Four Northwest Colleges Win EPA Green Power Honors
Oregon State University, Western Washington University, Southern Oregon University and Lewis and Clark College were all honored by the US EPA as top purchasers of green power in their collegiate divisions in the second annual College & University Green Power Challenge.
See the US EPA press release from 4/28/08.

Northwest Utilities Consistently Honored in National 'Top Ten' Green Power Program Lists
For several years running, Northwest utilities have earned national honors for their green power programs. This year, NREL honored Portland General Electric, PacificPower, Puget Sound Energy, and Emerald PUD in their national 'Top 10' rankings. Congratulations to these national green power leaders!
See the NREL press release from 4/22/08.

Green-e Energy Certifies PacifiCorp's Blue Sky Program
The Center for Resource Solutions announced today that PacifiCorp’s Blue Sky Usage, Blue Sky Habitat, and Blue Sky Block renewable energy programs are now Green-e Energy Certified. PacifiCorp, which operates as Pacific Power in California, Oregon and Washington and as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming, joins the growing network of renewable energy providers that offer products certified by Green-e Energy, the nation’s leading certification and verification program for renewable energy.
See the Green-e press release from 3/12/08.

Advocates Applaud Idaho Public Utilities Commission Settlement on Wind Integration Costs
An important impediment to the development of wind projects in Idaho was removed yesterday when the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) approved an agreement settling a long-standing dispute over the cost and ability of power systems to accommodate new wind projects.  Wind developers, IPUC staff, and the three Idaho investor owned utilities agreed to a set of conditions including; the cost of accommodating wind on power systems, cost-sharing arrangements for advanced wind power forecasting services, and dependability levels for wind generators.
See the RNP press release from 2/21/08.

Oregon Passes Landmark Renewable Energy Act
The Oregon House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 838, the Oregon Renewable Energy Act, on May 23rd with strong, bipartisan support (41-18). The landmark legislation enacts a Renewable Energy Standard requiring Oregon’s largest utilities to obtain 25% of their electricity from clean, homegrown renewable energy sources by 2025. The bill previously passed the Oregon Senate 20-10 on April 10th.
See the RNP press release from 5/23/07.

Northwest power system can handle more wind energy
Wind power projects are being rapidly developed throughout the Northwest, and the region's existing power system can most likely accommodate the 6,000 megawatts of wind energy anticipated by 2024 – or perhaps much sooner given the current pace of development.
See the joint BPA/NWPCC press release from 3/21/07.

Wind project construction underway
Towers, turbines and blades began arriving last week at the Port of Vancouver for the 140.5-megawatt Marengo wind project under construction near Dayton, Wash. The equipment will be trucked to the Dayton site beginning this week.
See the PacifiCorp press release from 2/27/07.

Idaho Power Wind Integration Study is Premature
A preliminary wind integration cost study released by the Idaho Power Company on Wednesday met with stiff resistance from members of a regional group charged with investigating costs associated with accommodating wind farms on the Northwest power grid.
See the RNP press release from 2/2/07.

Wind Power Brings Major Economic Windfall to Rural Communities
Wind power development in the Pacific Northwest between October 2005 and October 2006 brought nearly $1.4 billion in investment and more than 1400 jobs to the region, according to a new fact sheet released today by the Renewable Northwest Project. Entitled “Wind Power and Economic Development: Real Examples from the Pacific Northwest,” the new fact sheet describes the variety of direct economic benefits resulting from a single year’s worth of wind power development in the region.
See the RNP press release from 1/29/07.

RNP Report Shows Over 100,000 Customers Voluntarily Purchasing Renewable Energy in the Pacific Northwest
The number of utility customers voluntarily purchasing "green power" in the Northwest topped 100,000 for the first time ever in 2005, according to a new report released by the Renewable Northwest Project (RNP).  Entitled “Powerful Choices VI”, the report summarizes the retail green power programs that are allowing customers to voluntarily invest directly in a clean energy future.
See the RNP press release from 9/1/06.

Broad Alliance Submits 330,000 Signatures for Clean Energy Initiative
A broad coalition of utilities, businesses, labor, farmers and conservationists delivered more than 330,000 signatures to Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed, effectively qualifying Initiative 937 -- the Clean and Renewable Energy Initiative -- for the November 7 statewide ballot. Speaking from the steps of the State Capitol building, U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee praised the dedicated volunteers who were central the signature drive’s success. “The large number of volunteers who collected signatures indicates strong public support for conservation and renewable energy,” Inslee said. Nearly 3,500 volunteers from across the state collected more than 185,000 signatures for I-937 – three-fourths of the 224,880 signatures needed to qualify the initiative for the ballot.
See the Yes! On 937 press release from 7/6/06.

Horizon Wind Energy To Fulfill Idaho Power Wind Request For Proposals
Idaho Power has named Texas-based Horizon Wind Energy as the successful bidder for the development of a wind generation project identified in the company’s 2004 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The 66 megawatt (MW) project will be built in Union County, Ore., near the community of North Powder and is expected to be on line no later than the end of 2007.
See the Idaho Power press release from 7/6/06.

Western Governors Adopt Policies on Clean, Diversified Energy, Global Climate Change and Transportation Fuels
Western governors commit to take action on a number of fronts to bring on-line substantially more clean and diversified energy resources, improve energy efficiency and ensure there is adequate transmission available at a reasonable cost well into the future. The governors backed a broad-based set of proposals for meeting future electricity needs.  The policy resolution is based on the recommendations developed over the past 18 months by more than 250 stakeholders, whose work is outlined in the WGA report released entitled, “Clean Energy, a Strong Economy and a Healthy Environment.”
See the Western Governors' Association press release from 6/11/06.

PGE proposes acquisition of one of largest
wind power sites in the nation
Portland General Electric announced it has executed an agreement with Orion Energy LLC to acquire the development rights for the 25,000-acre Biglow Canyon Wind Farm in Sherman County, Ore. If the agreement is approved by the Oregon Public Utility Commission, PGE could develop between 350 and 450 megawatts of wind energy capacity at the site, which could produce enough electricity to power 100,000 homes. It would be one of the largest wind power projects in the nation.
See the Portland General Electric press release from 4/11/06.

Corvallis named West Coast’s first Green Power Community by Environmental Protection Agency
Due to a strong, collaborative effort of residents, businesses and the city government, Corvallis attained the distinction of being named the first Green Power Community on the West Coast by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
See the Pacific Power press release from 5/1/06.
Download the PDF here.

REI Steps Up to 20 Percent Green Power
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and apparel, announced at its annual meeting that it will purchase 10 million kilowatt hours of green power, or 20 percent of the company's national electricity usage.
See the REI press release from 3/28/06.

Advocates Celebrate Northwest Utilities
Making National 'Top Ten' Lists for
Green Power Programs
Regional renewable advocates applauded the many Northwest utilities highlighted in the U.S Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). 'Top Ten' rankings. Seven utilities from the region made one or more of the 'Top Ten' lists.
See the RNP press release from 3/15/06.
See NREL's report here.

New renewable energy in the Northwest
reaches historic landmark
The recent completion of four new wind energy projects puts the amount of new renewable energy serving Pacific Northwest customers at over 1,000 megawatts (MW). The new projects include: Klondike II in Sherman County, Oregon (75 MW); Hopkins Ridge in Columbia County, Washington (150 MW); Wolverine Creek in Bonneville County, Idaho (64 MW); and Judith Gap in Wheatland County, Montana (135 MW).
See the RNP press release from 3/3/06.

Broad alliance files Energy Security Initiative
for November ballot
- Congressman Jay Inslee, Earth Day founder Denis Hayes lead effort -
A statewide coalition of farmers, labor, clean energy businesses and conservationists launched a campaign to place an Energy Security Initiative before Washington voters this November. Passage of the initiative would help protect electric consumers from volatile prices and grow our economy by requiring the state’s larger utilities to gradually increase the amount of new renewable resources (such as wind and solar) in their electricity supply to 15 percent by 2020.
See the Washingtonians for Energy Security press release from 1/25/06.

Wind turbines now generating electricity for
PSE customers
Hopkins Ridge is Washington state’s first wind project owned solely by one utility
Washington State's largest utility announced the completion of its Hopkins Ridge wind-power project, located about 285 miles southeast of Seattle, near Dayton. The $200 million power-generating facility makes PSE the first Northwest utility to solely own and operate a large wind farm. PSE expects to have a second wind farm operational in late 2006.
See the Puget Sound Energy press release from 12/1/05.

Corvallis Challenges Citizens to Back Renewable Power
Corvallis City Council President Charlie Tomlinson issued a communitywide challenge to residents and businesses to sign up for Pacific Power’s Blue Sky renewable power and help reduce global warming.
See the Pacific Power press release from 11/25/05.

Klondike Wind Power Plant Dedicated to
Growing Renewable Energy
PPM Energy dedicates 75MW Klondike II project and announces construction at Big Horn Wind Farm.
See the PPM Energy press release from 10/28/05.

Report Shows 40% Participation Increase in Utility Green Power Programs in the Northwest
The number of utility customers purchasing "green power" in the Northwest has increased by 40% from 2003 to 2004, according to a new report released by the Renewable Northwest Project (RNP). Entitled "Powerful Choices V", the report summarizes the retail green power programs that are allowing customers to voluntarily invest directly in a clean energy future.
See the RNP press release from 8/1/05.
Download the complete Powerful Choices V report.    (1.4MB PDF file)

Advocates Applaud Governor Approval of Kittitas Wind Farm
Regional advocates today praised Washington Governor Christine Gregoire for granting final approval to the 230-megawatt Wild Horse Wind Power Project in Kittitas County.  The Wild Horse project is the very first renewable energy facility to receive a site certificate from Washington’s Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC).  Both EFSEC and the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the project.
See the RNP press release from 7/26/05.

PacifiCorp, Invenergy close Idaho wind power deal
PacifiCorp announced today a power purchase agreement in which it will purchase the output of a 64.5-megawatt wind-powered electric generating project to be built about 10 miles southeast of Idaho Falls, Idaho.
See PacifiCorp's press release from 5/3/05.

Power ’s first large-scale wind resource
NorthWestern Energy signs a contract to purchase 135 to 150 megawatts of electricity from an affiliate of Invenergy Wind LLC, which will construct a $150 million, large-scale wind farm near Judith Gap in Wheatland County, Mont.  The contract is subject to approval by the Montana Public Service Commission.
See NWE's press release from 1/11/05.

Renewable Northwest Project Hails Announcement By Northwestern Energy
The Renewable Northwest Project (RNP) applauds today’s announcement by NorthWestern Energy that it has signed an agreement to purchase between 135-150 MW of wind power for its Montana default supply customers. NorthWestern signed the agreement with Invenergy Wind LLC to acquire the power from a wind project to be constructed near Judith Gap in Wheatland County, Montana..
See RNP's press release from 1/11/05.

PSE signs letter of intent for second wind power project
Puget Sound Energy announced its second wind power project in Washington state, bringing the utility's proposed ownership of wind energy to nearly 400 megawatts (MW). PSE recently signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Blue Sky Wind LLC, an affiliate of RES America Developments Inc. and Renewable Energy Systems, Ltd., to acquire 100-percent ownership of the proposed Hopkins Ridge Wind Project located in Eastern Washington's Columbia County. The estimated cost to complete the project is approximately $200 million. If permitting and other critical-path activities go as planned, the project could begin providing PSE customers with 150 megawatts (MW) of wind power by sometime between late 2005 to mid-2006.
See press release from 12/1/04.

PGE announces its largest-ever renewable wind power purchase to help meet future energy needs of PGE customers
Portland General Electric (PGE) today announced a 30-year agreement with PPM Energy to purchase 75 megawatts (MW) of wind capacity to serve PGE customers beginning in December 2005. Through this agreement, PGE will purchase all of the output of PPM Energy’s Klondike II Expansion Wind Project located near Wasco, Ore. The agreement marks a significant outcome from PGE’s 2002 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the first major step toward meeting the company’s renewable power supply goals under that plan.
See PGE's press release from 12/9/04.

RNP report shows
Klondike Wind Farm Invigorates Rural Economy
New Report Shows Wind Energy Supports
Sherman County Budget, Landowners, & Local Jobs
Entitled "Windfall from the Wind Farm; Sherman County, Oregon," the report illustrates the economic development benefits that local and regional businesses experienced during project planning and construction as well as the positive effect that increased property tax revenues are having on critical county services. These economic development benefits are poised to grow substantially given today’s announcement that PPM Energy is expanding the project by an additional 75 megawatts and that Portland General Electric will purchase the power that the turbines produce.
See RNP's press release from 12/9/04.

Colorado Voters Approve Renewable Energy on Ballot
Colorado voters have become the first in the nation to vote on and pass a renewable energy standard on the statewide ballot. A majority of voters approved Amendment 37 on the November 2nd ballot; which requires an increasing amount of the electricity in Colorado to come from renewables energy sources such as wind and solar.
See Environment Colorado's press release from 11/3/04.

EPA Honors Northwest Green Power Buyers
The U.S. EPA today praised Northwest companies that are switching to green power at a recognition ceremony held in conjunction with the "Better Business Through Green Power" workshop, held at the Qwest Field and Events Center in Seattle, Washington.
See EPA's press release from 10/19/04.

Bonneville Environmental Foundation and Its Green Power Partners Receive National Recognition for Their Marketing Leadership
Sponsored by the EPA, DOE and CRS, the awards honor organizations and people that significantly advance development of the green power market.
See BEF's press release from 10/4/04.

Solar Power Training Program Garners Heavy Support
from Puget Sound Energy, Electrical Contractors and Unions
Training Center's New Photovoltaic Installation Bolsters Program Dedicated to Expanding Ranks of Qualified Designers and Installers in the Pacific Northwest
See BEF's press release from 9/27/04.

“I Want My GPT!” (Green Power Too)
Say Thousands of Puget Sound-Region Utility Customers
Results of Recent Green Power Public Information Campaign Confirm:
Utility Green Power Programs are Working, Wanted and Worthwhile
See press release from 9/22/04.

PSE announces intent to buy 220 megawatts of wind power
Puget Sound Energy recently signed a letter of intent with Houston-based Zilkha Renewable Energy to obtain 100-percent ownership of Zilkha’s proposed 220-megawatt (MW) Wild Horse Wind Power Project located in the eastern part of Washington state’s Kittitas County.
See press release from 9/21/04.

Whitman becomes Washington's first college to support renewable power
Following through on its stated desire to reduce its environmental impact, Whitman College became the state’s first higher education buyer of renewable power, buying 90 blocks per month of Pacific Power’s Blue Sky renewable energy. "At Whitman College, we are committed to being good stewards of our environment," said Peter Harvey, Whitman College Treasurer. "Participating in the Blue Sky program makes sense for us, since it is an effective way for the college to promote the use of renewable energy."
See press release from 7/22/04.

Bainbridge Graduate Institute Commits to 100% Renewable Energy, Joins EPA Green Power Partnership
Bainbridge Graduate Institute (BGI) announced today that it has purchased Green Tags from Bonneville Environmental Foundation sufficient to offset 100% of its annual electricity usage at its administrative offices, located on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The purchase of Green-e certified wind and solar power certificates for the administrative offices completes BGI's commitment to renewable energy.
See press release from 6/28/04.

Oregon EQC Approves New Noise Standards for Wind Power
The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) approved new noise standards yesterday for wind power projects in Oregon. At a meeting in Hermiston, the EQC granted final approval to amend Oregon’s existing noise rules with provisions specifically addressing wind projects.
See press release from 5/21/04.

Fairchild Air Force Base Rides the Wind
Fairchild Air Force Base is giving Northwest wind energy a big boost and meeting its own renewable energy goals at the same time. The Air Force is now buying enough renewable power to meet 100 percent of the electrical load for the military base.
See press release from 3/17/04.

Employee-Owned Multi-State Engineering Firm Makes
the Business Case for Clean Energy
The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) and the Renewable Northwest Project (RNP) announced a commitment by the professional services firm David Evans and Associates, Inc., (DEA) to purchase Green Tags (also know as Tradable Renewable Credits) in support of clean renewable energy. The purchase represents a substantial amount of electricity produced from clean renewable energy resources (such as wind and solar energy) on behalf of DEA's 17 offices located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.
See press release from 3/16/04.

BPA boosts Northwest wind energy
The Bonneville Power Administration has found a way to make the wind more useful for generating electricity year round. The program is a major step toward advancing wind generation in the Northwest. With the signing of a contract with the Cowlitz County Public Utility District in Longview, Wash., BPA introduces a new service to help the region’s publicly owned utilities bring wind-generated power to their customers.
See press release from 1/13/04.

Support for "Green Power" Ranks Meadows, Cooper Spur First in Far West Among Ski Areas Working to "Keep Winter Cool"
In partnership with Portland General Electric and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort will purchase enough clean, renewable wind energy to run a major chairlift at Meadows and the only chairlift at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort.
See press release from 1/5/04

Nine Canyon Wind Project Phase II Expansion Complete
The 12 new turbines join 37 others that have been producing renewable energy since September 2002. Each of the 49 turbines have the capacity to produce 1.3 megawatts of electricity. The total capacity increases from 48.1 megawatts to 63.7 megawatts with the completion of Phase II. Nine Canyon Wind Project is one of the largest public power wind projects in the nation.
See press release from 12/31/03.

Report Shows Amount of "Green Power" Sold Through Northwest Retail Green Power Programs has Nearly Doubled Since Last Year
The amount of "green power" purchased by retail customers in the Northwest has increased by 88% from last year, according to a new report released today by the Renewable Northwest Project (RNP). Entitled, Powerful Choices, the report summarizes the retail green power programs that are allowing customers to invest directly in a clean energy future. Throughout the Northwest, in markets both urban and rural, thirty-five Northwest utilities are offering customers a choice of an environmentally preferred power source – wind power, solar power, landfill gas power, or low-impact hydro power.
See press release from 8/19/03.
Download the report here. (569KB PDF file)

Pacific Power Selects 3 Phases Energy to Provide Oregon Renewables
Pacific Power has selected 3 Phases Energy Services to provide renewable energy supply and marketing services for Pacific Power's Renewable Usage and Habitat green energy options starting Jan. 1, 2004.
See press release from 8/5/03.

Southern Oregon’s Running Y Resort Steps Up in Support of Wind Power
The Running Y Resort is the latest in a series of southern Oregon businesses to make a significant renewable power purchase. Located near Klamath Falls, Ore., the resort is buying 112 blocks of Blue Sky wind power, Pacific Power’s voluntary wind energy initiative. The Running Y signed up to buy 112 blocks of Blue Sky each month, representing the amount of electricity used by eleven average Oregon households.
See press release from 7/18/03.

Zilkha Renewable Energy Plans New 165 MW
"Wild Horse Wind Power Project" Wind Farm
Zilkha Renewable Energy announced plans for a new 165 megawatt (MW) wind farm today. The "Wild Horse Wind Power Project" is planned for development on property along Whiskey Dick Ridge north of Ryegrass. The Wild Horse Wind Power Project, named for a spring on the remote ranch, joins two other wind farm projects under active development in Kittitas County.
See press release from 7/1/03.

Audubon Society of Portland "Goes Green"
and Signs up for 100 Percent Renewable Electricity
Audubon Society of Portland announced today that it is now purchasing electricity that is made from 100 percent renewable sources at its main and Marmot campuses. The Audubon Society of Portland also announced a new member outreach program, in agreement with Renewable Northwest Project, Green Mountain Energy Company, Pacific Power and Portland General Electric (PGE), to spur additional signups for renewable energy.
See press release from 7/2/03.

New net-metering standard benefits Pacificorp customers,
region’s economy and the environment
PacifiCorp customers can reap economic benefits from investing in small-scale renewable energy systems, thanks to action taken Friday by Idaho’s Public Utilities Commission.
See press release from 6/23/03.

Kinko's partners with Idaho Power Company
to expand green power purchases
Three Kinko's® locations served by Idaho Power have switched to renewable energy. This "green power" deal enables Kinko's Boise and Pocatello branches to purchase a portion of their electricity from renewable resources.
See press release from 5/29/03.

Energy Trust, PacifiCorp sign ground-breaking wind deal
An agreement to bring 41 megawatts of clean wind power online was signed by PacifiCorp, the Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) and Eurus Combine Hills. It is the first wind deal signed by the ETO under the provisions of the system benefit charge instituted by Oregon’s electricity restructuring (SB1149).
See press release from 6/19/03.

WashPIRG Report Shows Wind Power and Energy Efficiency Could Generate $474 Million in Washington by 2020
Clean Efficient Technologies Have Greater Economic Benefit Than Natural Gas
Read the press release here.
Download the report here.

REPP Releases Report on The Effect of
Wind Development on Local Property Values
Federally funded report shows no support for the opposition claims that wind development will harm property values.
Visit the REPP web site or
download the report here. (1.7 MB)

First Multi-State Law Firm to
Commit its Support for Renewable Energy
Stoel Rives LLP commits to offsetting over 630,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions associated with firm-wide electricity use through support of Green Tags.

Energy Northwest sells bonds for Nine Canyon Wind Project expansion
Issuance of municipal bonds to finance the 15.6-megawatt Phase II expansion of Nine Canyon Wind Project, located near Kennewick, Washington.

White Wave Purchases Green Power
The country's largest soyfoods manufacturer will replace the electrical power used in all of its operations with clean, renewable wind energy.

Kinko's Increases Green Power Purchases Kinko’s estimated renewable power purchases now total more than 11.2 million kWh per year.
See the local press release from 2/12/03.
See Kinko's national press release from 2/12/03.

Trout Unlimited Goes Green for Salmon
The national conservation group buys renewable energy.