The Clean Energy Partnership announced plans Monday to allow business owners in Washington’s Maryland suburbs to save money on their electric bill while supporting wind energy suppliers.
Under the plan, Washington Gas Energy Services would offer 50 percent or 100 percent wind power options at prices they say will fall below standard electric rates. Participants will continue to pay their current utility company, while selecting wind power from Washington Gas Energy Services on their bill.
Though the actual electricity burned won’t come from windmills, the proceeds of their bills will support wind energy producers — mostly in West Virginia. This is accomplished through trading credits on the regional and national level with energy purchaser Sterling Planet.
The Clean Energy Partnership is a coalition of 50 local business owners fighting global warming. Businesses that sign up for 100 percent wind power on their bill will get free membership in the organization.
“We’re all about promoting practical solutions to global warming emissions,” said Gary Skulnik, partnership director.
Currently, Skulnik said, wind energy is too costly to be viable for residential customers.
“That’s a question for Maryland’s Public Service Commission,” he said. “The competition in the state is terrible.”
Residential users may be able to select wind energy in some areas, he said, but likely at 1 to 2 cents per kilowatt hour more than the standard rate.
Skulnik, meanwhile, says he hopes to expand wind power offerings into the District soon, though he said there currently are no plans to expand the wind program to Virginia.
