The City of Redmond is charging ahead in the Puget Sound Energy (PSE) 2014 Green Power Challenge, which encourages residents and businesses in Redmond, Issaquah and Puyallup to join PSE’s Green Power Program. The winning city will be awarded as much as $40,000 to install a solar demonstration project.

As of July 31, Redmond and Issaquah met their initial goals toward earning a $20,000 grant. Redmond’s goal was to reach 1,675 participants by the end of the year; the city has already hit 1,981. Issaquah aimed for 1,200 participants; they’re at 1,230. Puyallup is not too far behind from meeting its specific goal. The city that enrolls the highest percentage of new participants — from available PSE electric customers — compared to the other two earns an additional $20,000. The winning city will be named 2014’s “Greenest Town in Puget Sound.” Each city will determine where its project will be located and how it will be implemented.

The Green Power Challenge is a combined effort between the PSE Green Power Program and the cities, as well as local businesses and residents. The voluntary program gives PSE electric customers a way to guarantee some or all of the energy they use is matched with clean, renewable energy sources from the West. All of the renewable energy in PSE’s Green Power Program is generated by independent producers of renewable power; it’s separate from those wind resources owned and operated by PSE.

With two participation options, the average PSE residential customers can purchase 100 percent green power for approximately $10 to $12 a month based on their actual usage or buy a specific amount, with a minimum purchase of $4 per month for 320 kilowatt hours (kWh). Additional green power can be bought in increments of $2 for 160 kWh. Business customers can also participate and receive recognition benefits.

For more information about the Take Charge Green Power Challenge, or to sign up for PSE’s Green Power Program, visit PSE.com/GPChallenge or call a PSE energy adviser at 1-800-562-1482 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.