City utility means access to emission-free energy | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 9:54 am Saturday, August 20, 2016

To the editor:

Mr. Davis [July 29 edition of the Review] says if the island were to obtain electric power from Bonneville, we’d still get the same sources as we do now, namely, a mix of hydro, coal, nuclear and some wind/solar, since on the power grid we don’t get to filter electrons.

I agree, but that is not what the power supply debate is about. The proportions in the mix matter — a lot!

The debate is whether we should continue to pay for adding electrons to the grid sourced primarily from coal and natural gas (the PSE solution), or whether we should turn to predominantly clean energy (the BPA solution).  One approach rewards and reaffirms continued reliance on fossil fuels; the other moves us toward a clean energy power grid.

With PSE, we agree to pay for its power mix, which is about

60 percent derived from coal and natural gas. Our consumption supports PSE’s current power supply strategy, which continues to rely on coal for the foreseeable future. Under a purchase agreement with Bonneville, we would shift the power mix strongly toward hydro

(84.5 percent) and nuclear (9.9 percent).  Wind and biomass add another 1 percent. Virtually the only fossil fuel in its mix occurs when it goes into the “spot market” to purchase added power, some of which may be sourced to coal or natural gas. This accounts for perhaps 3 percent of its annual sales.

Access to emission-free and renewable energy is one very good reason for taking a clear-headed look at the city’s choice of power supplier.

PHIL ROCKEFELLER

Bainbridge Island