To comply with Washington state law (RCW 19.29A), Peninsula Light is required to report its annual fuel mix information by generation category. This report—filed with the Department of Commerce—reflects the previous calendar year’s fuel mix. We are proud to tell you that nearly all of the electricity provided to Peninsula Light members in 2018 was certified as carbon-free.
The report shows that 80 percent of PenLight’s wholesale electricity purchases from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) came from hydropower. We are fortunate to have abundant hydro resources to generate electricity. Hydropower produces zero carbon emissions, helping us provide clean energy to homes and businesses.
PenLight also purchases renewable energy credits from wind resources, which are a qualifying renewable energy source under the Washington State Energy Independence Act (Initiative 937). Wind represents 8 percent of our fuel mix. About 10 percent of our power comes from the Columbia Generating Station—a nuclear power plant in south-central Washington.
According to the report, only 2 percent of our power comes from “unspecified sources,” which are market purchases made by BPA to serve the energy needs of its customers.
For more information, visit the Power Resources section of our website.
Clean Energy Supports The Region’s Clean Air and Water
The largest source of clean power in the United States is hydropower. Hydropower is fueled by rain and snow, making it a clean fuel and renewable source.
Hydropower accounts for 90 percent of renewable energy in the Pacific Northwest and almost half of all renewables in the U.S. Without hydropower, the U.S. would have to burn an additional 121 million tons of coal, 27 million barrels of oil and 741 billion cubic feet of natural gas combined.
Because it’s fueled by water, the Northwest’s hydro base does not produce air pollution, avoiding the equivalent greenhouse gas emissions of more than 10 million cars on the road. This allows our Northwest community to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, boating or skiing without worrying about air quality or visibility due to smog.
Credit: BPA.gov