Conservation/Environment

Where exactly does my SNAP contribution go?
When you contribute to SNAP you essentially are buying solar and wind power generated by local SNAP producers. The money you contribute is divided among the SNAP producers; that’s how they are paid for the energy they produce. They also receive a nominal amount from the PUD (75 percent of the off-peak wholesale power rate).

How do the producers benefit from my contribution?
Your purchase goes directly to the producers. The PUD does not keep any of the funds designated by customers for SNAP. Your purchase supports your neighbors in developing energy resources in Chelan County. You become an important part of developing new, renewable power.

Are other utilities offering programs like SNAP?
SNAP is available to utilities that want to start a similar program. In Washington state, Ferry County PUD and Okanogan County PUD started SNAP programs in 2004. Golden Valley Electric Association in Fairbanks, Alaska, also has a SNAP program.

Why did the PUD start the SNAP program?
Our customers had asked for the option to purchase energy from alternative sources. The state now requires the PUD to offer customers the option to purchase such energy.

Is my SNAP contribution tax-deductible?
No.

How do I sign up for SNAP?
You can sign up online here.

How much do SNAP producers receive for the electricity they generate?
The amount paid to producers depends on the total amount contributed by customers and the total amount of power generated by all SNAP producers. The greater the amount contributed by SNAP supporters, the greater the amount that will be distributed among participating SNAP producers. The maximum payment is $1.50 per kilowatt hour; the payment in 2006 was 25 cents per kilowatt hour.
For example, if a SNAP producer generated 3 percent of the total SNAP power produced during one year and SNAP supporters contributed $30,000 to the SNAP fund during that year, then the SNAP producer could receive an annual payment of $900 ($30,000 times 3 percent). Producers also receive from the PUD 75 percent of the average “low load hour” price of electricity as traded on the wholesale power market.

Chelan County PUD cannot guarantee the amount of revenue producers will receive from installing a SNAP generator.

When are SNAP producers paid?
Producers are paid once a year, on or before April 21 (Earth Day). The following is a breakdown of annual payments since the program's inception:

Period                 SNAP Income     Production (kWh)       Annual Payment           

2001-02                 $2,379                     1,586                      $1.50 /kWh

2002-03                 $35869                  30,722                       $1.17 /kWh

2003-04                 $26,298                 34,329                       $0.77 /kWh

2004-05                 $30,171                 64,840                       $0.47 /kWh

2005-06                 $28,157                112,840                      $0.25 /kWh

2006-07                 $28,790                136,065                      $0.21 /kWh 

What does it cost to buy and install a SNAP generator?
A 1-kilowatt grid-tied solar system would cost about $7,600 - $5,600 for equipment and $2,000 for installation. A 10-kilowatt grid-tied wind system would cost about $35,000 -- $30,000 for equipment and $5,000 for installation. These examples are only estimates of equipment and installation costs. Actual costs may vary significantly.

Where do I buy the generating equipment, and what equipment and installation standards must be met?
Local contractors sell and install power generation systems. You will need to work with PUD to meet interconnection and other standards. For complete information, visit the Become a SNAP Producer page.

For more information
Call the Energy Services Department at (509) 661-8008, or send an e-mail.