BELLEVUE, Wash., Sept. 10, 2003 -- Puget Sound Energy (utility subsidiary of Puget Energy) issued a draft request for proposal (RFP) to acquire approximately 150 megawatts of capacity from wind power for its electric-resource portfolio. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) filed the draft RFP with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) and is seeking comments from interested parties.

The draft RFP is the first step toward achieving the utility's goal of establishing renewable energy as a 10-percent share of its electric-supply mix by 2013.

"We are committed to having renewable energy be a major component of our electric supply," said Eric Markell, senior vice president of energy resources at PSE. "This draft RFP is a significant first step in Puget Sound Energy's effort to acquire renewable energy. It will help meet approximately one-sixth of our 2013 goal."

PSE is seeking proposals to acquire wind-power generation through purchased-power agreements and/or ownership arrangements. Interested respondents can obtain a copy of the draft RFP on the PSE's Web site at www.pse.com/account/rates/rates.html. PSE also is holding a public meeting on Mon., Sept. 15, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Summit Ridge Building, 320 108th Ave. NE, Suite 150, Bellevue, WA. The meeting will address processes, timelines and questions regarding the draft wind-power RFP. The utility intends to issue the final RFP in early December.

"The addition of resources, like cost-effective wind power, can help balance our supply portfolio," Markell added. "This is a critical component of our efforts to provide reliable, affordable energy."

The RFP process is part of a PSE program designed to secure reasonably priced power to its customers into the future. A Least Cost Plan, which outlines PSE's strategy to meet the growing energy need, was submitted to the WUTC in April. It detailed plans for a balanced resource strategy that includes a combination of energy efficiency, renewable resources and efficient thermal-power generation.

For more information regarding the public meeting, contact PSE at 425-462-3081.