At a recent council meeting, some youthful visitors asked Council whether we were actively working toward a sustainable future and a reduced carbon footprint.  They also asked if the city has considered solar energy programs. Puget Sound Energy is sponsoring programs in which customers can commit to buying solar energy under a long-term fixed contract that’s priced higher than fossil-fuel-generated power today but will probably be lower than fossil fuel in the future– and it helps save the planet.

I appreciated the visitors for asking the question, and I applaud their concern for our environment and our future.  One of the solar programs they referred to is called the Green Direct Renewable Energy Program. It gives cities the opportunity to source their electricity from renewable energy sources (solar and wind). Customers enter into Power Purchase Agreements to purchase renewable energy, which provides certainty for development of renewable energy sources. PSE has completed two phases of the program. No new customers are currently being accepted, but we think they will expand it in the near future.  When they do, I would like the City of Renton to join to get renewable energy for powering city facilities and streetlights.  Residences and businesses are being offered similar programs now or in the near future.

During my 25 years on council I’ve helped with many initiatives to save energy and our environment.   Our staff put some of these initiatives together in the following list:

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