IGS Energy to bring carbon-neutral energy to 1 million customers

Inspired by calls from customers and businesses alike, IGS Energy has expanded carbon-neutral offerings to its more than 1 million customers. 

The Dublin company says the first phase of this plan involves providing 100% renewable electricity and carbon-neutral gas to all new residential customers, and to offer carbon-neutral options for commercial customers. CEO Scott White said this could promote the development of more renewable energy generation. 

"We realize it's becoming more practical to buy and source renewable energy," White said. "As more of it becomes available, we want to play a part in stimulating that, and as an independent retail supplier, we can productize it."

Jen Bowden, vice president of brand, social impact and culture initiatives for IGS, said the company has been headed in this direction for several years, starting with a solar division.

"Consumers have an expectation on their mind and are energy conscious," Bowden said. "So, we are being proactive about making positive change."

IGS has adopted the tenets of the Conscious Capitalism movement, and so it's committed $1.2 million over two years for nonprofit organizations that build an awareness of energy-related environmental challenges and boost access to renewable energy.

Consumer interest backs the decision, White said. A 2018 Consumer Reports survey found 76% of customers said increasing renewable energy is a worthwhile goal, and 61% would like to see their utility spend more on efficiency instead of building power plants. About half said they would pay $5 a month more for energy from renewable sources. Meanwhile, commercial users are demanding it. Amazon, Google, Facebook and other big tech companies have committed to renewable energy and have pushed for renewable-friendly policies in Ohio and elsewhere. Many other smaller companies have followed the lead. "This is where the world is going," Bowden said. "We can go into this dragging our head, or we can embrace it."

Tristan Navera
Staff reporter
Columbus Business First

Original article: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/08/19/igs-to-bring-carbon-neutral-energy-to-1-million-cu.html