Utilities recognize the importance of being able to differentiate themselves by offering special services or products, such as green power. Plus, as mentioned before, some utilities are giving serious consideration to the long-term business advantages to be gained through renewable, sustainable resources. History of Commitment to Renewables, Conservation EWEB has long been dedicated to helping its customers minimize the environmental impact of their electricity use. As a public utility, EWEB's rationale for exploring ways to respond to community concern about long-term sources and impacts is rooted in good faith as well as the recognition of the solid business reasons behind diversifying and exploring the green options. Among the green opportunities is energy conservation.
Conservation plays a key role in the big picture of sound energy resource planning.
EWEB's energy management program was founded in the 70s with the goal of helping customers reduce wasted energy and continues today. Later, in 1980, the Northwest Power Act codified the important role conservation should play in long-term planning and in fact conservation was considered a hallmark of that act. Among other things, that plan called for EWEB to develop renewable energy resources such as wind and small hydroelectric facilities. The greatest inspiration to foster the development of green power centers around the recognition that we must be proactive and keep a long-term perspective as we consider the impact of electric generation upon the environment. Simultaneously the need to continue green development can be traced to economics.