Learning Center

The Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) has approved a portion of the hydropower generated at Chelan County Public Utility District’s Rocky Reach Dam to be traded to offset greenhouse gas emissions from other sources.

Approximately 1.75 million additional megawatt hours generated at the dam as a result of operational and equipment efficiency improvements since 2003 are eligible to be traded as carbon offset credits, estimated to be worth from $1.5 million to $3 million at recent  prices.

PUD commissioners approved having the PUD join CCX as a participating member and registering the offsets with CCX. Initial fees for the first five years of participation by the PUD (2003-2007) are about $30,000.

The Chicago Climate Exchange is the world’s first and North America’s only legally binding rules-based greenhouse gas reduction and trading system. It is the world’s only global system for emissions trading based on all six greenhouse gases. Members commit to reduce their direct CO2 emissions by 6 percent by 2010 by making internal reductions or by purchasing excess reductions made by members or offset projects.

Greenhouse gas offset news release

Dec. 17, 2007 Board meeting and greenhouse gas offset presentation