OLYMPIA – Eight Washington state agencies will begin buying some of its electricity from wind or solar projects in the next several years.

Gov. Inslee said Tuesday that the move will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving the state money over the long term.

Starting next year, the Washington State Patrol, the Transportation and Corrections departments and other agencies will begin buying solar and wind power, representing enough electricity to power more than 6,000 homes, or nearly one-fourth of the agencies’ electrical demand.

The agencies will participate in programs run by Bellevue-based Puget Sound Energy and Spokane-based Avista that allow customers to buy solar or other renewable energy.

(The Associated Press contributed to this story)