Driving into the future

As gas prices continue to rise and emissions put increasing pressure on the environment, more and more people are looking for alternative forms of transportation. And the industry is responding. In 2011 and beyond, as new all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids enter the marketplace, Avista is developing programs to support our customers as they evaluate their future electric vehicle transportation options.

When using electricity, the fuel cost for operating vehicles can be up to seven times lower than traditional gas vehicles. In addition to lower operating costs, emissions from electric vehicles are up to 60% lower than traditional gas engines. What’s more, as an Avista customer, you can choose to participate in our voluntary renewable energy program, Buck-A-Block, to offset the energy you do use, and drive virtually emission free.

Understanding alternatives

For effective energy planning, it’s important to understand and respond to the potential impact these vehicles have on demand. In 2009, Avista began testing the impact of two plug-in hybrid vehicles retrofitted with additional battery capacity to run entirely on electric power.

We’re offsetting the usage these cars have with renewable power generated through solar panels installed on the top of our building. We are also testing the implications of renewable energy in meeting the demand for energy applications like electric vehicles.

Making it easy to charge

Depending on where you live, public charging stations may be available. In April 2010, Avista installed three stations at various locations in Spokane. Since then we’ve upgraded the charging stations to the newly adopted level 2 standard. As more and more consumers choose electric vehicle transportation, you can expect to see more of these stations. Nationally, large retailers are beginning to install them in their parking lots as a way to provide service to their customers.

What you need to know

New all-electric vehicles may have specific electric requirements, so getting your home ready is an important first step. Do you need an electric-vehicle charging station? Can your current electrical service support the added load of charging your electric vehicle? You can get more information, as well as download our electric vehicle brochure at avistautilities.com/transportation.

What about Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles?

As a provider of natural gas, Avista has long been aware of the benefits of CNG vehicles. To learn more about CNG and how Avista is involved in this form of alternative transportation, visit us online at avistautilities.com/cng.

Finding the balance

In 2006, Washington State voters passed Initiative 937 (I-937), which requires Avista and other utilities to meet renewable portfolio standards and energy conservation goals detailed in Washington’s Energy Independence Act. On the renewable side, this means utilities must use eligible renewable resources, renewable energy credits (RECs) or a combination of both to meet the increasing annual targets from 3% in 2012 to 15% by 2020. Unfortunately, existing hydropower or biomass facilities are not eligible. With this in mind, and to meet the 2012 targets, we have added qualifying renewable generation capacity with upgrades at our hydroelectric projects as well as purchased RECs. Upgrades to existing hydro facilities which increase efficiency do qualify. In addition, power purchased from Palouse Wind is expected to satisfy Avista’s RPS requirements for 2016. Because the cost of renewable energy can be high, we continually balance the need to secure enough energy to meet customers’ needs with the costs of new resources, while satisfying renewable portfolio standards, both in the near and long term. For more information on Washington State Renewable Portfolio Standards go to everylittlebit.com/renewableenergy.aspx. For more information on Avista’s electric integrated resource plan, go to avistautilities.com/electricirp.

Avista selects Palouse Winds

Through a request for proposals (RFP) issued in February 2011, Avista has selected to purchase power generated by the proposed Palouse Wind project in Whitman County, Washington.

Palouse Wind, a wind energy facility permitted and being developed by First Wind, an independent U.S.-based wind energy company, will provide Avista with approximately 40 average megawatts of renewable energy, or as much as 100 megawatts of nameplate wind capacity, under a 30-year power purchase agreement with deliveries beginning in 2012.

Ben Fairbanks, First Wind’s Development Director, said the agreement is beneficial for the community as a whole. “Palouse Wind will bring more than 100 construction jobs, as well up to 10 full-time, permanent jobs to Whitman County once the project is operational.” Fairbanks said.

The wind farm has the capacity to generate enough clean, renewable energy to power about 30,000 of Avista’s customers’ homes. This purchase is separate from the Buck-a-Block green power program.

Spokane Public Schools commit to save energy and dollars

Renewable energy is often referred to as green energy, but it’s important to remember the greenest kWh is the one that doesn’t need to be generated. This is achieved through energy efficiency and conservation.

By looking through a green lens, Spokane Public Schools (SPS) have become a model for reducing operating costs through energy efficiency. Energy efficiency improvements incorporated into the recent remodel of Shadle Park High School, Garfield and Longfellow Elementary Schools, and eight other district facilities have qualified for over $417,000 in energy efficiency rebates and incentives from Avista. The measures will save SPS approximately $167,000 in annual energy costs.

By installing high-efficiency boilers, chillers, water heaters, additional roof insulation, qualifying ENERGY STAR® appliances and other measures as part of the remodeling projects, SPS will reduce their annual energy demand by more than 576,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and 119,000 therms. That’s enough energy savings to power 48 homes and provide natural gas service to 142 homes for a year.

Reducing energy use is a great example to set for our future generations. By upgrading our facilities, we are creating a better learning environment for our students and teaching them to be stewards of energy efficiency. We are grateful to Avista for providing opportunities that allow the school district to save energy, as well as taxpayer dollars.

Spokane Public Schools Associate Superintendent, Dr. Mark Anderson

Avista offers a number of energy efficiency programs to residential, commercial and industrial customers as a tool to help them reduce their energy usage and resulting costs. For over three decades Avista has offered the tariff-based programs because it costs less to help customers reduce their usage through energy efficiency programs than to acquire additional, more costly energy resources.

The energy efficiency programs we offer provide us with a great opportunity to assist our local schools as they achieve their energy efficiency goals and increase the sustainability of a valued community resource.

Since 2005, SPS has completed nearly 150 different energy efficiency projects throughout the district and has contributed to an estimated savings of nearly 6 million kWh a year. That savings is enough to power 482 homes for one year.

Information on Avista’s range of energy efficiency programs and other energy management tools for residential, commercial and industrial customers is available at www.everylittlebit.com.

Happy 10-year anniversary!

It has been 10 years since we designed the Buck-A-Block program and launched it for electric customers in Washington and Idaho. In 2011 nearly 4,000 participating customers continue to voluntarily offset their environmental impacts by purchasing over 77,000,000 kWh of renewable energy credits. We continue to hear positive feedback from satisfied customers who proudly support the program and we appreciate the ongoing efforts of Buck-A-Block customers. Thank you for your commitment to renewable energy.

Warm up and spread the word!

As a thank you for your commitment to renewable energy, and to increase awareness, the Buck-A-Block program is offering FREE “I buy renewable energy” hooded sweatshirts while supplies last. Claim your gift in any of the following ways: you can fill in the information below and return it with your bill, or you can go to everylittlebit.com/hoodie and fill out an online form. Please respond by November 30, 2011. Offer available while supplies last.