The City of Aurora, Ill., has launched a “Green Power Challenge” to encourage local residents and businesses to choose green power for their electricity needs. In this case, green power is defined as that which is generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, biogas, or low-impact hydro—for their electricity needs. The challenge will last six months.

As part of the program, the city has made a commitment to purchase at least three percent of its annual electricity consumption in green power. The ultimate goal is to have Aurora recognized by the EPA as a Green Power Community, which is a city or town where local governments, businesses, and residents collectively purchase green power in amounts that meet or exceed the EPA’s purchasing.

For Aurora to become a Green Power Community, at least 2,600 households in the city have to commit to voluntarily purchasing green power. In addition, local businesses can also elect to buy it. A special website, gogreenaurora.com, has been developed for the six-month challenge.