Effective October 1st, 2001 the District’s Commission approved Rate Schedule 90, which began the District’s Green Power Program.  This program makes it possible for District customers to voluntarily choose renewable energy resources for all or part of the energy they use in their homes and businesses.  These customers support the development and operation of renewable energy generation projects though the purchase of blocks of renewable energy.  Each block is equivalent to a 100 kWh (kilowatt hour) purchase. Currently, each 100 kWh block is priced at $3.00.  This amount is in addition to the normal cost of electricity, per your current rate schedule.

The District’s participation in the “Nine Canyon Wind” project near Kennewick, Washington is one example of a renewable resource that is supported by the Green Power Program.  Construction on this project is complete, and commercial operation began on September 25, 2002.  The project includes 37 “Bonus” wind turbines with an aggregated capacity of 48 MW (megawatts).  The District’s share of this resource is 6 MW or roughly 12% of the project’s gross output.

Many people have already signed up as Green Power customers, and many more have called to ask questions. A few of the most commonly asked questions follow.