Evolving Energy Newsletter

Summer 2010

Buck-A-Block program participation holds steady

Thank you for making a difference by continuing to support renewable energy

Buck-A-Block has been offering customers a voluntary option to offset environmental impacts from their energy usage since 2002. The program experienced dramatic growth the first seven years, with overall subscriptions reaching a slight plateau in the last year. Still, hundreds of new customers continue to sign up to participate each year. Currently, about 4,000 customers are subscribing to Buck-A-Block, averaging four blocks (1,200 kWh) or $4 per month. In 2009, participating customers purchased over 70 million kilowatt hours of environmental offsets through Buck-A-Block.

More and more customers look to generate their own power

Process can be complicated and expensive, but Avista is here to help

In the last few years a new trend is emerging as more and more customers look to install their own renewable energy generation. Compared to purchasing renewable energy credits through Buck-A-Block, generating your own energy is quite an undertaking. Still, a small but determined group of customers have made the investment, and genuine curiosity in the process continues to rise.

The road to generating your own power can be complicated and each situation is unique. Because information is continually changing, our goal is to provide you with some insights that may help in your process.

1) The Interconnection Agreement. Decide which interconnection option to choose: selling back power or net-metering. Most residential and small commercial systems qualify for either approach and both can be viewed as an incentive.

2) Type and size of system. Once you decide these important factors, you can complete an interconnection application with Avista. This process will identify any safety or utility costs based on your proposal.

3) Explore incentive options. In addition to interconnection options, incentives may also be available in your state.

For more information, links to consumer guides, interconnection application and incentive forms, visit our website at www.everylittlebit.com/GenerateYourOwnRenewableEnergy.aspx.

Here comes the sun...

With widespread adoption of hybrid vehicles will come demand for energy to power them, ultimately placing more demand on our system. For effective energy planning, it’s important for us to understand and respond to the impact these vehicles will have on demand.

Our job is to meet increasing energy needs with a responsible mix of resources, including renewable options such as wind, solar and biomass. With that in mind, we’re currently testing the impact of two plug-in Toyota Prius Hybrids, called our Sun Cars. These vehicles have been retrofitted with additional battery capacity so they can be run entirely on electric power. We are offsetting the demand these cars will have on our baseload with renewable power we’re generating through solar panels installed on the top of our headquarters building. These solar panels are typical residential panels produced in Washington.

You can read more about our Sun Cars, as well as track the solar power we’re generating at everylittlebit.com.

Avista celebrates 50 years of renewable energy in Noxon, Montana

Hydropower is the original renewable energy, and it’s what gives our region access to low-cost, clean power. Preserving and maintaining these resources takes a lot of work, including the reclicensing process, which can last for several years. Last fall, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Noxon Rapids hydroelectric dam and the 10th anniversary of the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement, about 300 community members, stakeholders, retirees and employees attended Avista’s outdoor celebration in Noxon, Montana.

The festivities began with a rededication ceremony at lower Noxon Rapids overlook. Avista Corp. CEO Scott Morris spoke about the history of the dam and surrounding communities, thanking the members of the Clark Fork Management Committee in attendance for their commitment to continued protection of the Clark Fork River and surrounding natural resources. Representatives from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and Montana Trout Unlimited shared their thoughts on building trust and collaborating on natural resource protection, and a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe elder concluded the program, emphasizing trust as a fundamental building block for protecting the environment for future generations.

Is your home energy efficient?

Avista has launched an In-Home Energy Audit pilot program. A home energy audit can assess how much energy your home consumes and evaluates measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An audit can help you pinpoint your home’s inefficiencies before you spend money on improvements that may or may not be cost-effective solutions.

This program is designed for single family, semi-detached duplex residents and manufactured or mobile homes located in the boundaries of Spokane County. Funding comes through a combination of federal stimulus dollars being offered through Spokane County, the City of Spokane and the City of Spokane Valley as well as Avista’s demand side management fund. Costs of the audits vary depending on location and can be as low as $150.

By using a variety of diagnostic tests and visual assessments, a comprehensive home energy audit is your first step to lower energy bills, increase energy efficiency and improve the comfort of your home. You can find more information, including information about your eligibility at avistautilities.com/savings/inhomeaudit.

A picture perfect garden

As a thank you for your commitment to renewable energy, the Buck-A-Block program is offering a FREE pack of 10 greeting cards with envelopes while supplies last. This collection of greeting cards features the work of celebrated photographer Bruce Heinemann, a local Northwest artist. With each pack, you’ll receive two each of five custom cards with stunning photographs of wildflowers, along with a packet of wildflower seeds so you can grow your own picture perfect garden.

Claim your gift, go to everylittlebit.com/freegift and fill out the online form. Please respond by August 1, 2010. Offer available while supplies last.