June 19, 2007

CONTACT:        Shelley Simonton
Public Affairs Manager
Town of Jackson

733-3932 extension 110
ssimonton@ci.jackson.wy.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOWN OF JACKSON OPERATIONS GO 100% GREEN

Jackson, WY. The Jackson Town Council is excited to announce that with the passing of the 2008 fiscal year budget last night, all Town of Jackson operations will be powered by 100% renewable energy. 

“This is a remarkable partnership with Lower Valley Energy,” said Mayor Mark Barron.  “This program speaks directly to the importance of LVE in our community, as well as the Town’s continued commitment to our environmental and efficiency goals.”

Annually, the Town has used about 8.5 million kilowatt hours (kwhs) of energy to run its operations, which includes all of the Town of Jackson’s facilities such as Town Hall, the Public Works shops, water wells, the waste water treatment plant, and even the lights on the Town Square.  For comparison, the average single family home in this area uses 14,400 to 18,000 kwhs annually. 

The Town’s energy usage equals about 3,035 tons of carbon dioxide each year.  To put that in perspective about 202,200 trees would need to be planted to offset those carbon emissions.  The Town of Jackson will be receiving all of that energy from a certified low impact green power hydro project at Strawberry Creek in Lincoln County. 

“This project is quite unique,” said Lower Valley Energy President/ CEO Jim Webb.  “The Town came to us looking for 8,500,000 kwhs of green power and coincidentally that was close to the amount the Strawberry project produces.  It was a perfect match for the resource.  From an energy provider’s perspective, it is unique to have a supply of green power and a customer desiring all of the output both in your service area.  We feel really fortunate with this partnership.”

In 2006 the Town paid $469,750 to “keep the lights on.”  This hydroelectric commitment will cost an additional $45,000 each year.  “This project costs less than 10% of our annual electrical bills,” Mayor Barron said.  “The 10 by 10 resolution we signed in April is committed to reducing our energy 10% by 2010 through increased efficiencies.  By that time, this expenditure will be a wash.”

Barron continued, “We just approved a $39 million budget for fiscal year 2008.  $45,000 is a small amount in the big picture.  More importantly this investment is a smart business decision and responsible stewardship that works to protect the special place Jackson Hole is to so many.” 

“Mark Barron’s excitement around renewable energy, his commitment with the 10x10 resolution and the formation of the Joint Energy Efficiency Board, and his leadership with energy efficiency is wonderful for Lower Valley Energy.  I can’t say enough about his leadership in our service area.  We are looking at other projects because of the commitment of this community,” Webb said.

“This is a fiscally responsible, proactive decision to make,” Mayor Barron said.  “We’ll have the streetlights converted to energy-efficiency lighting this year and the parking structure will be prepped for solar panels and LED efficient lighting.  As we make financial decisions in the future we will continue to ask if there isn’t a more efficient and clean way to provide Town of Jackson services.”