Gas Station Chain Turns to Wind Power
September 21, 2005
Seattle, Washington [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Safeway announced plans to purchase renewable energy to offset the power needed for the company's 270 fuel stations in the United States, with the majority located in the Seattle Division region encompassing Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.
Under the partnership, Safeway has agreed to purchase 78 million kWh in the form of wind energy. By doing so, the company becomes one of the nation's largest buyers of green energy in the U.S. Safeway is now the only retailer to purchase enough renewable energy to power 100 percent of its U.S. fuel stations. Currently, the Seattle Division operates 71 fuel stations and will increase their locations to 76 by year's end. Through a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Safeway becomes one of the largest buyers of green energy in the United States and an EPA "Green Power Partner." EPA's Green Power Partnership is a voluntary partnership between the EPA and organizations that pledge to replace a portion of their electricity consumption with renewable energy.
"Safeway has built a longstanding reputation for taking a leadership role in protecting our environment," said Cherie Myers, Director of Public & Government Affairs. "By powering our fuel stations with wind energy we are following suit with our commitment to give back to our communities by making them a better and safer place to live."
Under the partnership, Safeway has agreed to purchase 78 million kWh in the form of wind energy. By doing so, the company becomes one of the nation's largest buyers of green energy in the U.S. Safeway is now the only retailer to purchase enough renewable energy to power 100 percent of its U.S. fuel stations.
"The EPA applauds Safeway's fuel stations for being among the largest commercial purchasers of green power in the United States," said Blaine Collison, program director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership. "Safeway is leading by example and setting a standard for environmental partnership."
