Gary Skulnik hopes his company?s new program will blow a breeze of clean wind energy through homes in the Baltimore area and turn communities green.
Skulnik, president of Clean Currents, a Rockville-based broker of green energy, plans to launch a program in several weeks to allow homeowners to switch to clean wind power.
While green energy is available to customers in the region through Washington Gas Energy Services, Skulnik said Clean Currents looks to partner with community groups and local organizations as affiliates, and offer members a discount on the clean energy.
The company has helped more than 70 businesses in the region make the switch, including seven businesses in Hampden last month.
“We?re trying to create a community ? it?s not something where you sign up for clean energy and go home,” he said. “It?s more of a sense that we?re doing this together.”
Skulnik said the average customer would pay about 10 percent more on his or her electric bill for the first year, but the rate would remain locked in for the two- or three-year contract ? a net savings for Baltimore Gas & Electric customers who have seen rates increase 70 percent in two years.
“That sounds like a reasonable green-power markup that we?ve been seeing,” said David Cronin, assistant director of the Maryland Energy Administration.
Cronin said the state has created grants for homeowners using solar power: $3,000 for those using photovoltaic cells and $2,000 for those using solar water systems. But he said no similar program exists for wind energy users.
Still, a pilot program bringing green energy to the Old Catonsville Neighborhood Association earlier this summer included300 households, much greater than the 100 Skulnik said he expected.
Skulnik said final details of the program are still in the works.
Clean Currents? community-based approach will go up against other companies offering clean energy, a market that has expanded in recent years with greater public awareness of global warming.
“We?ve seen an increase in consumers making those green choices,” said Kimberly August, director of regulatory and external affairs for Washington Gas Energy Services. “It?s gaining momentum because of different media being put out. People are becoming more concerned with making sure they?re doing their part.”
If you participate
» What: Clean Currents, a Rockville-based clean energy broker, will launch a program allowing private homeowners to switch their electricity generation to wind power.
» When: The program is expected to launch in the next few weeks.
» Benefits: Locking in rates for a two or three-year period could provide cost savings as regular utility rates climb; lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
» For more info: Contact Clean Currents at (301) 754-0430 or at www.cleancurrents.com
