Consumers need full access to appropriate information for competitive markets to work properly. Environmental disclosure laws require electric utilities to disclose information regarding the source of the electricity they provide to their customers. Usually, these laws require that utilities disclose exactly how much of the electricity they distribute is produced from oil, coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro-power, renewable and/or other sources of energy. Some of the laws also require disclosure of the environmental impacts of the energy mix – in particular, the associated emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and mercury. The information is required to be presented in a clear and easy to understand manner so that customers can easily identify the source of the electricity they are consuming.

Disclosure programs help these customers make a direct correlation between their consumption habits and the negative environmental and human health impacts associated with fossil fuel combustion. This, in turn, makes it more likely that customers will support policies that promote efficiency and renewables, and that they will promote these technologies directly by improving efficiency and choosing cleaner electricity products. As the consumer-driven demand for renewable electricity rises, energy companies will see the economic advantages to increasing renewable energy production.
 

---

 

---

Over twenty states have some form of environmental disclosure law. These states have realized the value in promoting consumer education and increasing consumer choice. For a comprehensive summary of state fuel mix disclosure laws visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) at http://www.dsireusa.org/

SERC’s website offers the tools necessary for you to introduce and pass legislation to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy through the implementation of Environmental Disclosure in your state. Such tools include a sample bill, talking points, press clips, a fact pack, research, and other background information.