|
Renewable Energy Questions & Answers
What is renewable energy?
Electricity produced from sources that replenish themselves naturally such as wind, sunlight (solar) and the heat of the earth
(geothermal) instead of burning fossil fuels like – coal, oil and natural gas. These renewable sources of electricity have
less impact on the environment than traditional methods of electricity production. Natural gas and coal, for example, are
not renewables because their use consumes gas and coal reserves at a much quicker rate than they can be replenished.
What are the most common renewable energy sources?
Solar—
Sunlight can be converted to electricity directly through photovoltaic (PV) applications, which are semiconductors that directly
generate electricity, or indirectly as in the case of solar thermal applications, which use the sun to create steam to turn
a turbine or generator.
Biomass—Biomass facilities burn plants and organic matter such as wood, agricultural wastes and/or methane gases from landfills to
spin a turbine that generates electricity. Landfill gas is one of the most widely used forms of biomass generation. At those
facilities, gases from decomposing organic matter are collected and burned to generate electricity. While biomass-based generation
is not entirely pollution free, it does not contribute to global warming.
Low-Impact Hydro—Hydropower plants use river flows to spin turbines to create electricity without emitting air pollution. Judging the way a
hydroelectric dam affects a river is important to determining whether it qualifies as a "renewable" source of power. High-impact
hydro projects cause concern because dams can change natural river flows, degrade water quality and block fish migration.
The size of the dam is not the only criteria for judging high vs. low impact. Mitigation measures such as fish ladders that
protect spawning and the choice of a hydro facility's location are critical features. For more information check out
http://www.lowimpacthydro.org.
Geothermal—Energy is generated by tapping into hot steam that lies beneath the Earth's surface and converting it into electricity. It’s
the same kind of heat that is observable in volcanic activity and geysers. Geothermal plants emit very little air pollution
and have minimal impacts on the environment.
For more information on geothermal generation, check out these links:
Wind—Electricity is generated when the wind blows strong enough to spin the turbines (windmills) mounted on tall towers. Wind is
now the fastest-growing renewable energy source in the world—and it's pollution free. Wind generated electricity does not
create smog, acid rain, or other forms of air or water pollution and does not contribute to global warming.
Wind is economical in locations where the average wind speed is at least 14 miles per hour. Although a single wind turbine
can produce a usable amount of electricity, most wind power is produced at wind farms where large turbines are grouped together
at a site. Other land use, such as farming and grazing, can usually continue on land occupied by wind farms. Estimates have
been made that wind power technology could supply about 20 percent of the electricity in the United States if fully developed.
Wind farms can increase the tax base of rural counties in which they are located. Ranchers and farmers who own land on which
wind farms are located can receive a long-term source of income. Wind turbines on wind farms typically occupy only five percent
of the land, leaving the rest available for other uses such as farming or ranching.
What is Utah Power doing to support renewable power?
Utah Power is committed to renewable energy and to our
environment. We have always had a certain level of renewable power in our power portfolio to meet our customer’s electricity needs. Currently
we purchase wind power from two facilities – the Wyoming Wind Energy Project and Rock River I and generate electricity from
the Blundell Geothermal plant, which uses naturally created steam to generate electricity. All our customers receive electricity
produced from these sources of power.
A growing number of electricity companies like Utah Power are offering their customers an opportunity to buy green power and
help build a greater demand for renewable energy. These programs allow customers to purchase greater levels of renewable power
than that provided with their basic service
We offer our customers the option to purchase wind power through our Blue Sky program. This program allows us to introduce
a more environmentally friendly energy option to our customers. It gives customers a choice in how the energy they use is
produced, help preserve our environment, conserve resources for the future and encourage the continual development of alternative
sources of energy.
What is Blue Sky?
Our Blue Sky program provides customers an easy way to demonstrate their support for clean energy sources by purchasing new,
pollution-free wind power from newly developed wind farms. With Blue Sky, wind power is sold in fixed increments (100 kilowatt-hour
blocks) for an additional $2.95 per block per month.
Customers determine the purchase level (number of 100 kilowatt-hour blocks) that works best for them – a portion or all their
electricity. Purchasing one block of wind power per month equals about $0.10 more per day for the average customer using 1000
kwh per month. One block represents between 10-14% of an average residential customer’s monthly usage. The price is small
when compared to the environmental benefit.
To put this in perspective, purchasing one block of Blue Sky wind power a month for a year is the same as not driving your
car 1,800 miles or planting a 1/3 of an acre of trees. (
Calculations are based on an independent analysis completed by the Northwest Power Planning Council and EPA data.)
When you sign-up for Blue sky renewable power, Pacific Power/Utah Power matches your purchase with renewable resources. The
purchases we make on behalf of our Blue Sky customers are in addition to renewable commitments we’re already making in clean
electricity generation technologies to serve all customers.
Will the power to my home be dependent on the wind blowing?
No. Your power will continue be uninterrupted even when the wind isn’t blowing because your are connected to the regional
electrical grid and we manage our power supply on a "real-time" basis. The network of lines and wires that bring electricity
to your home or business comes from a variety of power plants.
Do the blades of wind turbines harm birds?
At some sites, wind turbines have regrettably caused an increase in the deaths of birds. Today’s new wind turbines do
not pose a high risk to birds or any other wildlife. Newer technologies have slower blades that help prevent bird mortality.
Sites are generally selected to avoid known migration patterns and reduce contact with endangered birds.
What is "new wind"?
New wind power is generated by wind power projects that began operations after July 23, 1999. Because these facilities are
recent additions to the electric grid, the electricity they generate offsets older forms of generation that typically generate
air pollution.
What third-party information resources provide information about wind power?
Why should anyone care about purchasing renewable energy?
Because renewable energy has a much lower impact on the environment than traditional methods of electricity generation and
produces lower levels of air pollutants, wastewater, smog and acid rain and can help reduce green house gas emissions. By
purchasing renewable energy you can help protect the environment. In addition, renewable energy can help reduce our reliance
on traditional form of electricity generation. Renewable energy can be replenished again and again and also keep good paying
jobs in the region.
For residential customers there are several reasons -
- Reduces our region’s dependence on the use of less environmentally friendly power sources.
- Improves air qualify by helping cut down on emissions of carbon dioxide and green house gases that can cause global warming
- Contributes to protecting human health.
- Encourages continued development of new, emerging energy sources such as wind farms.
- Preserves the natural environment
Also there are many reasons why business customers should consider this choice -
- It demonstrates their environmental commitment to their customers and community
- Minimizes the impact on the environment by businesses.
- Offers a promotional tool, enhancing public image and visibility in the community.
We offer a business partnership program for our business customers interested in purchasing renewable power. Call 1-800-842-8458
to speak with a Blue Sky expert.
How do I know I’m getting what I pay for?
Various organizations, including environmental groups and the Public Utility Commission, require a full accounting of expenditures
on an annual basis.
An addition, all our renewable power options meet Renew 2000 standards.Renew 2000 is a project that was started in 1997 by the Portland, Oregon based environmental group Northwest Environmental Advocates (NWEA), a company formed
30 years ago by citizens concerned about energy and environmental issues affecting the Pacific Northwest. Now a regional membership
organization, NWEA's mission is to work through advocacy and education to protect and restore water and air quality, wetlands,
and wildlife habitat and to stimulate the development of renewable energy sources to replace fossil and nuclear fuels in the
Pacific Northwest.
Renew 2000 developed certification standards which assure that electric energy products and generating projects being offered
to consumers by utilities and other entities as environmentally preferred meet minimum standards and make a difference in
the region’s electric generating mix and environment. This group serves as the watchdog to ensure that you getting what you
paid for.
Our Blue Sky product is Renew 2000 certified.
For more information about Renew 2000 go to www.cleanenergyguide.org.
Where does the renewable power come from?
The money collected for Blue Sky goes directly to purchase new wind power from the Foote Creek IV wind farm in Wyoming, and
to help educate consumers about this option.
State commissions require a full accounting of expenditures on an annual basis. We also work with a number of public interest
groups, who also keep close track of the utilities' activities.
Will my electric service continue to be reliable if I purchase renewable power?
Yes. Your electric service will continue to be dependable, reliable and safe when you choose renewable over conventional energy--you
will see no difference in how you receive your power. All electricity is blended together on the power grid so reliability
and power quality will not be affected.
If I choose a renewable power option will I actually receive electricity generated from renewable energy generation sources?
No. Although we can’t promise the renewable energy you buy will go directly to your home or business, we can guarantee the
cleaner energy has been added to the western power grid, which is mixed with energy from all kinds of power plants.
So, how does this work? Electricity generated from facilities powered by fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, are added
to the western power grid along with electricity generated from windmills, solar panels, low-impact hydro, geothermal and
biomass. Electricity moves from the Western power grid to your home via the system of poles and wired called the electricity
distribution system. When you turn on your the lights the grid draws electricity from all difference sources that were added
to the "pot" to fulfill your minute-to-minute electricity needs.
Why is Blue Sky wind power more expensive than conventional electricity?
The equipment to convert renewable energy sources to electricity is more expensive than traditional energy producing equipment.
Regulations require that we offer our customers the least expensive power available. Renewable energy is not always the lowest
cost option.
It is true that the wind that "fuels" electricity generation in renewable energy facilities costs less than natural gas or
coal, but the facilities that use renewable resources to generate electricity are expensive to build and operate. In addition
to the costs associated with building renewable power generating facilities, huge investments in transmission lines to deliver
the power are also needed.
Increased customer demand for renewable energy should lead to the development of more renewable resources like wind and solar
and help lower prices even more. The good news is that the price gap is narrowing. The cost of wind power has dropped by about
80 percent over the last 20 years because of improved technologies.
The additional premium you pay for Blue Sky energy covers the incremental cost of providing wind power.
While it may be a little more expensive, customers who participate are helping improve air qualify and the environment.
How is renewable energy sold?
Renewable energy can be purchased as bundled energy and green power attribute, or separately.
First, there is the energy commodity. This is the actual electricity produced at facilities that generate the renewable electricity.
The electricity generated is sold as conventional/generic (market) power stripped of its environmental attributes. No environmental
claims can be made on this power because the green tag sold represents the environmental attributes. It is shaped, scheduled
and dispatched to meet customers' minute-to-minute energy needs.
Second, there are tradable renewable credits (green tags) that verify the sources of green energy production. You purchase
the environmental benefits associated with the renewable power. A green tag represents the environmental attributes (benefits)
associated with generation by renewable technologies like wind and solar energy. Customers who purchase green tags are reducing
the amount of carbon dioxide in the system.
Buying green tags is very much a part of buying and selling green power. Think of one of the windmills that generate the power.
It creates two products. One is the electricity that flows out; the other is protection of the environment, avoiding the impact
of conventional power sources. Both have a value, so both are sold. Green tags are certificates representing the environmental
benefit of the electricity generated. No green tag is issued unless the corresponding amount of power is generated.
Why is it done this way? The green tag portion of the power sale, many wind generators would have a difficult time competing
with traditional generation pricing. Green tags improve the economics of renewable power generation.
Will my renewable power purchase be tax deductible – isn’t it like a donation?
No. Program participation is not a donation. Rather, your payment is used to directly purchase new wind-powered energy sources.
Are these green pricing options really making a difference?
Yes. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), more than 175 megawatts (mw) of wind power have been added
to service utility green pricing programs nationwide and another 70 mw is planned.
In addition, in the Pacific Northwest approximately 475 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity is being supported in part,
through customer-paid green power premiums. (Source: NREL – Regional Green Power Market Report.
|
