Submitted by Puget Sound Energy
Puget Sound Energy and the city of Tumwater are teaming up to challenge local residents and businesses to become the greenest town in the Puget Sound through the “Take Charge Green Power Challenge.” If 100 PSE electric customers in Tumwater enroll in PSE’s Green Power Program in 2013, the energy company will provide the city with a $20,000 grant to fund a community solar photovoltaic project.
The Take Charge Green Power Challenge is a combined effort between PSE, the cities of Tumwater, Snoqualmie, Kirkland, Anacortes and Bainbridge Island, as well as local businesses and residents. The aim is to increase the development of electricity generated from renewable energy sources in the region.
“The city of Tumwater is excited to participate in the multi-city Take Charge Green Power Challenge,” said Tumwater Mayor Pete Kmet. “We would like to congratulate our neighboring cities, Olympia and Lacey, for their successful challenge in 2011. I’m optimistic that the residents and businesses of Tumwater will also rise to the occasion by purchasing green power to help our community reduce greenhouse gas emissions and win a solar grant, too.”
Currently, more than 450 PSE customers in Tumwater participate in the Green Power Program. When the challenge goal of reaching 550 participating customers is achieved, PSE will provide $20,000 toward a community solar project in Tumwater. Each participating city that meets its individual challenge goal will be awarded a $20,000 grant to go toward a community solar project in their city. Each city will determine where its project will be located and how it will be implemented.
The city with the highest percentage increase in new Green Power Program participants compared to other cities will be dubbed the “Greenest town in the Puget Sound” and awarded an additional $20,000 to go towards their city’s solar project.
In addition to helping their city earn a solar project, customers who enroll in PSE’s Green Power Program from February 21 through September 30 will be automatically entered to win a solar panel system valued at $10,000 for their own home. Existing Green Power customers can enter for a chance to win by upgrading to 100 percent participation. Customers who already participate at 100 percent will be automatically entered to win.
PSE’s voluntary Green Power Program gives PSE electric customers a way to guarantee that some or all of the energy they use is matched in the electric grid with clean electricity from wind, solar, biogas and other renewable energy sources from the West. None of the renewable energy in PSE’s Green Power Program is generated by PSE; it all comes from independent producers of renewable power.
With two participation options, PSE residential customers can purchase 100 percent green power for approximately $10 to $12 a month based on their actual usage or buy a specific amount, with a minimum purchase of $4 per month for 320 kilowatt hours (kWh). Additional green power can be bought in increments of $2 for 160 kWh. Business customers can also participate at rates specific to their situation.
For more information about the Take Charge Green Power Challenge, or to sign up for PSE’s Green Power Program visit PSE.com/GPChallenge or call a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
