Pacific Power announces change to Blue Sky block program

YAKIMA, Wash. — Thanks in part to green power program participants, the demand for renewable energy throughout the United States is higher than ever. In order to continue offering Blue Sky participants a high quality, impactful program with a stable price, Pacific Power has filed with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to change the size of the Blue Sky Block from 200 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy to 100 kilowatt-hours starting on January 1, 2022. The cost per Block will remain $1.95. 

“As we look forward to 2022, we thank program participants for being part of the Blue Sky community,” said Berit Kling, senior product manager. “Blue Sky participants are leading the way to a brighter future by helping accelerate the transition to clean, renewable energy and funding local community-based renewable energy projects.”

For more details about this change, view the Blue Sky Block Price, Terms, and Conditions. Program participants have been notified of the change through letters and emails. While program participants do not need to take any action, they are able to change their participation level at any time by logging into their online account at pacificpower.net/bluesky or by calling 1-800-769-3717.

The proposed tariff revisions would modify Schedule 70 and Schedule 73 to revise the definition of one block of renewable energy from 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 100 kWh, effective January 1, 2022.

Background
Pacific Power launched its Blue Sky program in 2000 to allow customers the option to purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset some or all their usage from renewable energy sources while also supporting renewable energy development. Funds collected through the Blue Sky Schedules are used to acquire RECs and cover program expenses. Any remaining funds are then used to help support new community-based renewable energy projects. Since its inception, Blue Sky customers across PacifiCorp’s service area have purchased more than 10 billion kWh of renewable energy and supported more than 300 community-based renewable projects. In addition to the support from customers, the Blue Sky program has been recognized by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory on its Top 10 Utility Green Power Pricing Programs list for 19 years. Since 2020, Blue Sky customers have paid $1.95 for each 200 kWh block.

Filing Overview
The price of RECs from 2012-2019 was stable. This helped inform the Company’s decision to file an advice filing on October 21, 2019, requesting approval to increase the size of each Blue Sky block from 100 kWh to 200 kWh of renewable energy while maintaining the current price of $1.95 per block. This was an effort to meet growing customer demands in the renewable energy sector and to better align with market conditions for REC prices. Since 2020, however, the price of RECs has increased to a point where it is unsustainable for the program to maintain the size of each block at 200 kWh. Accordingly, the Company requests to reduce the size of each block back to 100 kWh to reflect the market fluctuation.

The public is invited to comment to the Commission. The Commission has the authority to set final rates that may be lower or higher than the Company’s request, depending on the outcome of its investigation. Submit comments by using the “Submit a Comment” feature at the Commission’s website, at utc.wa.gov, or by using the contact information below. Please reference docket number UE-210666 in the comment. Commission contact information can also be used to inquire about process questions or to request information to participate in the open meeting where this filing will be considered.

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
P.O. Box 47250
Olympia, WA 98504
Email: comments@utc.wa.gov
Telephone: 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) Telephone: 1-888-333-WUTC (9882)