CORVALLIS, Ore. — Steve Uerlings was pleased that Barker-Uerlings Insurance could do its part to help Corvallis shine in the environmental spotlight. The firm helped boost participation in the Corvallis Blue Sky challenge by purchasing 10 blocks a month of renewable energy from Pacific Power.

“We felt it was important for us to be a part of the community effort,” said Uerlings, president of Barker-Uerlings Insurance. “Renewable energy is a big thing in Corvallis, particularly since we worked to be recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Green Power Partner.”

Over the course of a year, Barker-Uerlings’ Blue Sky purchase reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 12 tons, which has the same environmental benefit of planting 2,350 trees or not driving 25,700 miles.

Blue Sky enables customers to help bring more renewable energy into the region. Energy
generated from wind, biomass, solar and geothermal helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Our company also is very big on recycling, both in terms of properly disposing of materials and buying recycled paper whenever possible,” Uerlings said.

“By participating in the Blue Sky program, businesses and residents of Corvallis are helping bring additional clean resources on-line,” said Doris Johnston, Pacific Power’s regional community manager. “Beyond the clean air benefits, wind power’s growth is creating new jobs in rural areas and contributing to local tax bases.”

Buying just one, 100 kilowatt-hour increment of Blue Sky Block costs only $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 Quantity Savings.

Enrollment in Blue Sky is optional and customers can change their participation or withdraw at any time. For more information or to sign up for Blue Sky, go to www.pacificpower.net/bluesky or call 1-800-769-3717.

Media inquiries: newsdesk@pacificorp.com