Soundoff: Whidbey mayors agree on Green Power

As the mayors of Langley, Coupeville, and Oak Harbor, we are enthusiastic about the success of the Whidbey Green Power Challenge! We need just 170 more participants to enroll in the Puget Sound Energy Green Power Program by Sept. 7, to win $25,000 for a solar demonstration project here on Whidbey Island.

We encourage Whidbey residents and businesses to join us in helping to increase the use of clean, renewable energy by choosing to purchase Green Power on their electric bill. Although we represent different communities, we share a commitment to our clean energy future and we know that our island can act together to help shape that future. We purchase Green Power for our city and town operations, and at home, because we value clean air, energy independence, and green jobs for our region.

In Oak Harbor, we are purchasing Green Power for City Hall and the Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Plant.

In Coupeville, several local businesses have taken the lead in supporting the challenge and purchasing Green Power. Kudos go to Prairie Center Red Apple Market, Anchorage Inn, Christopher’s Restaurant and Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce.  A minimum commitment of $4 per month will let your customers know you value renewable energy. In addition, all council members and the mayor are signed up for green power at home and our City Hall is 100 perent green powered.

In Langley, the next generation is leading us into the use of solar power with the success of the world record holding solar drag racing team at South Whidbey High School. The city signed up to purchase Green Power for City Hall and city staff and council members have taken the challenge to sign up for Green Power at home.

More than 800 homes and businesses on Whidbey are already signed up for Green Power and helping support our clean energy economy. As more customers switch to green power, PSE will purchase more renewable energy credits from independent power producers in the region, helping to drive more investment in green power for the future.

It’s easy to sign up for Green Power. Just visit PSE.com, or call a PSE energy advisor at 800-562-1482 during regular business hours. As mayors, we are proud to be part of shaping our clean energy future and hope our Whidbey Island friends and neighbors will join us in rising to the Challenge!

Paul Samuelson, Langley

Nancy Conard, Coupeville

Jim Slowik, Oak Harbor

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