CORVALLIS, Ore. — On Friday, November 25, Corvallis City Council President Charlie Tomlinson will issue a communitywide challenge to residents and businesses to sign up for renewable power and help reduce global warming. His remarks will follow the 21st Annual Corvallis Community Christmas Parade at the Benton County Courthouse, on 120 NW 4th Street.

Who:     Charlie Tomlinson, president of the Corvallis City Council, and Kevin Stephens,   distribution manager of Pacific Power.

What:     Announcement of the “Blue Sky Community Challenge” at the 21st Annual Corvallis Community Christmas Parade & Lighting Ceremony.

When:     Friday, November 25 - the day after Thanksgiving — Parade begins at 7:00 p.m.
Remarks will follow the parade

Where:     Parade starting point:  NW 4th and Washington — Parade end point:  Benton County Courthouse - 120 NW 4th Street

Why:     On October 17 the City Council of Corvallis approved a resolution to launch the Corvallis Blue Sky Community challenge, a citywide campaign involving residents and businesses to support the development of a sustainable community through the greater use of renewable energy. The City’s goal is to get 15 percent of the community – or another 1,900 Corvallis-area customers – to buy renewable power through Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program. Currently, 2,222 Corvallis-area customers are enrolled in Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program, which is 9.5 percent or seven times the national average. The City of Corvallis is buying 750 blocks a month of Blue Sky.

How:    Buying just one, 100-kilowatt hour increment of Blue Sky Block costs as little as $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 $2.50 monthly 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.

Blue Sky is made up of renewable energy generated by local wind, biomass and solar plants. 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