According to the analysis of utility green power programs, released by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), more than 850 utilities across the United States now offer green power programs. Green power sales in 2008 increased by about 20 percent over 2007, and they represent more than 5 percent of total electricity sales for some of the most popular programs. Wind is the primary source of electricity generated for green energy programs nationwide.

Ranked by renewable energy sales in terms of kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, the green power program of Austin Energy in Texas is first in the nation. Rounding out the top five are Portland General Electric in Oregon, PacifiCorp also in Oregon and five other states, Xcel Energy in Minnesota and seven other states, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District in California.

In 2008, total utility green power sales exceeded 5 billion kWh, about a 20% increase over 2007. More than 600,000 customers are participating in utility programs nationwide.

By Vasil Sidorov on April 21, 2009 after RenewableEnergyWorld.com