Renewable Energy What Is It?

Renewable Energy is energy derived from fuel sources, like sun and wind that are constantly replenished and will not run out. Renewable energy technologies take this energy and convert it into usable forms of energy like electricity. These technologies are often described as "clean" or green" because they produce little or no pollutants.

Yes! KPUD's net metering policy allows customers to receive value for the electricity they produce.

Klickitat PUD's net metering Policy Bulletin No. 25 "Interconnection Agreement for Net Energy Metering" applies to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and fuel cell systems of 25 kilowatts or less. This net metering policy allows the consumer to receive value for the electricity they produce without installing expensive battery storage systems. It allows KPUD's consumers to use the utility as a storage system for excess electricity they generate to offset electricity used at other times during the year. If the electricity supplied by KPUD exceeds the electricity generated by the customer-generator then KPUD will bill the customer monthly for the excess electricity used. On the other hand, if electricity generated by the customer-generator and supplied back to KPUD exceeds the customer's usage then a credit will appear on the customer's next month's utility bill.

Sorry, PUD's can't offer incentives or low interest loans to consumers who utilize renewable energy, such as wind or solar.

Klickitat PUD would like to offer incentives or low interest loans to its consumers who utilize renewable energy technologies by installing wind turbines or solar system. In fact, that was our original intention when we started working on our conservation plan last year. Unfortunately, we received an opinion that was released by the Washington State Attorney General's office relating to the conversion of one energy source to another, also know as fuel switching.

"Article VIII, section 10 of the Washington Constitution and RCW 54.16.280 do not authorize public utility districts to finance projects that involve the installation or operation of pellet stoves, solar power systems, wind turbines, geothermal energy systems, or mini-hydroelectric systems on private property, for the reason that these projects would involve conversion from one energy source to another".

However, in January of this year, Senator Erik Poulsen introduced SB 6658, which would allow PUDs to provide financial assistance for the installation of renewable projects. Until this opinion is reversed, state law does not allow us to fund any type of fuel switching.

Yes! KPUD can offer low interest loans or rebates for weatherization measures or Energy Star Appliances.

What KPUD will be doing for its customers is to offer low interest loans and/or rebates for the installation of weatherization measures or the purchase of Energy Star appliances.

The conservation program that we will be offering this time around will include both pre-existing stick built and manufactured homes. Because of the fuel switching issue, KPUD is only allowed to offer loans and/or rebates on air source heat pumps. Once our conservation program is available, we will be advertising it in the Ruralite, bill stuffers, newspaper, and on the radio.