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Public interest in the environmental impacts of consumer products and services has grown steadily in Canada over the last decade. More recently, several provinces have begun to deregulate their electricity markets, creating expanded consumer choice for this important commodity. Many electricity consumers have indicated their willingness to purchase power from a more environmentally sustainable source, even at a premium price. With this marketplace demand and increasing competition, it is more important than ever to have a clear understanding of what is meant by an "environmentally sound source of electricity" — commonly called "Green Power."

The main objective of this document is to provide information about issues surrounding the definition of Green Power. It:

• reviews current definitions of Green Power under various "eco-labeling" schemes and identifies similarities and differences among them;
• identifies characteristics of Green Power;
• defines the Pembina Institute Green Power criteria; and
• provides examples of power sources that have the potential to meet Green Power criteria and examples of generation that are not likely to meet the criteria.