October 28, 2002—The amount of “green power” purchased by retail customers in the Northwest more than tripled since 2001, according to a report released by the Renewable Northwest Project (RNP).
Throughout the Northwest, in markets both urban and rural, twenty-three utilities are offering customers a choice of an environmentally preferred power source—wind power, solar power, landfill gas power, or low-impact hydropower.
The report cites several reasons for the growth. For instance, new state legislation enacted in Washington and Oregon has significantly increased the number of green power programs and options being offered in each state. Also, increased general awareness of the benefits of buying green power and more sophisticated marketing techniques have contributed to higher sales and customer participation.
The report also includes:
- Discussion of the effect of recent legislation on retail green power programs; the importance of investing in renewable energy; the elements of green pricing programs; green power marketing strategies; and lessons learned from established programs.
- An “at-a-glance” profile of each program—the offering, price, and marketing strategies.
- A “snapshot” comparison of program products, prices, residential participation rates, and average monthly sales.
- Resources for learning more about green power programs.
For more information, look for the report—called “Powerful Choices”—on the RNP Web site.
