in that our compliance is not optional but is required by state law.

While Wake Electric has 10 percent of your energy use covered with renewables (primarily solar RECs), a number of members have asked how they might cover some or all of the other 90 percent.

 

This Rider is available on a voluntary basis in conjunction with any of the Cooperative’s Schedules for a Consumer who requests that the Cooperative purchase and retire additional solar renewable energy certificates on their behalf. This Rider is not for temporary service or for resale service. The provisions of the Schedule with which this Rider is used are modified only as shown herein. Service rendered under this Rider is subject to the provisions of the Cooperative’s Service Rules and Regulations on file with the state regulatory commission.

A Solar Renewable Energy Certificate represents only the solar renewable attributes associated with 1,000 kWh of electricity, not the actual electricity. The solar RECs requested for purchase and retirement are in addition to solar RECs that Wake Electric may purchase and retire in order to comply with the NC Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.

In addition to all other charges stated in the Monthly Rate of the Schedule with which this Rider is used, the following charge shall apply to additional voluntary solar renewable energy certificates requested by the Consumer:

$ 10.00 contribution toward the purchase of Solar Renewable Energy Certificate(s) or Solar REC(s) (equal to 1,000 kWh)

These Solar RECs will be purchased and retired on behalf of the consumer by Wake Electric or Wake Electric’s agent/broker or contractor. The purchase of REC’s through Wake Electric Membership Corporation are not tax deductible. This Rider’s Monthly Rate shall be applied to Consumer’s billing regardless of Consumer’s actual monthly kilowatt-hour consumption. While taking service under this Rider, the Consumer may change the amount requested or be removed from the program by notifying the Cooperative in advance of next bill date.

A Solar Renewable Energy Certificate represents only the solar renewable attributes associated with 1,000 kWh of electricity, not the actual electricity. The solar RECs requested for purchase and retirement are in addition to solar RECs that Wake Electric may purchase and retire in order to comply with the NC Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.