Coalition launches Washington renewables ballot initiative

Seattle (Platts)--25Jan2006

A coalition of environmentalists and lobbyists in Washington launched a
state ballot initiative campaign Wednesday that would see renewables
accounting for 15% of the generation resources of the state's larger utilities
by 2020 if approved in November. Utilities would also be required to pursue
low-cost conservation opportunities for customers. 

     The measure would help protect electric consumers from volatile power
prices and dependence on fossil fuels and new power projects would boost the
economy, said the sponsors. 

     They include the Northwest Energy Coalition, United Steelworkers, Audubon
Washington, Sierra Club Cascade Chapter, Climate Solutions and Renewable
Northwest Project.  

     Randy Hardy, a former Bonneville Power Administration CEO who is
participating in the campaign, called the initiative "a reasonable and
practical solution to our growing energy needs in the region." 

     Utilities with more than 25,000 customers would be affected. The
initiative contains benchmarks in 2012 and 2016 to demonstrate progress. 

     The group needs to gather 300,000 signatures by June 30 to qualify for
the ballot. The coalition is taking the initiative route because bills have
failed in the legislature over the last two sessions that would require
utilities to buy renewables and to conserve power.

     Some 1% of Washington utilities' power is from renewables currently, the
group said. Puget Sound Energy will have 5% of its power supply from
renewables by year-end and 10% by 2013. Avista has wind supply 1% of its load,
but will beef this up in a plan that calls for 400 MW of wind generation, 80
MW of biomass and 69 MW of conservation by 2016. It has a solicitation
underway for 35 MW of power. 

     Wind supplies 1.5% of Seattle City Light's loads and about 1% of Tacoma
Power's load, according to data from the Washington Dept of Community, Trade
and Economic Development.

     For more information, take a trial to Platts Electricity Alert at
http://electricityalert.platts.com.

Please visit: www.platts.com

Their coverage of energy matters is extensive!!.