Title
Approval of Resolution Approving and Authorizing Signature of All Documents Necessary to enter into an Agreement with Puget Sound Energy Green Direct Program
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Finance Committee voted unanimously in favor of the staff recommendation to pursue a 20-year Green Direct agreement with Puget Sound Energy.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a long-term, 20-year agreement with Puget Sound Energy to purchase renewable energy through the Green Direct Program.
Report
Issue:
Whether to enter into a long-term agreement with Puget Sound Energy to purchase renewable energy through the Green Direct Program.
Staff Contact:
Rich Hoey, P.E., Public Works Director, 360.753.8495
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
Since 2006, the City of Olympia has purchased "green power" from Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to offset 100% of the electricity consumed by the City's water related utilities. This green power, otherwise known as renewable energy credits (RECs), represents the environmental attributes of renewable energy. These RECs are sold separately from the electricity and are purchased by people or organizations wanting to support developing renewable sources of energy.
In 2016, the City made a one-time, bulk purchase of RECs from PSE that was sufficient to offset 100% of its electricity use city-wide. This one-time, low cost option was no longer available in 2017.
Representatives from Puget Sound Energy recently approached the City about a new "Green Direct" program beginning in 2019. This new program offers large customers the opportunity to directly purchase renewable energy (both electricity and RECs). The program has been approved by the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission under Schedule 139 (see attached).
Based on the interest in this new program, PSE is moving forward with a contrac...
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