Issaquah is in the running for up to a $40,000 grant to install a solar demonstration project. The city will compete with Redmond and Puyallup to see how many additional homes and businesses sign up for the company’s Green Power program, which allows PSE electric customers to pay a little more to guarantee some or all of their energy is from clean, renewable sources.

The winner will be crowed the “Greenest Town in Puget Sound.” Each city has a different goal. Issaquah needs a net increase of 180 participants, Redmond 250 and Puyallup 200. Each city that meets its individual challenge goal will be awarded a $20,000 grant to go toward a solar project in their city. Each city will determine where its project will be located and how it will be implemented.

The city with the highest percentage of new enrollments out of available accounts compared to the other cities will be awarded an additional $20,000 to go toward their city’s solar projectThe challenge officially ends on Dec. 31.

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 at rates specific to their situation.