Fairbanks utility SNAPs sustainable energy Producers and Buyers Together.

For more than two years, Golden Valley Electric Association has helped keep Alaska green, according to an article on Alaska Journal of Commerce. Through an innovative program known SNAP, this Fairbanks-based utility company is empowering its members to contribute and purchase sustainable energy.
SNAP stands for Sustainable Natural Alternative Power. The program is based on a model developed by Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County, Wash. The program links members (SNAP producers) who want to produce renewable power with those who are willing to support renewable power (SNAP purchasers).According to public relations analyst Dianne Porter, GVEA is only the third utility to copy the program. GVEA hopes to pave the way for other Alaska utilities looking to promote sustainable energy among their members.
GVEA members generate 100 percent of SNAP energy. This power is added to the existing power supply and transferred across GVEA's electric grid. Solar and wind power is received by SNAP purchasers who voluntarily agree to pay a little more on their bill - usually around $2 - each month. One hundred percent of SNAP funds go to producers. Producers also receive a percentage of the off-peak wholesale power rate, paid by Golden Valley Electric, for the power they produce.
The amount paid to producers depends on the total amount contributed by purchasers, and the total amount generated by producers. The greater the amount contributed, the greater the amount that will be distributed among participating SNAP producers. The maximum payment is $1.50 per kilowatt-hour.
According to Dianne Porter, current figures indicate that 14,885 kilowatt-hours have been produced since January 2007.
Complete article is here.

Tags: alternative energy, Alaska, Golden Valley Electric Association, GVEA, SNAP producers, SNAP purchasers, SNAP, Solar Power, wind power