Watch a wind project in the making

Several northwest electric co-ops and consumer owned utilities, including Lakeview Light, have joined together to develop and produce Green Power. Green Power is, essentially, pollution-free power that’s generated by clean, renewable, environmentally friendly sources – like wind, solar, biomass, fuel cells and geothermal.

Our group, called the Last Mile Electrical Cooperative, is focusing on wind power. Wind is an especially good choice because it’s one of the cheapest and cleanest types of energy available. There’s no extraction of fuel, pollution or harm to the environment. And wind power provides an economic boost to rural communities. For farmers with windy land (as in Eastern Washington) it can provide a new, steady source of income, much like another crop.

Northwesterners are choosing Green Power for several reasons:

• Health - Some of the electricity consumed in the Northwest comes from burning fossil fuels like coal and gas. These harm human health, degrade ecosystems and add to global warming.

• Environmental preservation - Green Power doesn’t harm fish and wildlife, and can actually help air and water quality in our region. Because there is no environmental damage, it can keep our environment clean for future generations.

• Stability - Green Power doesn’t rely on non-renewable fuels, and costs don’t fluctuate wildly. Wind and sunlight are free - and there is an endless supply.

• Economic impact - In the Northwest, we have enough green resources to satisfy at least 40% of our electricity needs. And, investing in Green Power helps our economy. According to a study published last fall, Green Power currently contributes $1.4 billion a year to our region’s economy. It’s expected to grow at a rate of $4 billion a year over the next 20 years and add 12,000 new jobs.

Although it’s still a bit more expensive than power from conventional sources, the price is coming down. And the more people who sign on to purchase Green Power, the more the price will fall.

• Board gives green light to lower green prices-

All LLP customers-residential and commerical alike-can now purchase green power in 250 Kwh blocks for just $2 a month.

This means that customers who use an average of 1,250 Kwh of electricity per month can go ‘all green’ for just $10 a month. For customers who use less than 1,250 Kwh a month, going green will cost even less.

Commerical customers who sign up can promote themselves as an ‘All Green Business.’

Here’s how it works:

Customers purchase 250 Kwh of green power for an additional charge of $2 per month on their electric bill. You can purchase as many 250 Kwh blocks as you want. Subscription time frame is for a period of three months. For example, one purchase=$2/month, etc. The cost is added to your monthly power bill for each of the three months. Your subscriptions will be automatically renewed for another three-month time frame unless you notify LLP to change or cancel it.