Evolving Energy Newsletter
Fall/Winter 2007
Buck-A-Block Update
Congratulations! You are making a difference with the
Buck-A-Block program. Your efforts with the Buck-A-Block
program have really paid off. More of you than ever are choosing
to participate and every dollar that you contribute guarantees
that 300 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity is generated from
an environmentally preferred source. Avista strives to bring
you exceptional value through this offering and Buck-A-Block
charges one of the lowest premiums in the nation.
Wind power continues to be the
fastest growing form of renewable energy today. Thousands of
wind turbines operate around the world and new wind farms and
offshore wind parks are continually being planned and built.
Other forms of renewable energy like biomass, land fill gas
and wood waste, are increasing capacity as well. Your commitment
to the Buck-A-Block program has made these renewable energy
sources an even bigger part of the regions energy mix.
Since the program began in 2002, over 205 million kWh of environmentally
preferred power has been generated as a result of your participation.
Currently, approximately 3,500 residential and 100 business
customers are participating in the Buck-A-Block program. This
additional contribution is greatly appreciated and together
with Avista, you are making a difference. For more information
about the Buck-A-Block program, go to
www.avistautilities.com or www.everylittlebit.com.
Renewable Info Online
Visit our new site to learn about renewables, efficiency and
more…
Offsetting environmental impacts through
Buck-A-Block is a big way to make your energy use greener.
The “greenest” electricity, however, might be that which isn’t
generated due to your energy saving efforts. There are lots
of little things that we can do that add up to big savings for
our community and the environment. To help customers, Avista
offers energy saving tips online at everylittlebit.com. Visit
the website to learn more about all the little things we can
do to use energy wisely, as well as for access to renewable
information and energy efficiency programs.
Customer Spotlight
Mountain Gear, Inc. Models Efficiency
Mountain Gear, Inc., a Spokane sporting goods company and one
of Avista’s Buck-A-Block commercial customers, is attempting
to achieve a LEED rating from the U.S. Green Building Council,
with the construction of their new headquarters in Spokane,
Washington.
Mountain Gear turned to Avista’s energy analysts for tools to
help create the most energy efficient building possible. The
measures employed have contributed to Mountain Gear’s facility
being 39 percent more energy efficient.
You can learn more about what Mountain Gear is doing, as well
as options Avista offers to help your business become more energy
efficient. Just go to www.everylittlebit.com
for more information.
Avista Makes Plans to Meet RPS Goals
Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) are public
policy requirements for electric utilities that promote and
require the development and use of renewable energy. Washington
is one of 24 states to adopt an RPS and Avista is currently
meeting its goal with hydroelectric upgrades. While the number
of utilities meeting RPS requirements with wind power creates
supply and demand issues in the near-term, Avista is seeking
suitable sites on which to develop new wind generation facilities
for the future.
Avista to Test Clean Energy at Site in Idaho
This past summer, Avista partnered with GreenVolts, a San Francisco--based
solar energy firm, to build a new demonstration solar power
plant that will test clean energy at the Avista substation in
Rathdrum, Idaho. The site provides a means to experiment with
new sustainable energy technologies in order to apply them to
utility operations.
GreenVolts developed new technology, called concentrated solar
systems, with the goal of delivering utility-level solar power
at a cost that will compete with natural gas alternatives. This
system uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a super-efficient
solar cell allowing the system to replace expensive conventional
solar arrays with smaller units, yet produce at least twice
the energy per unit of land area.
Avista’s participation in this research is one more example
of their commitment to provide sustainable and renewable energy
solutions to their customers. Every little bit helps.
How You Can Make a Difference
Energy efficiency in the home is one of the easiest ways to
have a positive impact on the environment. The greenest kWh
is the one that is not generated! Not only will you use less
energy, but you will help slow the rate of climate change.
How can you help? There are ways to conserve energy in your
home that you can start today!
Check your equipment. Make sure your appliances
are running properly and if you are purchasing new appliances,
consider energy efficient models.
Prevent cold drafts. Find and fix those places
in your home that may let cold air in such as the fireplace,
leaks in doors and window frames and window air conditioners.
Lighting. Install compact florescent bulbs
and lighting controls such as timers.
Hot water. Insulate your water pipes and lower
the temperature on your water heater to 120°.
Many other residential tips can be found at
www.everylittlebit.com.
Free Offer: 2 Grocery Tote Bags
As a thank you for your commitment to renewable energy through
your participation in the
Buck-A-Block program, Avista would like to offer you
two (2) free reusable tote bags while supplies last. Claim your
gift in any of the following ways: you can fill in the information
below and return it with your bill, you can call 800–227–9187
or you can go to
www.everylittlebit.com/freetotes for an online form.
Please respond by February 29, 2008.