LEBANON, Ore. — Tomorrow’s Holidays in the Park festival will glow greener thanks to Pacific Power’s Blue Sky renewable energy and the city’s efforts to upgrade to more efficient, LED Christmas lights.

According to event chair Ginger Allen, Lebanon now has about 5,000 LED (light-emitting diode) lights, which is no small expenditure given the additional cost over conventional lighting.

“Even though LEDs cost more initially, we are confident that the energy saved and the added longevity of the lights will pay off,” Allen said. LED strands can last as long as 20 years and use 75 to 95 percent less electricity than conventional lights. Allen said each year the city adds more strands to its inventory.

Hanging the 100,000 lights has been unusually grueling this year as the harsh weather has kept many volunteers away. “Now we just have six to 10 people a day, usually the same people,” Allen said. “It’s tough, but we’ll finish.”

The event kicks off at 3 p.m. tomorrow with a talk by Jon Kenneke from 3Phases Energy Services about how LED lights can save money and the environment. At 5 p.m., 100,000 lights will come on at Ralston Park.

Pacific Power is providing 9,494 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 2,080 trees or not driving a car 21,430 miles.

“We hope this will inspire others will green their households with Blue Sky,” said Doris Johnston, 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.”

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 Johnston.

Currently, about 20,550 Oregon customers are enrolled in the program. Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program ranks second in the nation in customer enrollment, 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