Club Northwest has raced to the lead, becoming Grants Pass’ first visionary level business partner in Pacific Power’s Blue Sky renewable energy program. Visionary is the highest level of participation in the program.

Club Northwest is purchasing 254 blocks per month of Blue Sky Block wind power. Over the course of a year, this Blue Sky purchase reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 305 tons, which has the same environmental benefit of planting 120 acres of trees or not driving 653,034 miles.

Buying just one, 100 kilowatt-hour increment of Blue Sky Block costs only $1.95 more per month.

“With its visionary-level purchase, Club Northwest is now leading the pack of more than 125 Rogue Valley businesses already enrolled in the Blue Sky program,” said Paige Prewett, southern Oregon outreach consultant for Renewable Northwest Project. “RNP commends this strong show of support for renewable energy, which means cleaner air for everyone. By actively encouraging its members and staff to also choose Blue Sky, Club Northwest multiplies the environmental, economic and health benefits of its own clean energy purchase.”

Club Northwest is a full service family-oriented athletic club with 7,000 members. It provides a host of services and programs including a 25-yard salt-water swimming pool, warm pool, spa, saunas, steam rooms, a women's-only workout center, Nautilus, free weights, racquetball, basketball, tennis, outdoor sand volleyball, group exercise classes and much more.

“Club Northwest has a deep commitment to the environment and we want to use our pledge with Blue Sky to help raise awareness among our members, employees and the community of energy efficiency and the important role of renewables in meeting our future energy needs,” said Patrick Palmer, Club Northwest facilities manager. “Our commitment to wellness does not stop at physical wellness. Environmental wellness means supporting socially responsible activities to help protect our planet.”

Blue Sky enables customers to help bring more renewable energy into the region. Energy generated from wind, biomass and solar helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Oregon customers also can choose Blue Sky Usage, which allows customers to receive their equivalent energy usage from renewable resources, or Blue Sky Habitat, which allows customers to buy renewable energy, and make a donation to The Nature Conservancy of Oregon to preserve native fish habitat.

Enrollment in Blue Sky is optional, and customers can change their participation or withdraw at any time. For more information or to sign up for Blue Sky, go towww.pacificpower.net/bluesky or call 800-769-3717.