SNAP! Homer Electric Considering a Renewable Energy Program

Sustainable Natural Alternative Power (SNAP) is an award winning renewable energy program created by Chelan County Public Utility District in Washington. The program simply connects members who want to produce alternative power with other members who are willing to pay a little more each month to support the development of renewable energy.

SNAP producers are limited to small (25 kW or less) solar, wind, geothermal or micro-hydro installations. The energy produced by the generators goes directly on to the electric grid and is distributed to members of the cooperative.

Under the program, members voluntarily agree to pay between $2 and $50 extra each month on their utility bill. The money goes into the SNAP fund and at the end of the year the funds are distributed back to the producers. The amount received by the producers is based on how much money is in the SNAP fund and the amount of kilowatt hours generated by the SNAP producers.  There is a payment cap of $1.50 per kilowatt hour. If funds are left over in the SNAP account, the money is rolled over into the following year’s contributions. 

 In Chelan, there are currently 45 SNAP producers that generated 136,065 kWh in 2006-07. That is enough power to sustain 20 homes for one year!

 Golden Valley Electric Association in Fairbanks recently adopted the SNAP program and has signed up over 500 members who are contributing to the fund.

 Homer Electric is interested in the SNAP program and would encourage members to fill in the form below to register your comments and/or support for the program. If there is enough interest shown by members, HEA is prepared to seek approval from the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to implement the program.

The informal poll is informational only and will not commit members to participating in the SNAP program.

Please fill out the form below completely.