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2017 Autumn | Climate Change, Education & Outreach, Sustainability

Utility Green Power Programs: Addressing Concerns to Increase Renewable Energy Generation in the Pacific Northwest

Student(s):

Cassie Maylor

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment
  • University of Washington

Site supervisor(s):

Lydia Minehan-Tubic

Partner(s):

  • 3Degrees

Faculty advisor(s):

Christine Biermann, Associate Professor, Geography, University of Washington

Fossil fuels are the most common and environmentally detrimental energy source used in the United States. Since understanding this system can be very difficult, 3Degrees brings regional awareness to renewable energy through outreach to electric utility customers. During my internship I collected observations to understand what holds customers back from purchasing renewable energy. My observations found customers have questions about the cost of renewable energy and the benefits programs offer. With more residential customers who under- stand the benefits of individual purchasing of renewable energy, both public acceptance and renewable generation will grow and reduce overall reliance on fossil fuels.