Question Thread for Mike Jackson, CEO of Village Green Energy

For our third interview, we've got Mike Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Village Green Energy.  Village Green offers renewable energy certificates so no matter where you live, you can make the choice to support renewable energy.

About Village Green Energy...

Village Green believes that by developing renewable energy, improving existing power generating methods, and improving overall energy efficiency, the global community can achieve higher living standards without destroying our environment.   We believe that when people are given the choice and the opportunity to act, they choose products and lifestyles to minimize their impact on the environment.  Village Green was created in 2006 to give people that choice. Since then we have helped businesses in a range of sectors - as well as households from around the country - make the switch to renewable energy.

What have you always wanted to know about renewable energy credits?  Now is your chance to ask.

Things to remember:

• Make sure to write only 1 question per post (but feel free to ask as many questions as you like)
• Check back to vote on the questions you'd most like to have answered by Mike (use the "Rate Post" thumb up to vote)

On Friday of this week, we'll send the best 10 over to Mike and post his answers ASAP. Then, you'll have the chance to talk with him in the forums with follow-ups.

Check out the Interview Guidelines for a bit more help if you need it. Good luck - may the best questions win!

Which states currently use a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) system, or something equivalent?

Do you know if the purchases of RECs by individuals through companies like Village Green Energy has resulted in the construction of new renewable energy plants?  In other words, has your company been successful so far, and if so, do you have any statistics to quantify its success?

Why should a person buy your Renewable Energy Certificates vs purchasing Stocks or ETFs for Renewable Energy Businesses?

Are you Green-e certified?  I wouldn't buy RECs unless they have the Green-e seal of approval.

To answer matress' question: With stocks, you run a huge risk of "loosing your money" if the company crashes (or the market).  Your gambling on the right comany in their respective market.   What happened to Enron?

 RECs are a product you purchase that is certified as an offset.  You know where the money goes with RECs and it can be argued that that money creates fewer GHGs than on-site solar.

What certification programs or labels exist for RECs and carbon offsets?  How do they differ?  Which ones actually mean something and which ones are hooey?

Jihad, with stocks you do run the risk of losing your money (that's why you should diversify, only Enron went out of business, not all energy companies), but with RECs you never get your money back either... or do you?

Both are ways to put money into green energy, why should I donate when I can invest and possibly get a return on it?

What's the difference between your RECs and the RECs you get from other folks?

I know in the REC and carbon offset world, "additionality" is an important thing.  However, it's somewhat of a fuzzy concept to me.  How does it work and how is it measured?  Thanks!