Climate Bill Will Create Green Jobs, According To One Energy Company

The global warming and clean energy bill that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last will create new green jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy, at least according to one energy company. Today, Puget Sound Energy issued a statement to the press expressing it’s the support for the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

“Our customers have told us they support renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, and their elected representatives in the House have heard that message,” according to Stephen Reynolds, the companies CEO and President.

PSE has had first hand experience in creating green jobs. The company owns and operates two wind farms in the state of Washington. Construction of the two wind facilities created about 175 temporary green jobs, and they currently employ 50 permanent full time employees.

PSE also offers incentives, including grants and rebates, designed to help customers pay for services that save energy and conserve natural gas. For example, it offers customers a rebate for up to $1,600 for home insulation. The company estimates that these measures have created 450 new jobs working directly with the utility or with local businesses that provide related services.

“Combining both renewable energy and energy efficiency is the right step for both the climate and our customers,” Reynolds also said. “We’ve seen first hand that both areas can create new, green jobs and other benefits from renewable energy credits, as well as help our customers better manage their energy costs through using natural gas and electricity wisely.”

PSE isn’t just another renewable energy company hoping that government support will trigger new investments in clean energy. The company's diverse energy portfolio includes shared ownership of several coal-fired power plants in Montana, and also owns several natural gas-powered plants. Hydropower makes up the bulk of the company’s power portfolio.

This article was contributed by David Anderson, author of The Green Jobs Report.