New incentive program to promote the use of renewable sources of energy

On August 1, 2006, a new incentive program to promote the use of renewable sources of energy became effective in the state of Washington.

The customer investment cost recovery incentive payment ("incentive payment") covers the purchase and use of renewable energy systems, such as: solar energy systems, wind generators, and certain types of anaerobic digesters that process manure from cattle into biogas and dried manure using microorganisms in a closed oxygen-free container. This program applies to measured customers' renewable energy system kilowatt-hours generated between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2014.

Any individual, business, or local government that purchases and uses such a system may apply for an incentive payment from the utility that serves the property where the system is or will be located. The utility may make payment to the customer in the form of a credit offsetting the amount the customer owes. The utility then gets a credit on its public utility tax for these incentive payments from the department of revenue.

How to obtain the incentive payment. First, contact your utility to confirm it is participating in this incentive payment program. Participation by electric utilities is discretionary. Ask your utility for a copy of its procedural requirements and application for participating in this incentive payment program. Only your utility has the authority to determine whether your incentive payment will be authorized or denied.

How to certify a renewable energy system. After contacting your utility, you must apply for a system certification to the department of revenue. The department of revenue will consult with the climate and rural energy development center at Washington State University's energy extension regarding your certification request. The certification form can be downloaded from the department of revenue's web site located at: dor.wa.gov, or may be obtained by calling the department at: 1-800-647-7706.

The department of revenue will notify you in writing within thirty days whether your request for system certification qualifies for the incentive payment program.

After the department of revenue approves your system's certification, you must apply for your incentive payment from the utility. Your utility has sixty days to notify you in writing as to whether your request is authorized or denied. If your utility approves your application, you will have to sign an agreement that that the utility will provide to you.

Details of the program are contained in WAC 458-20-273 Renewable energy system cost recovery or by contacting your utility:

• Avista's Schedule 63 - Net Metering Option Schedule, Washington; contact: Mr. Chris Drake, (509) 495-8624.
• Puget Sound Energy 151 - Renewable Energy Production Incentive Payment Program; contact: Mr. Andy Hemstreet, (425) 456-2633.
• PacifiCorp Schedule 135 - Net Metering Service; contact: Mr. Frank Vanderpool, (503) 813-7407, extension 7811.