Nonprofits, schools and government agencies interested in investing in renewable energy projects could get a financial boost this year from Tacoma Power’s Evergreen Options program.
Starting today, Tacoma Power will begin accepting applications for a grant of up to $50,000 to build on-site renewable energy projects – like solar, wind and geothermal. Nonprofits, schools and government agencies who participate in Evergreen Options can apply.
Evergreen Options, a voluntary program, enables customers to support local renewable energy by paying an additional monthly charge on their electric bill. Participants can choose a specific amount (minimum $3 per month) or a percentage of their electric use, up to 100 percent.
“For a long time, Evergreen Options has supported the development of renewable resources in the region; now it will also support the development of renewable resources in our community,” said Tacoma Power Superintendent Chris Robinson.
How the grants work:
- Nonprofits, schools and government agencies that want to build renewable energy projects sign up for, or validate their participation in, the Evergreen Options program.
- Qualifying organizations identify a renewable energy project for their location, get three bids and submit an application by Oct. 17.
- Tacoma Power screens and scores applications to ensure they meet the qualifications.
- All Evergreen Options participants vote on the grant recipient.
- The organization that receives the grant builds its renewable energy project.
- Any unused electricity generated by the renewable energy project will reduce the organization’s utility bill.
Tacoma Power will award one grant in 2017, and intends to award two grants next year.
Visit MyTPU.org/Evergreen for more information about the Evergreen Options grant program.
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About Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power serves almost 179,000 customers in Tacoma, University Place, Fircrest and portions of Fife, Lakewood, Federal Way, Steilacoom, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and other portions of Pierce County. The utility includes seven divisions: Generation, Transmission and Distribution, Power Management, Click! Network, Utility Technology Services, Reliability & Compliance, and Rates, Planning & Analysis. www.tacomapower.com.