The Tacoma agreement is the ninth BPA environmentally p referred agreement. BPA has sold nearly 22 megawatts of env ironmentally preferred power. As more retail customers say they'd be willing to pay a bit more to support wind, solar or other alternative energy resources, BPA has committed to use all of the premiums it collects from these power sales for additional investments in new renewable resources. Utility interest comes about because of consumer awareness and concern over global warming and the environment, according to Angus Duncan, president of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation that has worked with BPA to sell its environmentally preferred power. Technology is making it easier and less costly to build these resources.
People are willing to pay more to get energy that is easier on the earth.
Look for more deals coming from us and our partners in the near future. The Foundation uses the endorsement fee for renewable power development and to fund fish and wildlife habitat projects located throughout the Northwest. So far, the outlook is good. Nearly 2,500 customers have signed up for the programs. I think they will take on this opportunity because of concern for the land, air and water and because they believe that working together they can make a difference.