ROSEBURG, Ore. — This year’s holiday kickoff will have a greener shimmer thanks to Pacific Power’s Blue Sky renewable energy. Roseburg heralds the holiday season beginning November 20th with the Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights at River Forks Park, sponsored by KLD Investments.

The lighting display has more than 300,000 lights and 75 animated displays, including a giant American flag, nativity, prehistoric animals and more.

Pacific Power is providing 56,800 kilowatt-hours of Blue Sky renewable energy to offset the energy used by the festival, as well as for the lights used for the Christmas tree at Douglas County Courthouse.

The amount of Blue Sky provided by Pacific Power has the same environmental benefit as planting 12,064 trees or not driving a car 124,294 miles.

”Blue Sky is made up of renewable energy generated by wind farms,” said Monte Mendenhall, regional community manager for Pacific Power. “Blue Sky helps the environment by offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. While Pacific Power already buys renewable energy for its system, Blue Sky gives customers a chance to help bring even more green power online.”

Pacific Power customers can also celebrate the season by greening their own homes and businesses. Buying one, 100-kilowatt-hour of Blue Sky Block costs just $1.95 per month. Oregon customers also can 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.

“No matter which option customers choose, buying Blue Sky renewable energy makes a substantial contribution to the environment,” said Mendenhall.

Currently, about 20,000 Oregon customers are enrolled in the program. Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program ranks second in the nation in customer sign-ups, and third in the amount of green energy purchased, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Enrollment in Blue Sky is optional and customers can increase their participation or withdraw at any time. Customers can sign up for Blue Sky renewable power by calling Pacific Power at 1-800-769-3717 or by visiting www.pacificpower.net/bluesky .

Media inquiries: newsdesk@pacificorp.com