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How renewable energy credits (RECs) work

Written by Jackie Whetzel/

Edited by Caitlin Ritchie

Last updated 05/12/2022

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Key Points

  • A renewable energy credit, also known as a renewable energy certificate or an REC, is a credit given to a source that generates renewable energy
  • A REC can only be sold once, each REC also notes the type of renewable energy and its location before it’s recorded
  • Purchasing RECs ensures that your community is reducing its carbon footprints and financially supporting the growing renewable energy market

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