Renewable Energy
I-937 fact sheets, Feb. 2015
I-937 is working I-937 post 2020
Read MoreClean Energy Choice Act builds on I-937 success
State Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma) has introduced HB 2073 to enhance the consumer and health benefits of Washington’s new renewables and energy efficiency law, Initiative 937. Fey’s Clean Energy Choice Act provides a framework for discussion of new resource development after 2020, when I-937’s new renewables standard plateaus at 15 percent.
Read MoreAWEA blog: How wind energy helps keep the lights on despite variable winds
The American Wind Energy Association explains how wind energy can reliably meet a large portion of our nation’s energy needs: (1) More wind turbines means less power production variability; (2) changes in wind are more predictable than abrupt failures at conventional power plants; (3) there is a lot of untapped wind potential; and (4) grid operators are already prepared with back up power if necessary.
Read MoreClimate Solutions blog: Protecting Washington's clean energy commitment
The vision laid out in a new, comprehensive approach to reforming I-937, called the Clean Energy Choice Act (HB 2073), addresses the needs of utilities to serve load at low costs while ensuring that every time a fossil fuel contract comes due, it is replaced by clean energy. Megawatt by megawatt, the Clean Energy Choice Act will transition our fossil-powered grid to one served by renewable energy. This legislation deserves a hearing and vote, and should be the starting point for any post-2020 proposal going forward.
Read MoreWebinar on utility-scale wind and natural gas peaking plants this Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m. PST
As part of developing the region’s 7th Power Plan, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s power committee is holding a webinar on specific generation resources tomorrow — Thursday, Jan. 29 — from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Pacific time. The posted agenda items are (1) assessment of natural gas natural gas peaking plants (single-cycle combustion turbines or SCCTs and reciprocating engines) and (2) assessment of onshore utility-scale wind.
Read More7th Power and Conservation Plan vehicle to clean energy future
Every five years, the region’s official power planning agency prepares an updated 20-year forecast of the Northwest’s electric power needs and a plan for how those needs should be met. The forthcoming 7th Plan will help us raise the bar higher, capitalize on our region’s clean energy success and set us on the course to a cleaner, more affordable and wildlife-friendly future. We need all hands on deck … starting now!
Read MoreHuffington Post blog: 6 reasons 2014 was a good year for climate action
There are many reasons to be joyous about clean energy advancements in 2014. The cost of solar and wind energy continues to fall, utilities are investing in energy storage and electric vehicle charging, Chinese coal demand is falling, sustainable investing is on the rise, and businesses are more vocal than ever on the need for climate action.
Read MoreThe Columbian article: All-renewable energy eyed for Boeing plant
Boeing has announced it will assemble its 737 airplanes with renewable energy. The company will buy renewable energy credits from Puget Sound Energy for wind power produced at the Wild Horse Wind and Solar facility. NWEC communications director Marc Krasnowsky says, “They’re basically turning their fossil power green, and that’s laudable.”
Read MoreOregonian guest opinion: How wind power helps rural Oregon
Erin Hansell-Heideman of Ione, Oregon explains how renewable energy development is an economic boon for rural communities. Wind farms generate clean electricity, create thousands of rural jobs and accrue millions of dollars in revenue for schools. Hansel-Heidman says, “By harvesting Oregon’s abundant wind resources we are opening up opportunities for rural communities and other family farms throughout the state.”
Read MoreIdaho Statesman article: PUC approves two projects on Idaho Power grid
Solar power is a real deal right now and Idaho Power got state approval for two sales contracts with developers. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission approved the two contracts Friday for the two projects – one in Kuna and a second in Grand View – that would produce 120 megawatts, enough power to serve 83,000 average-sized homes. The projects are scheduled to be completed in 2016.
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