Learning Center Chicago Climate Exchange Greenhouse Gas Offsets

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 2.25 million additional megawatt hours generated at the dam as a result of operational and equipment efficiency improvements since 2003 have resulted in approximately 1 million carbon offset credits being registered at CCX. The District has sold approximately half of those carbon offsets to-date and earned approximately $1.7 million in gross revenue.

PUD commissioners approved having the PUD join CCX as a participating member and registering the offsets with CCX. Initial fees and the subsequent fees incurred by the District have totaled approximately $157,000.

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.

PUD joins Chicago Climate Exchange; hydropower approved for offsets - news release - Dec. 17, 2007

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

"Selling Carbon Offsets," from "Connections" magazine from Washington Public Utility District Associaion - Spring 2008

"CARBON TRADING: Putting Hydro to Work in Green Markets" from "Hydro Review" - July 2009