CORVALLIS, Ore. – The City of Corvallis will be recognized for its support of renewable energy through it’s participation in Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program. The City recently increased its purchase of renewable power to offset 7 percent of its electricity usage.

It will receive a plaque for being a “Visionary Blue Sky Partner” from Pacific Power and from Renewable Northwest Project, a regional renewable energy advocate, for meeting the Northwest Clean Energy Challenge.

The presentation will take place at noon on Monday, October 17, at Corvallis City Hall.

At the meeting, the City will also consider a proposal to issue a communitywide challenge to become an EPA-recognized Green Power Community.

“If 15 percent of the community participates in the Blue Sky program, residents and businesses will make Corvallis a renewable energy leader in Oregon and the nation,” said Teresa Bodwell, Corvallis Community Outreach Consultant for Renewable Northwest Project. “This would be a great achievement for the community.”

Currently, the City of Corvallis’ Blue Sky purchase of 750 blocks per month for 12 months reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 900 tons, which has the environmental benefit as not driving 11,478 round trips to Portland or planting 176,775 trees.

Buying just one, 100-kilowatt hour increment of Blue Sky Block costs only $1.95 per month. Oregon customers can also choose Blue Sky Usage (in which customers receive their equivalent energy usage from renewable resources) or Blue Sky Habitat (in which customers buy renewable energy, plus make a donation to The Nature Conservancy of Oregon to preserve native fish habitat). Large customers can buy renewable power in bulk at a discount through Blue Sky QS.

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.

Enrollment in Blue Sky is optional and customers can increase their participation or withdraw at any time. For more information or to sign up for Blue Sky, go to www.pacificpower.net/bluesky or call 1-800-769-3717.