GRANTS PASS, Ore. — This year’s holiday lights will be greener thanks to Pacific Power’s Blue Sky renewable energy. Grants Pass heralds the holiday season beginning Friday, November 25th with the Towne Center Association's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The holiday event features music from local performers followed by the tree lighting ceremony and Santa arriving by train at 6:30 p.m.

Pacific Power is providing 64,000 kilowatt-hours of Blue Sky renewable energy to offset the energy used by the holiday lights. The amount of Blue Sky provided by Pacific Power has the same environmental benefit as planting 13,312 trees or not driving a car 137,152 miles.

“Blue Sky helps the environment by offsetting greenhouse gas emissions,” said Monte Mendenhall, regional community manager for Pacific Power. “Blue Sky is made up of renewable energy generated by wind farms. 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