Electricity Providers And Carbon-Neutral Electricity In Singapore

Just like other parts of the world, Singapore is experiencing climate change, and by extension, global warming on a massive scale. This is due to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases building up in the atmosphere over a period of time. It is a sign of impending danger as global warming has been shown to increase the frequency of cold waves and heat waves, and intensified cyclones and storms.

Through the reduction of carbon emissions into the atmosphere, this problem can be addressed. This is perhaps one of the major reasons why some electricity providers in Singapore are offering carbon-neutral electricity as part of their plan.

Am I even contributing to carbon emissions?

Yes. Electricity consumption is one of the leading cause of carbon emission. Using the water heater, air-conditioning system, washing machine, even down to your smartphones utilises electricity. Other activities such as taking the MRT and buses to travel between places and the food you are eating (i.e. the cooking process, ingredient transportation journey) uses fuels.

The generation of fuel and electricity produces carbon related products which contributes to climate change. Therefore, your consumption indirectly affects the ecosystem. Imagine this multiplied by the millions of people in Singapore. There needs to be an easier way for you to consciously and actively save the earth and the environment around you.

Aside from using less electricity and practicing the 3Rs of reuse, reduce, recycle, the option of buying carbon credits and subscribing to a carbon-neutral electricity plan is one helpful method.

Carbon….what?

Carbon credits are tradable certificates which could be used for projects that aims to reduce carbon pollution. It is a monetised measure that allows anyone to measure their carbon footprint and pay that back to offset the excess pollution of carbon we experience now. This is usually through funding of a more energy-efficient facility, supporting a new infrastructure that reduces carbon emission or even help communities transition between “bad” energy sources (e.g. coals and fossil fuels) to greener ones like solar energy.

Purchasing a carbon-neutral electricity plan from an electricity provider is a mean of obtaining carbon credits to drive a proactive emission-reduction programme. Usually what happens is that once you subscribe to such plans, your electricity retailer will gather the amount of carbon you emitted – calculated through your electricity consumption – and carbon credits will be bought and retired by your provider on behalf of you. It creates a fair balance in which you purchase and pay for carbon credits which are proportional to the amount of electricity you consume.

There might be some extra cost attached in engaging such plans, such as the carbon credits cost itself, but it is a worthwhile and small investment to heal the earth and a better future. For example, buying carbon credits with Geneco (by Seraya Energy) only costs S$0.005 for every kWh. To be transparent, Geneco displays the cost on your electricity bill.

Start to reduce your carbon footprint today by exploring sustainable options by a local electricity supplier.