Electricity from many generators mixes on a shared grid. Renewable energy certificates and similar instruments track certain environmental attributes of renewable generation within their respective systems. Buying or retiring those attributes is different from receiving electricity through a dedicated line from one wind turbine or solar array.
Ask what the claim covers
The relevant scheme may specify generation type, location, vintage and rules against double counting. The same renewable attribute should not be claimed by multiple buyers. A supplier's green offer should explain what is purchased or retired on the customer's behalf and which verification process applies. Terminology differs across markets.
Separate annual matching from hourly supply
Matching annual consumption with renewable attributes does not establish that every hour's consumption was physically supplied by renewable generation. More time-specific matching makes a different claim and requires different evidence. Neither distinction should be hidden behind a simple label. Readers need to know the boundary and period of the assertion.
Consider the purpose of the purchase
Some customers seek a documented procurement claim; others want to support additional generation or a particular local project. These goals may require different arrangements. Ask how the offer relates to new investment and what evidence supports that explanation. Certificates can be part of a legitimate accounting system, but they should be described accurately. A clear claim says what has been matched, where and when, without implying that the shared grid has become a set of individually traceable streams flowing directly to each customer's socket.
