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Frequently asked questions
What is EWEB Greenpower?
EWEB Greenpower is a voluntary program that supports renewable energy generation from Eugene Water & Electric Board projects. Investing in EWEB Greenpower will reduce the Northwest’s growing dependence on fossil fuels and add to EWEB’s already diverse mix of renewable energy resources.
What happened to EWEB Windpower?
New subscriptions to the EWEB Windpower program were suspended in 2007 when the output from the Foote Creek Rim wind project became fully subscribed. All customers were invited to convert to the new EWEB Greenpower program.
In 2008, EWEB combined these two renewable energy programs and moved forward with a single, updated EWEB Greenpower program. The projects were similarly priced, so EWEB Windpower customers saw little or no changes in cost as they became EWEB Greenpower customers.
The updated Greenpower Program is supplied by the output of newer wind power projects in northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington, and from solar-powered electric generators in Eugene.
Output from the Foote Creek Rim project has been incorporated into EWEB's resource mix, meaning that all EWEB customers now receive clean renewable energy from the project.
How much does EWEB Greenpower cost?
EWEB customers have two options when purchasing EWEB Greenpower:
Option 1: Customers can assign up to 100 percent of their electric load to Greenpower by paying a 1-cent per kilowatt-hour premium above the normal rate.
For example, the average EWEB household uses 1060 kWh per month. The extra cost for 100 percent Greenpower for that customer is approximately $10.60 per month. (1,060 x $0.01 = $10.60)
Option 2: Customers can also purchase EWEB Greenpower in block units:
- $1.50 per 100 kilowatt-hours or,
- $10 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours.
Customers may purchase as many blocks as desired. Some customers may choose to buy both consumption-based Greenpower and blocks.
Will the cost of EWEB Greenpower change?
EWEB's publicly elected Board of Commissioners sets the price of EWEB Greenpower. Any rate change will be reviewed during regularly scheduled public meetings prior to any adjustments. See board meeting agendas and supporting documents for more information about EWEB Commissioners' rate actions.
Where will the revenue from EWEB Greenpower go?
The revenue from EWEB Greenpower will go into a reserve fund that will finance future renewable projects in the Northwest.
For example, the funds raised by EWEB Greenpower could be used to expand Eugene’s development of local solar photovoltaic electric generation, support educational efforts to a bring broader understanding of sustainability in energy development, or invest in research and demonstration of new generation technologies such as wave power.
The EWEB Board of Commissioners is dedicated to making future investments in new renewable generation projects. New investments will be based on EWEB’s Integrated Electric Resource Plan (IERP), and the economic and environmental benefits will continue to flow to the Northwest. In fact, the EWEB Greenpower program is designed to produce additional investments above and beyond those to which the Commissioners have already committed.
You can influence future renewable project funding decisions by participating in EWEB Greenpower and speaking to your elected EWEB commissioner.
Where does EWEB Greenpower come from?
EWEB Greenpower currently comes from the Stateline Wind Energy Center and from photovoltaic (PV) electric generation facilities right here in Eugene.
The Stateline Wind Energy Center is located on Vansycle Ridge, a crest of land straddling the Washington–Oregon border between Touchet, Washington, and Pendleton, Oregon. The ridge catches winds from the Columbia Gorge, which average a steady but not gusty 16 to 18 miles per hour. This is considered excellent for wind farm development.
There are a growing number of solar generation projects in Eugene including two of the largest systems in the Northwest. Industrial Finishes on West 1st Avenue is one of the largest systems in the Northwest at 450 kW, followed by the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Eugene at 250 kW.
Will the source of EWEB Greenpower be expanded?
Yes. In the near future, EWEB will add to the Greenpower blend with output from additional regional wind, solar and geothermal projects.
Will EWEB Greenpower be delivered directly to my home or business?
EWEB owns or contracts with many electric generation projects that deliver power to the western electrical grid, which supplies your home or business with power. While we cannot guarantee your electricity is coming from any specific project, your investment in EWEB Greenpower increases the percentage of renewable generation flowing onto the grid and reduces the need for power from other nonrenewable sources.
What is a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)?
Renewable Energy Certificates (REC), sometimes called “green tags,” represent the positive environmental attributes or benefits of renewable generation such as wind, solar and geothermal power. Renewable generation displaces less environmentally friendly generation that burns fossil fuels that cause air and water pollution. The electricity produced by renewable generation is the same as electricity produced by conventional generation. However, the displacement of fossil fuel generation leaves a positive environmental impact by comparison. In essence, the REC is a record of the positive environmental attribute produced when the renewable generation displaces fossil fuel generation.
Renewable Energy Certificates are a method of documenting and tracking the environmental attributes of renewable energy generation. RECs can only be produced in an equal amount to the amount of electricity generated from a qualifying new renewable generator. RECs are traded in wholesale markets between suppliers and organizations that use the certificates to meet regulatory requirements for investments in renewable energy, and in retail programs similar to EWEB Greenpower.
How will EWEB Greenpower make a difference?
Supporting EWEB Greenpower will encourage additional non-carbon producing renewable energy production in the Northwest. When new renewable generation is added to the Northwest power grid, less carbon-emitting generation is needed and Northwest carbon emissions are lowered. Many scientists believe carbon emissions play a role in global warming.
According to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, each 1,000 kilowatt-hours of clean new renewable electricity produced in the Northwest represents 1,000 kilowatt-hours of reduced conventional generation. This results in the equivalent of 1,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions that are offset in the mix of energy delivered to the western electrical grid. In fact, the impact would be greater if it weren’t for the high percentage of non-polluting hydroelectric power in the Pacific Northwest. In parts of the country where coal is the primary source of electric generation, the reduction of greenhouse gas emission from new renewable generators is up to two times greater.
What is “Green-e” certification?
The EWEB Greenpower retail program is certified as a “Green-e” Renewable Electricity Program. This certification program is administered by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions, which sets consumer protection and environmental standards for retail electricity products and verifies that consumer dollars are supporting a specific amount and type of renewable power. This is a nationally recognized way of providing independent verification of a green power program’s true environmental benefits. Only the most environmentally beneficial program can receive the Green-e certification. You can learn more about the Center for Resource Solutions and Green-e certification by visiting their web site at www.green-e.org or calling 1-888-63-GREEN.
Am I required to participate?
No. EWEB Greenpower is a voluntary program. You can sign up as you like, and you may unsubscribe at any time without penalty.
Can I claim my Greenpower purchase as a charitable deduction?
No. While supporting Greenpower has a huge positive impact on the environment, it is currently not eligible for a charitable deduction.
How can I sign up for Greenpower?
Simply call 338-WIND (9463) or sign up online.
Email us for more information about EWEB Greenpower.
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