Renewable Energy Q&A

What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is electricity that is produced from sources that replenish themselves naturally. This includes wind, sunlight (solar), landfill and agricultural waste (biomass), and the heat of the earth (geothermal). These renewable sources of electricity have less impact on the environment than traditional methods of electricity generation, which includes burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. Natural gas and coal, for example, are not renewables because their use consumes gas and coal reserves at a much quicker rate than they are replenished.

Why is renewable energy important?
Renewable energy has a much lower impact on the environment than traditional methods of electricity generation. It produces lower levels of air pollutants, wastewater, smog and acid rain, and it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By purchasing renewable energy, you can help protect the environment by offsetting the need for more fossil fuel generation. In addition, renewable energy can help reduce our nation’s reliance on fossil fuels.

What are the most common renewable energy sources?
Wind – Electricity is generated when the wind blows strong enough to spin turbines (windmills) mounted on tall towers. Wind is now the fastest-growing renewable energy resource in the world, and it is pollution free. Wind-generated electricity does not create smog, acid rain or other forms of air and water pollution. Wind power does not contribute to global warming.

Wind is economical in locations where the average wind speed is at least 14 miles per hour. Although a single wind turbine can produce a usable amount of electricity, most wind power is produced at wind farms where large turbines are grouped together at a site.

Wind turbines on wind farms typically occupy only five percent of the land, leaving the rest compatible with other uses such as farming, grazing and ranching. Estimates indicate that wind power technology could supply about 20 percent of the electricity in the United States, if fully developed.

Wind farms can increase the tax base of rural counties where they are located. Ranchers and farmers who own land with wind farms can receive a long-term source of income, in addition to generating construction jobs and administrative positions. For more information about wind energy, go to:

Solar – Sunlight can be converted to electricity directly through photovoltaic (PV) applications, which are semiconductors that directly generate electricity. It can be converted indirectly with solar thermal applications, which use the sun to create steam to turn a turbine or generator. See more information about solar.

Biomass – Biomass facilities burn plants and organic matter such as wood, agricultural wastes and/or methane gases from landfills to spin a turbine that generates electricity. Landfill gas is one of the most widely used forms of biomass generation. At biomass facilities, gases from decomposing organic matter are collected and burned to generate electricity. While biomass-based generation is not entirely pollution free, it does not contribute to global warming. See more information on biomass.

Low-Impact Hydro – Hydropower plants use river flows to spin turbines to create electricity, without emitting air pollution. Judging the way a hydroelectric dam impacts a river is important in determining whether it qualifies as a "renewable" source of power. High-impact hydro projects cause concern because dams can change natural river flows, degrade water quality and block fish migration. The size of the dam is not the only criteria for judging high vs. low impact. Mitigation measures such as fish ladders that protect spawning, and location, are considerations. See more information on low-impact hydro.

Geothermal – Energy is generated by tapping into hot steam that lies beneath the earth’s surface and converting it into electricity. It is the same kind of heat that is observable in volcanic activity and geysers. Geothermal plants emit very little air pollution and have minimal impacts on the environment. See more information below:

Here are some commonly asked questions about wind power:
Will the power to my home be dependent upon the wind blowing?
No. Your power will continue to be uninterrupted even when the wind isn’t blowing, because you are connected to the regional electricity system. The power that travels through the network of lines and wires that bring electricity to your home or business comes from a variety of generating sources.

Do the blades of wind turbines harm birds?
Today’s new wind turbines do not pose a high risk to birds or any other wildlife. Newer technologies have slower blades that help prevent bird mortality. Sites are generally selected to avoid known migration patterns and reduce contact with endangered birds. Also, turbines are built in such a way to make it difficult for birds to use them for roosting.

What is "new" renewable energy?
New renewable energy is energy generated by renewable projects that began operations after a specific date, depending upon state regulatory or certification rules. Because these facilities are recent additions to the electric grid, the electricity they generate offsets older forms of generation that typically produce air pollution. Also, by purchasing new renewable energy, you are increasing market demand, spurring new renewable energy generation facilities to be built.

Why should I care about purchasing renewable energy?
Renewable energy has a much lower impact on the environment than traditional methods of electricity generation. It produces lower levels of air pollutants, waste water, smog, acid rain, and it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy can be replenished and often comes from local sources, which can provide additional employment.

Here are a few specific benefits:

Residential customers who buy renewable power:

Reduce our region’s dependence on the use of less environmentally friendly power sources.
Improve air quality by helping cut down on emissions of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases that can cause global warming.
Contribute to protecting human health.
Encourage continued development of new, emerging energy sources, such as wind farms.
Preserve the natural environment.

Businesses who buy renewable power:

Demonstrate a commitment to the environment, to customers and to the community.
Meet environmental quality standards, through the use of carbon credits or offsets.
Minimize the impact on the environment.
Have an important promotional tool to enhance the business’ public image.

Does Pacific Power support renewable energy in other ways?
Yes. Pacific Power not only allows its customers to support renewable energy by purchasing Blue Sky or other renewable energy options, it is also committed to increasing renewable energy in its energy mix. Currently, the company has 63 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy in its energy portfolio. In the next 10 years, the company has committed to adding 1,400 MW of new renewable energy to the power system — which means that about 10 percent of the power used will be renewable. These efforts are in addition to the Blue Sky and renewable power purchases made by customers.

How do I know I am getting what I pay for?
Various organizations, including environmental groups and state utility commissions, require a full accounting of renewable expenditures. In addition, all of Pacific Power's renewable power options meet high environmental standards that were developed by a variety of groups, including environmentalists, utilities and consumer groups. This ensures that customers get what they pay for when they voluntarily buy renewable energy through one of the company's programs.

Why does participating in a renewable energy option cost more than Basic Service?

When customers purchase Blue Sky, they are spurring more renewable energy development above what Pacific Power already invests in on behalf of all of its customers. Therefore, Blue Sky customers make a positive impact to the environment.

Since our prices are regulated, we are required to provide the lowest-cost electricity. The company’s least-cost plan for power generation includes a substantial amount of renewables, such as wind and geothermal. Above these levels, Pacific Power customers can spur even more renewable development by purchasing Blue Sky. Overall, greater demand will lower prices for renewable power, which in turn will enable our nation to include a larger percentage of renewable power into its power mix.

Where does Pacific Power's renewable energy come from?
Currently, the company makes additional renewable energy purchases on behalf of Blue Sky customers from the wind generation facilities identified below. All produce "new" wind generation.

Stateline Wind Project – Umatilla County, Ore., Walla Walla County, Wash.
Stateline Wind Project, so named because it staddles the Oregon and Washington border, is one of the largest producers of wind energy in the world. Large enough to provide power to more than 72,000 homes, Stateline Wind Project provided 150 jobs during its construction and employs 15 permanent full-time workers in its operation.
Capacity: 300 mw
Online: June 2001
Condon Wind Project – Gilliam County, Ore.
The Condon Wind Project has been in operation since the end of 2001. The 83 turbines of the project produce enough energy to meet the needs of 10,513 homes. Farming and grazing continue around the bases of teh 274-foot high turbines.
Capacity: 49.8 mw
Online: December 2001
Klondike Wind Project – Sherman County, Ore.
Klondike Wind Project's 16 GE turbines, capable of producing 1.5 mw of electricity each, together provide enough power to supply 6,126 homes, and is currently undergoing a 75 mw expansion. Project tax payments to the county in 2002 made up nearly 10 percent of all the taxes collected in Sherman County.
Capacity: 24 mw
Online: June 1999

As demand grows, Pacific Power will purchase wind energy from newly developed facilities. This helps ensure that Blue Sky dollars are supporting renewable generation.

Additional solar, biomass and wind energy purchases are made on behalf of Pacific Power’s Oregon customers who participate in our Renewable Usage and Habitat options:

Eugene Solar Projects – Eugene, Ore. (Lane County)
The City of Eugene currently boasts four solar projects and two more are in development. The 155.9 kw of electricity produced meet th eneergy needs of 19 homes each year.
Capacity: 155.9 kw
Online: 2002-2005
The Montessori School of Beaverton – Beaverton, Ore.
Thanks to Blue Sky customers and a unique partnership with Energy Trust of Oregon, the Montessori School of Beaverton is one of Oregon's emerging solar energy producers.
Capacity: 6 kw
Online: Spring 2005
Pepsi – Klamath Falls, Ore.
Energy Trust of Oregon and Blue Sky customers have helped bring on line a solar facility located at the Pepsi of Klamath Falls bottling facility. This 162 kw capacity facility is the largest solar facility in the Northwest.
Capacity: 162 kw
Online: December 2004
Selma Community Center – Selma, Ore.
Pacific Power worked closely with Energy Trust of Oregon to bring on line this 8 kw solar project located on the former Selma Elementary School, which now serves as a parking shade at the Selma Community Center.
Capacity: 8 kw
Online: December 2004
HW Hill Landfill Gas Power Plant – Roosevelt, Wash. (Klickitat County)
Located adjacent to Roosevelt Landfill's 20 million tons of trash, this project harvests combustible gases from decomposing garbage. The gas is pumped downhill to feed five modified commercial diesel generators, creating enough energy to power nearly 10,000 homes.
Capacity: 10.5 mw
Online: July 2000
Apeasay Wind – Hood River County, Ore.
A single, reconditioned Vestas turbine helps provide energy for this orchard and other customers thanks to Blue Sky participants. The project was funded through a partnership between the Energy Trust of Oregon and 3 Phases Energy Services.
Capacity: 22 kw
Online: September 2004

Will my electrical service continue to be reliable if I purchase renewable energy?
Yes. Your electric service will continue to be as dependable, reliable and safe as if you were on standard service. You will detect no difference in how you receive your power. All electricity is blended together on the power system, so reliability and power quality will not be affected.

If I choose a renewable power option, will I actually receive electricity generated from renewable energy generation sources?
Not necessarily. Although we can’t promise the renewable energy you buy will go directly to your home or business, we can guarantee that the clean energy that you have purchased has been added to the western power grid. There it is mixed with energy from different sources.

How is renewable energy sold?
Renewable energy can be purchased as bundled, with the energy commodity and the corresponding green power attribute combined, or as separate components.

First, there is the energy commodity. This is the actual electricity produced at facilities that generate the renewable electricity. The electricity generated is sold as conventional/generic (market) power stripped of its environmental attributes. No environmental claims can be made on this power, because it is separate from the associated green tag that represents the environmental attributes.

Second, there are tradable renewable credits (green tags) that verify the sources of green energy production. A green tag represents the environmental attributes (benefits) associated with generation by renewable technologies like wind and solar energy, and represents a certain number of renewable energy kilowatt-hours. Because the renewable power must be generated to produce a green tag, customers who purchase green tags are reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the system, thereby helping to reduce the overall amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Are my renewable energy purchases tax deductible?
No. The actual dollars spent on renewable energy are not tax deductible. However, the monthly $2.50 donation to a non-profit organization for the Habitat option in Oregon is tax deductible.

Are my renewable energy purchases making a difference?
Yes. According to the American Wind Energy Association’s Wind Power Outlook 2003 Report, the green power market has stimulated several hundred megawatts of renewable energy development, most being wind power.

Other renewable energy resources: Renewable Energy Network, Energy Atlas

* These figures use an average of PacifiCorp’s system generation resources (as of July 31, 2003) and EPA data. This average may change as PacifiCorp acquires or changes system generation resources.

** For an Oregon household consuming about 1,000 kWh per month, your cost may be lower or higher, depending on your household’s energy usage.

We guarantee that we will deliver to the regional power grid an amount of renewable energy equal to your household or business electricity consumption (for Renewable Usage or Habitat), or in the amount of your block purchase (Blue Sky Block).Because of the way the power system works, electricity from a particular facility will not flow directly to your home or business. All Blue Sky purchases help support renewable energy generation. Pacific Power’s parent company, PacifiCorp, purchases power and/or certificates associated with power from renewable power plants. Blue Sky is overseen by the Oregon Public Utility Commission and meets high quality environmental standards.