The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has released its annual ranking of the top 10 green power utility programs.

Categories include: Total number of participants, participation rate, total green power sales to program participants and the lowest price premium charged for using renewable resources.

These green power options for utility customers may be stimulating growth in the renewable energy sector. In 2005, utilities’ green power sales increased 30 percent from the previous year. Nationwide, about 500,000 people are taking advantage of these programs. That’s a 10 percent increase from 2005. Blair Swezey, an analyst at NREL, told Renewable Energy Access: "Higher prices for conventional energy sources, as well as increasing environmental concerns, are focusing greater attention on renewable energy options."

Austin Energy has the highest sales of its green power program, which includes wind power and landfill gas. Austin Energy also charges the lowest premium for new, customer-driven green power. Xcel Energy has the largest number of customers participating, and the City of Palo Alto Utilities has the highest participation rate.

See all the rankings and results here.

Renewable Energy Access
U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy