Energy

ENERGY OPTIONS

Powering Granville

Energy powers many aspects of our lives, from heating and cooling our homes to running the devices we rely on every day. In Granville, most of our energy comes from two main sources: electricity and natural gas. As we work toward a sustainable, climate-resilient future, understanding the sources and human health and environmental impacts, helps us make smarter choices. Learn more about our energy options and why transitioning toward cleaner, greener more efficient energy sources matters.

Sunrise on Loudon Street | Photo by Susan King

UNDERSTANDING OUR ENERGY SOURCES

Gas & Electric in Granville

Natural Gas

Natural gas is commonly used for heating, cooking, and water heating. While natural gas burns cleaner than coal or oil, it has significant greenhouse gas emissions and can pose health risks when used indoors. Natural gas extraction, particularly through fracking, uses large amounts of water and chemicals and can lead to contamination and habitat loss, while pipelines and transport create additional risks for ecosystems and wildlife. Reducing natural gas use and transitioning to cleaner alternatives protects both the environment and our health.

Electricity

Electricity powers almost everything in our homes and businesses, including lights, appliances and electronics. In Granville, most electricity comes from the regional grid, which includes a mix of mostly non-renewable sources (coal & natural gas). By using electricity efficiently, investing in renewable energy or opting into Granville's Green Electric Aggregation program residents can lower energy costs while reducing pollution and helping our community meet its climate goals.

Granville Green Electric Aggregation

Learn more

THE REAL COST OF NATURAL GAS

Key Climate & Environmental Concerns

The downsides of using natural gas are significant. It contributes to climate change through carbon dioxide emissions and methane leaks. It also produces air pollution that can worsen health issues like asthma. Fracking and the disposal of its wastewater can harm the environment. Natural gas extraction can also strain local water supplies. On top of that, natural gas is a non-renewable, finite energy source.

AIR POLLUTION

Burning natural gas releases carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides & other pollutants. Methane leaks during extraction and transport are 28 times more potent than CO₂ in trapping heat.

HABITAT LOSS

Drilling sites, pipelines, and natural gas-related infrastructure disturb land, fragment habitat, and disrupt local ecosystems for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife.

FRACKING

The extraction process uses large amounts of water and chemicals and can contaminate groundwater, strain water supplies, and trigger seismic activity through wastewater injection.

WASTEWATER

Fracking creates radioactive wastewater. Deep-well injection of fracking wastewater can trigger earthquakes, while using it as brine on roads can introduce toxic chemicals into nearby soil and water.

INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
Health Risks from Gas Stoves

Gas appliances can release nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants, potentially worsening asthma and other respiratory issues for occupants. If a kitchen isn’t well-ventilated, benzene, nitrogen dioxide, and other VOCs can build up to levels that pose health risks. In addition, carbon monoxide, a deadly gas, can be produced by natural gas powered appliances when they are not functioning properly.

When it comes time to replace your gas stove, consider electric induction stoves powered by Granville's Green Electric Aggregation program.

UNDERSTANDING "RENEWABLE" GAS
Granville Gas Aggregation

Confused about "renewable" gas? You're not alone! Here’s the scoop: When people do things like drive gas-powered cars, fly on planes, operate factories, or run their home’s natural gas appliances, this releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air. This gas traps heat and causes climate change. As people and companies work to reduce their direct emissions, they can concurrently purchase Carbon Offsets (or credits) as a way to make up for releasing this CO2 into the air. This means you give money to a project somewhere else in the world that helps take that same amount of CO2 out of the air or prevents it from being released.

Examples of carbon offset projects include:

Planting trees (trees absorb CO2)
Building wind or solar power (to replace energy from polluting power plants)
Helping factories or cities use cleaner technology

Granville’s “renewable gas” aggregation program, despite using an unfortunately confusing name, effectively funds enough of these offset activities to make up for the emissions coming from our collective natural gas use. You may wonder “are these offsets real?” The short answer is, yes. Granville’s Gold Standard, third party verified offsets (or credits), are among the most credible available. Furthermore, Gold Standard projects adhere to the principles of "additionality" (demonstrating that the project would not have happened without the carbon offset scheme) and transparency (ensuring that the emission reductions are real and verifiable).

So, as you work to reduce your direct emissions by reducing energy use, purchasing renewable electricity from Granville’s renewable electricity program, transitioning to an electric vehicle, electrifying your appliances, etc., you can participate in the “renewable gas” program. If you live in the Granville Village, unless you actively opted out, you are already enrolled in this program (along with 97% of your neighbors). If you did opt out, consider opting back in.

If you would like to explore more about the projects being funded through Granville’s program, take a look at Taishan Geothermal and Maharashtra Solar .

CONSIDERING SOLAR FOR YOUR HOME BUT UNSURE WHERE TO START?
Free Solar Consultation

CONSIDERING SOLAR BUT UNSURE WHERE TO START?
Go Green Granville
Solar Consultation

Have questions about how to utilize solar at your home? Go Green Granville volunteer Richard Downs can help. Richard has 45 years of experience in construction, specializing in energy-efficient infrastructure and 12 years of experience as a certified solar electric designer. As a longtime Granville resident, former co-chair of the Granville Solar Co-op and one of Licking County's most knowledgeable and experienced solar experts, Richard is available to answer your questions, review proposals and guide you through the solar installation process.

REQUEST FREE CONSULT

ACT FAST TO SAVE 30% ON CLEAN ENERGY INVESTMENTS FOR YOUR HOME
Take Advantage Of Tax Incentives

CLEAN ENERGY

30% Federal Tax credit on residential clean energy systems: solar, geothermal, wind, and battery storage

HEAT PUMPS

30% Federal Tax credit up to $2,000 annually for installation of air-sourced heat pumps, biomass furnaces, and heat pump water heaters

ENERGY UPGRADES

30% Federal Tax Credit up to $1,200 per year for energy-efficiency upgrades

EV CHARGING STATION

30% Federal Tax credit up to $1,000 for installation of a home electric vehicle charging station

Act Fast: Most Federal Energy Tax Credits Expire December 31, 2025!

NATURAL GAS IN GRANVILLE
Frequently Asked Questions

How do I source renewable energy for my home?

Electric: Both the Village of Granville and Granville Township have Community Electric Aggregation Programs where you can "OPT-IN" to a 100% renewable electric option. Learn more about Renewable Electric Aggregation.

Gas: If you live in the Village, unless you actively opted out, you are already enrolled in the renewable gas program (see info above). If you did opt out, consider opting back in.

Ohio has a deregulated retail energy market that allows consumers to shop for their electricity and natural gas suppliers. This means that you can choose where your electricity and gas comes from and the amount of renewable energy it contains. Energy Choice Ohio maintains an up-to-date tool that allows you to compare energy suppliers and rates.

Are gas stoves really a concern?

Yes. Gas appliances can release nitrogen dioxide, benzene, and other pollutants that can worsen asthma and affect indoor air quality—especially without good ventilation. Switching to electric induction can reduce these risks.

Is an electric induction stove "greener" than a gas stove?

Yes! Plus induction cooking is faster, safer, and more energy-efficient. It doesn’t emit pollutants into your home, and many residents find the cooking performance superior once they try it.

Is it really better to electrify my home?

Yes! Using low-carbon or carbon-free electricity for heating, cooking, and appliances greatly reduces your household’s carbon emissions and climate impact. Our friends at Electrify Central Ohio provides tools and peer support to help you plan upgrades and choose the right equipment.

I have questions about moving from gas to electric. Who can I consult?

Electrify Central Ohio offers contractor referrals, cost guides, and product recommendations to support residents who want to make their homes cleaner, greener and more efficient.

Is fracking wastewater and brine used on roads around Granville?

The oil and gas industry produces large volumes of wastewater that contain radioactive elements, heavy metals, and “forever chemicals.” In some cases this waste, commonly called "brine" is spread on roads for dust suppression and de‑icing, or injected deep underground.

According to the Buckeye Environmental Network's analysis of ODNR records, Licking County has used 72,824 + barrels of brine on its roadways

These practices can threaten drinking water, soil integrity, and surrounding ecosystems. Learn more about the disposal issues and legislation here.

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