Why renewables matter
PacifiCorp has achieved national recognition for its strong commitment to renewable energy. The company is working to add 2,000 megawatts of renewable generation by 2013.

Think of our region’s electric grid as one large pool. Energy generated from many different sources is poured into this pool, which is then withdrawn to supply homes and businesses throughout the West. PacifiCorp owns much of its own generation, including electricity generated from coal, natural gas, hydro and renewable facilities. Drawing from a variety of generation sources improves the reliability and security of our electric supply.

That’s the idea behind the growing demand for renewable energy: displacing less environmentally friendly energy with power provided by wind, solar and geothermal generating plants.

To support renewables, PacifiCorp has:

1. Made wind a key component of its Integrated Resources Plan
In 2003, PacifiCorp's 10-year Integrated Resource Plan found that 1,400 megawatts of renewable resources formed part of the least cost portfolio of resources. The 2007 Integrated Resource Plan raised the bar, selecting 2,000 megawatts of renewable resources by 2013. PacifiCorp's 2007 Renewable Energy Action Plan sets forth the objectives and action items to meet this commitment. 

2. Helped bring new wind farms on-line 
In October 2006, PacifiCorp announced its purchase of the 140.4 megawatt Marengo wind project, currently under construction near Dayton, Washington. The project is expected to be completed in August 2007.

In July 2006, PacifiCorp announced the purchase of the Leaning Juniper 1 wind energy generation facility from PPM Energy. The facility is located about three miles southwest of Arlington, Oregon, and has a generating capacity of 100.5 megawatts.

In May 2005, PacifiCorp agreed to purchase the output of Wolverine Creek wind farm, a new, 64.5-mw generation facility located 10 miles southeast of Idaho Falls, Idaho. The project went on-line in December, 2005. 

3. Grown its Blue Sky renewable program
PacifiCorp's voluntary Blue Sky program is a way for customers to help bring even more clean energy into the system, and promote renewable power development. For the past several years, Blue Sky has ranked in the top five utility green pricing programs by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for the number of customers buying renewable power and for green power sales volume. More than 53,000 customers buy PacifiCorp’s Blue Sky renewable energy.

To learn more about Blue Sky or to sign up your home or business, click on either Pacific Power or Rocky Mountain Power.

Read more about PacifiCorp's renewable investments.

More information on the company's sustainable efforts:
Policy & vision
Waste reuse & recycle
Air quality  
Energy conservation
Habitat protection