AARP Florida Celebrates Clean Energy in Honor of Earth Day

Posted on 04/22/22 by Jamie Champion Mongiovi

Friday, April 22, is Earth Day and this year’s theme is, “Invest in Our Planet.” As we do often, AARP Florida encourages everyone to do their part to protect our planet.

As individuals, there are several investments, big and small, that we can make – one of them is to invest in more sustainable, cleaner energy sources.

Clean energy is sustainable energy that comes from renewable, naturally replenished resources. There are many types of clean energy sources:

  • Wind, created by turbines
  • Hydropower, created by flowing water
  • Geothermal, created by using heat from within the earth
  • Solar, created by harnessing sunshine to create energy

The use of clean, renewable energy offers numerous environmental benefits, such as reducing harmful air pollutants, and it paves the way for a greener future. Unlike fossil fuels, which produce large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, clean energy produces little to no emissions.

In addition to benefits to the environment, clean energy also offers economic benefits. Solar and wind energy jobs are becoming more prominent. According to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), solar and wind energy jobs outnumbered coal and gas jobs in more than 30 states at the end of 2019, with clean energy comprising more than 40% of America’s energy workers. Additionally, government policies such as the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offer discounts to home and business owners who want to install solar panels.

There is no better place than the Sunshine State to learn about the benefits of solar energy.

AARP Florida supports the clean energy initiatives of Duke Energy, a company dedicated to the growth of solar in Florida. Their new Clean Energy Connection program offers Duke Energy Florida residents and businesses an easy way to participate in solar energy regardless of whether they rent or own their home, with no panels to install.

Learn more about the Clean Energy Connection program on their webpage.

Clean Energy Connection: Here’s How It Works

Clean Energy Connection Infographic.JPG

In addition, you may be eligible for the Income-Qualified Clean Energy Connection program. Eligible customers typically participate in one of the following government programs:

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Medicaid
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • SNAP-EBT
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the AARP Florida page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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