Seattle - Green Power Purchasing

Summary

Earth Day Resolution 30144, passed unanimously by the Seattle City Council in 2000, directs the city's municipal utility, Seattle City Light, to meet demand growth with no net increases in greenhouse gas emissions by: (a) using cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable resources to meet as much load as possible, and (b) mitigating or offsetting greenhouse gas emissions associated with any fossil fuels used to meet load growth. In 2000, it was anticipated that load growth between 2001 and 2011 would reach 200 average MW (aMW). Seattle City Light expected that roughly 100 aMW would come from conservation programs and 100 aMW from renewables or green resources. The utility issued a Request for Proposals of renewable projects in the second half of 2000 and received around 60 proposals. After a period of review, negotiations ended with a contract to buy 100 MW (capacity) from the Stateline Wind project. City Ordinance Number 120529 authorizes Seattle City Light's wind purchase. Stateline Wind project is located in southeast Washington and northeast Oregon. The contract with Stateline Wind became effective in 2002, and included an addition of up to 75 MW (capacity) to be added in 2004. Given the expected capacity factor of this wind resource, the full capacity of 175 MW is anticipated to generate 54 aMW annually. Load projections for Seattle City Light have declined over the past few years and, even though projections are beginning to increase, the need for additional renewable resources is not anticipated for a few years. Seattle City Light continues to investigate renewable energy options available in the Pacific Northwest.