Voluntary Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Markets
Voluntary markets, also referred to as green energy markets, are driven by consumer preference. Voluntary markets allow a consumer to choose to do more than policy decisions require and reduce the environmental impact of their electricity use. Voluntary green power products must offer a significant benefit and value to buyers to be successful. Benefits can include zero anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, pollution reductions, brand development opportunities, and energy price stability, to name a few.
Voluntary markets help develop nationwide renewable energy capacity that exceeds what mandatory markets contribute alone. Ensuring that voluntary markets are separate from and in addition to mandatory markets helps reduce the environmental impact of electricity generation.