Website of the month: Western's Renewable Energy Program
There is more than one form of low-impact, renewable energy in the West—there are several, in fact—and Western's Renewable Energy Program encourages customers to explore them all.
Until recently, the program worked with Federal and other agencies under the banner of the Public Renewables Partnership to help utilities integrate renewable energy into their power portfolios and business strategies. The PRP provided tools and resources that our customers will now find on Western's website. "The move will make it easier for Western customers to find what they need and connect with the experts who can answer their questions," explained Renewables Program Manager Randy Manion.
The resources start with the home page of the new Renewables site, where users can quickly scan for announcements about educational opportunities, solicitations and policy developments. The menu on the left of the page lists links to more information about specific topics related to renewable resources.
Educate yourself
Users who are just beginning to investigate renewables can browse publications and webinars. This page provides links to research organizations, databases, guidebooks and case studies covering the range of resources. Check out the webinar library for slide presentations and recordings by expert speakers on topics including marketing, transmission, policy, law and more.
Once you've studied up on the general issues surrounding renewables, find out what's happening now across the country and in your area. Federal programs provide links to agencies that are at the forefront of renewable adoption. State activities connects users to policies, decision makers and marketing information that will drive local and regional development.
Round out your education with a visit to renewable calendar events to find upcoming webinars, conferences and symposiums. The calendars listed on this page are maintained by Federal and nonprofit organizations supporting renewable energy in general or a specific resource.
Take action
The site features plenty of resources for those who are interested in acquiring renewables, too. Transmission and interconnection and integration help users address two of the biggest issues facing renewable developments. On both pages, users will find agencies that can answer questions about the challenges and opportunities unique to their regions.
Funding is another concern common to all renewable projects, and this page will connect users to several websites that list upcoming grants and solicitations.
To simplify renewable acquisition for our customers, Western launched Renewable Resources for Federal Agencies in partnership with the Federal Energy Management Program. Initially, this program helped Federal facilities meet their clean energy goals, but Western now extends the services to all its firm power customers. Check out these pages for resources and tools to help you participate in Western's annual solicitation for renewable energy certificates and other solicitations.
The goal of Western's Renewable Energy Program is to give our customers the technical and marketing support they need to evaluate clean energy options. If you have a suggestion for the website, or would like more information about adding renewable energy to your portfolio, contact Randy Manion at 720-962-7423.