1. What is Green Power?
2. What is the Green Power Program?
3. How does the program work?
4. What is Solar 4R Schools?
5. How can I participate in the Green Power Program?
6. Where will the green power come from?
7. How will green power be delivered to my home or business?
8. Why does the power cost more?
9. How can I determine how much to contribute?
10. Will my contribution be tax deductible?
11. What if I want to change or cancel my participation?
12. Can businesses participate?
13. How can I learn more?

1. What is Green Power?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines green power as electricity produced from solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact small hydroelectric sources. These sources represent those renewable energy resources and technologies that provide the highest environmental benefit.

2. What is the Green Power Program?

The Green Power Program is a voluntary program that allows Idaho Power customers to support the generation of electricity from renewable resources. In 2009, more than 2,600 customers participated in the program, purchasing more than 27 million kilowatt-hours of green power. This is the environmental equivalent of removing more than 3,200 cars from the road or planting more than 5,100 acres of trees.

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3. How does the program work?

Participants designate a monthly contribution amount which is added to their monthly power bill. All program funds are used to purchase green power and develop new renewables through the Solar 4R Schools program. No customer contributions are allocated to Idaho Power’s program overhead or marketing expenses. As a result, program participants will directly increase the percentage of renewable energy on the Northwest grid system and provide generating resources for years to come.

4. What is Solar 4R Schools?

Developed by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Solar 4R Schools educates students, teachers, and community members about the science of renewable energy technologies. The program provides hands-on activity guides, science kits, and demonstration 1.1 kilowatt solar panels at no cost to schools through a competitive grant process. A portion of Green Power Program contributions are set aside to sponsor schools in Idaho Power’s service area.

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5. How can I participate in the Green Power Program?

It’s easy! Just decide how much you would like to contribute monthly and fill out the online sign up form. The amount you designate will go entirely toward green power. You may also call our Customer Service Center at 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151 outside the Treasure Valley.

6. Where will the green power come from?

Idaho Power’s program uses a mixture of certified resources from the Northwest with an emphasis on wind and solar. Idaho Power partners with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), an independent, non-profit organization, comprised of industry-respected leaders. BEF serves as the broker to facilitate green energy transactions from resources that have been carefully screened and endorsed by leading environmental groups. BEF is located in Portland, OR and has been Idaho Power’s partner since the inception of the Green Power Program.

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7. How will green power be delivered to my home or business?

Electricity generated by the Green Power Program will be fed into the overall Northwest power supply grid. This power “pool” combines all sources of electricity including green resources. Electricity for your home or business is drawn from the overall electric supply system. You will see no difference in how you receive your power, but as a program participant you will be increasing generation of renewable energy and ensuring there is more of it in the “pool.”

8. Why does the power cost more?

While the cost for producing electricity from renewable resources has decreased over the years, it still remains higher than traditional least-cost resources. The premium for green power is less than a penny per kilowatt-hour. The dollar amount you choose to contribute covers the premium of the cost to produce green resources.

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9. How can I determine how much to contribute?

Your purchase amount is entirely up to you. You may designate a monthly dollar amount that fits your budget. Alternatively, you can estimate your average monthly usage and calculate a percentage that you wish to have come from green energy. Our average residential customer uses 1,050 kWh of electricity each month. If you were to match 100 percent of your electricity with green power, it would cost about $10 per month in addition to your electricity charge.

Use our handy Green Power Contribution Calculator or use Bonneville Environmental Foundation's (BEF's) Carbon Calculator to estimate your total energy offset, including air and car travel.

10. Will my contribution be tax deductible?

No, because customer funds make a physical purchase from an operating business, contributions are not tax deductible.

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11. What if I want to change or cancel my participation?

To change or cancel your participation, notify Idaho Power greenpower@idahopower.com or call us at 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151 outside the Treasure Valley. If your designated amount is left unpaid after 60 days, Idaho Power will cancel your participation in the program.

12. Can businesses participate?

Yes! Business, civic and government agencies are encouraged to participate and show their concern for the environment. The program is open to all customers. Many businesses join to fulfill sustainability goals. Participation can earn points under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. Businesses can also earn recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership. Participating businesses will be recognized on Idaho Power’s Web site and in the annual newsletter.

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13. How can I learn more?

Visit our Green Power Program and Solar 4R Schools sections or call 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151 outside the Treasure Valley.