Sound Transit light-rail trains to run on wind energy in 2019

Sound Transit has executed a 10-year agreement with electricity provider Puget Sound Energy (PSE) that will enable the agency to purchase wind energy for its light-rail vehicles.

Starting in 2019, the Seattle-area transit agency will begin buying wind energy directly from PSE's "Green Direct" program, Sound Transit officials said in a press release.

"This agreement allows us to make Link light-rail service carbon neutral while improving regional air quality and investing in local clean energy projects," said Sound Transit Chair Dave Somers.

The pact also could help Sound Transit lower its exposure to future utility price increases, reduce long-term operating costs and stabilize 42 percent of its electricity production charges over the contract's duration, according to the agency.

There was no capital cost to enter into the agreement with PSE.

Sound Transit's 2015 sustainability plan and the recently approved Sound Transit 3 ballot initiative commit the agency to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of renewable energy, and making all facilities and electricity carbon-neutral by 2030.