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Chelan County PUD introduces SNAP

Chelan County PUD
News Release
8/17/2001

An innovative program that links small, local producers of solar and wind power with customers interested in purchasing alternative energy is being introduced by Chelan County PUD.

Called SNAP for Sustainable Natural Alternative Power, the program is designed to encourage development of alternative energy while giving customers an opportunity to purchase and support it.

PUD customers can sign up to buy locally produced solar and wind power and become SNAP supporters by paying a little extra on their electric bills. Residential customers can opt to pay $2.50, $5 or $7.50 a month, while business customers can choose $10, $25 or $50 per month. All funds earmarked for SNAP go directly to the local producers who supply power into the PUD's electrical grid for use by local customers.

Customers can sign up as charter SNAP purchasers via e-mail at snap@chelanpud.org. They can also call the PUD's SNAPLine at 667-4242. Brochures that include a business-reply card for enrolling in the program are being mailed to every electric customer. And beginning soon, electric bills will include a space where customers can write in a purchase amount.

Over 50 local residents have inquired about becoming SNAP producers -- generating the power for the new program. Five are now pursuing installation of solar panels at their homes and businesses.

The program is designed for small producers only, with maximum generation of 25 kilowatts each. Wenatchee Valley College is planning an installation of 132 solar panels capable of producing 70 watts each, for a total of almost 10 kilowatts.

The PUD expects to have a total of at least 20 kilowatts in customer-owned solar and wind power connected to its grid by the end of September, said Jim White, Energy Services engineer who came up with the program concept. While that's relatively small, it's a start, he said.

"What happens in the future depends on customer participation. If customers are eager to purchase alternative energy, producers will be eager to generate it.

"That's what's unique about the program," he added. "It allows customer demand to set the supply.

"If enough PUD customers sign up to pay a little more on their bills each month, we can show the world that these alternative energy technologies are cost-effective today, even here in Chelan County, where our electric rates are among the lowest in the nation."

White said interest in clean, renewable alternative energy is increasing. As technology improves, solar and wind energy are becoming more cost-effective and efficient.

Several local businesses are selling solar panels and wind turbines. Customers can also purchase solar equipment through the WesternSUN cooperative, of which the PUD is a member.

While the PUD is not funding local producers per se, the utility is lending its expertise to potential producers and providing a means for consumers to purchase alternative energy. SNAP is a rate-neutral, pay-as-you-go system, White said. It will not affect the electric rates of customers who do not want to participate.

***

For more information on SNAP, contact Energy Services Engineer Jim White at 667-4216.

Susan Gillin
Public Information Officer
663-8121 Ext. 4249
421-3603 cell
susang@chelanpud.org