CITY OF ASTORIA UNVEILS FIRST RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT
News Release from Pacific Power
Posted on FlashAlert: March 2nd, 2015 4:19 PM
March 2, 2015
City of Astoria unveils first renewable energy project
New hydroelectric turbine cuts power costs; made possible by Pacific Power's Blue Sky customers and Energy Trust of Oregon
ASTORIA, Ore. -- March 2, 2015 -- Today the City of Astoria unveiled a new hydroelectric turbine in its municipal water system. Located at the city's Bear Creek Reservoir water storage facility, the hydropower system will save the city an estimated $9,000 in annual energy costs. With expected annual generation of approximately 150,000 kilowatt hours, the equivalent to powering 16 homes, the turbine will offset the power usage of the city's water treatment plant, with excess generation sold to Pacific Power. The turbine began operating in March.
"I am thrilled that so many agencies and groups were able to come together to help get the city's first alternative energy project off the ground," said Arline LaMear, mayor, City of Astoria. "This project not only helps power the city with renewable energy, its construction supported the local economy by providing at least 25 jobs for 12 weeks. Hopefully there will be other projects in Astoria and in other communities."
The 30-kilowatt hydroelectric turbine project was made possible by a $169,000 funding award from customers of Pacific Power's Blue SkySM renewable energy program, $143,000 cash incentive from Energy Trust of Oregon, $88,000 from the Business Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority and $50,000 from the City of Astoria. The project's total cost is estimated to be $450,000.
"Astoria residents may never see this turbine at work, but it will be generating power and saving them money every day," said Sheila Holden, regional community manager, Pacific Power. "Our Blue Sky customers helped fund the feasibility study in 2007 and made the investment along with Energy Trust, the city and other partners. This is the kind of innovative project Blue Sky customers love to help make possible." The project is one of over 75 renewable energy projects made possible with funding support from Pacific Power's Blue Sky customers in the Northwest.
"This is a great example of the opportunity municipalities have to generate electricity within their drinking water systems," said Peter West, director of energy programs, Energy Trust. The nonprofit has supported this project for over seven years. In addition to the cash incentive, Energy Trust provided $15,000 in project development assistance. Energy Trust is dedicated to supporting pressure reduction hydropower projects that conserve energy and provide revenue streams for small municipalities.
Legislation sponsored by Oregon State Sen. Betsy Johnson in 2013, SB 837, made it possible for small hydropower projects like Astoria's to comply with fish and wildlife permitting processes by paying into a fund supporting fish passage restoration efforts in Oregon.
"I am very pleased that Astoria's commitment brought this project to fruition," said Sen. Betsy Johnson. "I'm proud that collaboration with the legislature and Governor's office changed the law to accommodate in-conduit hydroelectric turbines throughout the state. I'm sure it will reap great benefits."
"The Bear Creek Dam project is a real reason to celebrate, because it demonstrates what can be accomplished with public/private partnerships," said Oregon State Rep. Deborah Boone. "As a longtime member of the Oregon House Energy Committee, I have a keen appreciation for the value of distributed generation, and this project is harnessing an untapped energy source that will provide dividends for years to come."
BLUE SKY: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has ranked Blue Sky fifth or better in the nation for the 11th consecutive year in the number of customers buying renewable power. The Blue Sky Block, Usage and Habitat products are Green-e Energy certified. About 55,000 Pacific Power customers currently participate in the Blue Sky program across Oregon, Washington and California. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/bluesky.
PACIFIC POWER: Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. Our goal is to provide our customers with value for their energy dollar, and safe, reliable electricity. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with almost 1.8 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.
ENERGY TRUST: Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save nearly $1.7 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.
END
MEDIA NOTE: Photos and potential video clips showing the hydropower system and March 2 dedication event are available for media use. Access the files here https://www.flickr.com/photos/53788443@N08/sets/72157650636998149/ or contact Sue Fletcher at 503-546-3618 or sue.fletcher@energytrust.org.
City of Astoria unveils first renewable energy project
New hydroelectric turbine cuts power costs; made possible by Pacific Power's Blue Sky customers and Energy Trust of Oregon
ASTORIA, Ore. -- March 2, 2015 -- Today the City of Astoria unveiled a new hydroelectric turbine in its municipal water system. Located at the city's Bear Creek Reservoir water storage facility, the hydropower system will save the city an estimated $9,000 in annual energy costs. With expected annual generation of approximately 150,000 kilowatt hours, the equivalent to powering 16 homes, the turbine will offset the power usage of the city's water treatment plant, with excess generation sold to Pacific Power. The turbine began operating in March.
"I am thrilled that so many agencies and groups were able to come together to help get the city's first alternative energy project off the ground," said Arline LaMear, mayor, City of Astoria. "This project not only helps power the city with renewable energy, its construction supported the local economy by providing at least 25 jobs for 12 weeks. Hopefully there will be other projects in Astoria and in other communities."
The 30-kilowatt hydroelectric turbine project was made possible by a $169,000 funding award from customers of Pacific Power's Blue SkySM renewable energy program, $143,000 cash incentive from Energy Trust of Oregon, $88,000 from the Business Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority and $50,000 from the City of Astoria. The project's total cost is estimated to be $450,000.
"Astoria residents may never see this turbine at work, but it will be generating power and saving them money every day," said Sheila Holden, regional community manager, Pacific Power. "Our Blue Sky customers helped fund the feasibility study in 2007 and made the investment along with Energy Trust, the city and other partners. This is the kind of innovative project Blue Sky customers love to help make possible." The project is one of over 75 renewable energy projects made possible with funding support from Pacific Power's Blue Sky customers in the Northwest.
"This is a great example of the opportunity municipalities have to generate electricity within their drinking water systems," said Peter West, director of energy programs, Energy Trust. The nonprofit has supported this project for over seven years. In addition to the cash incentive, Energy Trust provided $15,000 in project development assistance. Energy Trust is dedicated to supporting pressure reduction hydropower projects that conserve energy and provide revenue streams for small municipalities.
Legislation sponsored by Oregon State Sen. Betsy Johnson in 2013, SB 837, made it possible for small hydropower projects like Astoria's to comply with fish and wildlife permitting processes by paying into a fund supporting fish passage restoration efforts in Oregon.
"I am very pleased that Astoria's commitment brought this project to fruition," said Sen. Betsy Johnson. "I'm proud that collaboration with the legislature and Governor's office changed the law to accommodate in-conduit hydroelectric turbines throughout the state. I'm sure it will reap great benefits."
"The Bear Creek Dam project is a real reason to celebrate, because it demonstrates what can be accomplished with public/private partnerships," said Oregon State Rep. Deborah Boone. "As a longtime member of the Oregon House Energy Committee, I have a keen appreciation for the value of distributed generation, and this project is harnessing an untapped energy source that will provide dividends for years to come."
BLUE SKY: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has ranked Blue Sky fifth or better in the nation for the 11th consecutive year in the number of customers buying renewable power. The Blue Sky Block, Usage and Habitat products are Green-e Energy certified. About 55,000 Pacific Power customers currently participate in the Blue Sky program across Oregon, Washington and California. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/bluesky.
PACIFIC POWER: Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. Our goal is to provide our customers with value for their energy dollar, and safe, reliable electricity. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with almost 1.8 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.
ENERGY TRUST: Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save nearly $1.7 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.
END
MEDIA NOTE: Photos and potential video clips showing the hydropower system and March 2 dedication event are available for media use. Access the files here https://www.flickr.com/photos/53788443@N08/sets/72157650636998149/ or contact Sue Fletcher at 503-546-3618 or sue.fletcher@energytrust.org.
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