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April 22, 1999 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
EUGENE WATER & ELECTRIC BOARD CELEBRATES EARTH DAY WITH LAUNCH OF CLEAN NEW WIND POWER OPTION Beginning Earth Day, April 22, EWEB electric customers can choose to power their homes using electricity that is generated by the wind -- one of the cleanest, earth-friendly generation source available. EWEB Windpower is generated without the negative side effects inherent to many generation sources. Environmental impacts from more conventional generation often include the depletion of fossil fuels and creation of greenhouse gases and pollution. But EWEB-owned generation is relatively easy on the earth; most of the power is generated by small hydroelectric facilities. Still, the utility must purchase some of its power from other suppliers. "The EWEB Windpower program really offers customers a way to act on the adage 'Think Global, Act Local,'" says Program Manager Mat Northway. "A decision made at home, with the help of a community-owned utility, can improve the environment." "In recent years, Eugeneans have encouraged EWEB to pursue renewable generation sources and have even indicated a willingness to pay more for clean resources such as wind," according to Northway. At this point, wind-generated power is more expensive than common generation sources such as natural gas, oil, coal and existing hydroelectric. EWEB Windpower is priced at a higher rate than standard EWEB power. This pricing recovers the extra cost incurred, but no more. All money that is collected through the program pays for the operation and maintenance of the project. Through the voluntary EWEB Windpower program, customers can select wind for 10, 25, 50 or 100 percent of their electricity needs. The cost for customers to support Windpower varies depending upon their consumption and the percentage of wind they choose. For every 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) they use, choosing: 10% wind increases their bill $3.09 25% wind increases their bill $7.73 50% wind increases their bill $15.45 100% increases their bill $30.90 The average residential customer uses approximately 1,250 kWh per month. As an example, the average customer would pay about $3.85 a month when they sign up for 10 percent Windpower. EWEB is one of only a handful of utilities across the nation to offer their customers a wind energy option. However, industry experts predict that such programs will become common. In fact, wind power is the world's fastest growing source of energy. All EWEB customers will receive information about EWEB Windpower with their May bill. In the meantime, customers can call 338-WIND for more information.
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