Use your electricity bill to fund carbon offsets
Use your electricity bill to fund carbon offsets
Lend support to conservation and environmental projects throughout Texas with Reliant EcoShareSM.
When you sign up for the EcoShare program, a small charge will be added to your electricity bill each month. A portion of that charge will go to EarthShare of Texas, and a portion will go toward purchasing carbon offsets.1
You don’t have to change your electricity plan to participate. Your EcoShare amount, either $5.95 or $3.95 per month, will simply be added to your monthly bill. EcoShare participants have helped raise more than a million dollars to help EarthShare of Texas support dozens of local environmental groups.
To find out more, call 1-866-RELIANT
Choose from two levels of participation
Both EcoShare levels offer you a simple, flexible way to contribute to the environment.
|
EcoShare Gold |
EcoShare Silver |
|
|
Monthly amount on your Reliant bill |
$5.95 |
$3.95 |
|
EarthShare Texas donation per month |
$2 |
$1 |
|
Number of carbon offsets purchased |
1,000 lbs. |
500 lbs. |
Remember, your electricity plan stays the same and you can cancel EcoShare participation at any time.
How big is my carbon footprint?
A typical U.S. household has a carbon footprint of 48 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year. Sources of emissions include the type of food you consume, transportation and residential power use.2
Who is EarthShare of Texas?
EarthShare of Texas provides funding to more than 30 environmental and conservation-focused charities active in Texas, such as the Children’s Environmental Health Institute, the Clean Water Fund of Texas and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation. When you donate to EarthShare of Texas, your funds are allocated to a wide array of environmental causes, all of which are vetted according to strict eligibility criteria. EarthShare of Texas reviews all member charities annually to ensure they continue to operate ethically and responsibly.
What is a carbon offset?
A carbon offset refers to a reduction in greenhouse emissions - or an increase in carbon storage (e.g., through land restoration or the planting of trees) - that is used to compensate for emissions that occur elsewhere.3
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint measures the amount of CO2 emissions produced, directly or indirectly, by households, businesses or other activities.
EcoShare Fast Facts
EarthShare of Texas – This organization provides funding to more than 30 environmental organizations active in Texas, such as the Children’s Environmental Health Institute, Clean Water Fund of Texas and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation. Other organizations can be found on the EarthShare of Texas website.
Where your money goes – Reliant pays for the program’s administrative costs to ensure that 100% of the $1 or $2 donation, depending on your participation level, is distributed across the EarthShare of Texas member organizations to support environmental efforts in Texas.
Tracking your carbon offsets – You will receive communications on the EcoShare program as well as an annual program summary that includes how much carbon was offset on your behalf. The portion of your money that goes to EarthShare will be allocated to EarthShare member charities, which have all been vetted to ensure outstanding quality. A list of member charities can be found at the EarthShare of Texas website.
Reliant EcoShare contributions are not tax deductible. If you have additional tax inquiries, consult your tax advisor.
Terms, conditions and other restrictions
1Participation in the Reliant EcoShare Program at either the Gold or Silver level is optional and will not impact your agreement to purchase electricity service from Reliant. Choose your level of participation and cancel at any time. You do not have to change your current electricity plan. Only available to customers in Texas. Reliant Pay as you Go customers are not eligible for the Reliant EcoShare Program.
2 According to EarthShare of Texas audit reports
3 source: http://www.offsetguide.org