PSE contest offers solar prize

Puget Sound Energy’s Green Power Program is offering a solar photovoltaic system to one lucky winner in PSE’s electric service area.

 

Puget Sound Energy’s Green Power Program is offering a solar photovoltaic system to one lucky winner in PSE’s electric service area. Customers who enroll in PSE’s Green Power Program before Sept. 30 will be automatically entered to win a one kilowatt solar energy system valued at $10,000 for their home.

Existing Green Power customers can enter for a chance to win by upgrading to 100 percent participation. Customers who already participate at 100 percent will be automatically entered to win.

PSE’s voluntary Green Power Program gives PSE electric customers a way to guarantee that some or all of the energy they use is matched in the electric grid with clean electricity from wind, solar, biogas and other renewable energy sources from the West. None of the renewable energy in PSE’s Green Power Program is generated by PSE; it all comes from independent producers of renewable power.

In 2011, PSE offered its first Solar Sweepstakes, which was won by the Swan family of Bellingham. Prior to winning the 2011 contest, solar had been a dream of the Swans but the price kept it out of reach.

“We’ve talked about installing solar on our home because we knew that it is a great source of green power, but haven’t been in the position to do it until now,” Susan Swan said.

Now the Swans are among other residents and businesses that own solar and are able to sell unused power back to the utility. In addition, they were eligible for state and federal tax credits for installing solar, while also increasing the value of their home.

With two participation options, PSE residential customers can purchase 100 percent green power for approximately $10 to $12 a month based on their actual usage or buy a specific amount, with a minimum purchase of $4 per month for 320 kilowatt hours (kWh). Additional green power can be bought in increments of $2 for 160 kWh. Business customers can also participate at rates specific to their situation, but are not eligible for the Solar Sweepstakes.

For more information about the Green Power Solar Sweepstakes, or to sign up for PSE’s Green Power Program visit PSE.com/SolarSweepstakes or call a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.