Hewlett-Packard is Pacific Power’s largest buyer of renewable energy in the utility’s six-state service area. HP buys 3,549 blocks of Blue Sky each month, recently increasing its purchase by 2.6 times.

“Using wind-generated energy at the Corvallis site demonstrates HP’s commitment to sustainable business practices,” said Phil Ermer, energy program manager for HP's Oregon operation. “It is fundamental that we do the right thing to limit our impact on the environment and to support the development of clean, environmentally friendly energy sources.”

“HP is a leader in helping to bring more renewable energy online,” said Bill Edmonds, environmental policy director for Pacific Power. “Many corporations have environmental goals, and purchasing renewable power is a helpful tool in becoming a more sustainable business.”

Pacific Power uses Blue Sky dollars to acquire renewable energy from local wind farms, such as the Stateline Wind Energy Farm along the Oregon/Washington border. Most Blue Sky renewable energy comes from wind power. Wind is an attractive form of energy generation because it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Wind produces no air pollutants, wastewater, smog or acid rain.

HP buys  Blue Sky QS (quantity savings), which allows large business customers to buy renewable energy from Pacific Power for less, providing they purchase at least 101 blocks of Blue Sky per month for a year. Blue Sky is sold in 100-kilowatt increments called “blocks.”

Under Blue Sky QS, the per-block cost is based on a sliding scale, so the more a customer purchases, the less it costs per block. For example, a commercial customer buying 150 blocks per month will pay $1.53 per block or $230 per month. A customer who buys 300 blocks per month will pay $1.12 per block or $335 per month. Again, there is a one-year commitment for participation.

Even the minimum Blue Sky QS purchase has significant environmental benefits: Buying 101 blocks of Blue Sky per month for a year offsets 121 tons of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to taking 21 cars off the road for a year or planting 48 acres of trees. 

Since March 1, 2002, Oregon’s Pacific Power residential and small business customers have been able to choose from three renewable power options: Blue Sky Block wind power; Blue Sky Usage 100% renewable power; and Blue Sky Habitat, which combines renewable power purchases with fish habitat restoration. Now large businesses have two options: Pacific Power’s standard Blue Sky Block offering and the new Blue Sky QS. 

To calculate the cost of buying Blue Sky QS, customers can consult Pacific Power’s online calculator and enrollment information at www.Pacificpower.net/bluesky .