Advocates Praise Salem Electric for Decision to Purchase Renewable Energy

Portland, OR -- A regional renewable energy advocacy organization welcomed the decision by the Salem Electric Cooperative (Salem) to purchase non-hydro renewable energy to meet a substantial portion of its customer load.

“Salem has demonstrated their leadership and made an investment in the region’s sustainable energy future through this action. It represents a meaningful step toward developing the Northwest’s significant clean energy resources -- one that will help maintain our quality of life,” said Rachel Shimshak, director of Renewable Northwest.

 

Salem’s board of directors took action at a special meeting on January 10 that secured the purchase of approximately 7 megawatts of renewable power from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), or 17% percent of their total load. The power will come from two BPA-sponsored wind energy projects; Columbia Wind Farm #1 in Washington, and Foote Creek Rim in Wyoming. BPA will provide power, and all associated services, for five years at a flat rate. BPA believes that both wind projects will begin delivering power by October 1, 1996.