BEND, Ore. — This year’s holiday lights will be greener thanks to Pacific Power’s Blue Sky renewable energy. Bend heralds the holiday season beginning Saturday, November 26th at 7:00 p.m. at the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Rademacher Square.

Pacific Power is providing 16,000 kilowatt-hours of Blue Sky renewable energy to offset the energy used by the Christmas tree, and the holiday lights and decorations in downtown Bend. The amount of Blue Sky provided by Pacific Power has the same environmental benefit as planting 3,328 trees or not driving a car 34,288 miles.

“We hope others will green their households this season with Blue Sky,” said Angela Jacobson, 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 Jacobson.

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