The City of Ashland has promoted the use of renewable energy since 1981, when it passed one of the first citywide solar access protection ordinances in the United States. In 1996, City Council passed a net-metering law, establishing a simple grid interconnection policy and encouraging solar systems. The City of Ashland will purchase, at full retail price, up to 1,000 kW of excess electricity per month from small wind or solar systems within the city limits.

Ashland annually purchases 1 aMW (average Megawatt) of renewable power from Bonneville Power Administration, paying a premium for clean energy to be included in the supply of electricity. This purchase contract runs through September 30, 2016.

The City offers numerous Conservation Programs to citizens, providing expert advice, free audits and rebates. To find out how you can become a Renewable Pioneer and support clean energy, see Renewable Energy Programs.

To learn more about renewable energy technology and systems, check out Home Power Magazine: The Hands-On Journal of Home-Made Power at www.homepower.com