CORVALLIS, Ore. — Leonardo da Vinci would be proud. This year, Corvallis’ signature celebration of creativity, innovation and Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci will add green to its palette.

Pacific Power is providing one megawatt-hour of Blue Sky renewable energy to offset the power used by this year’s da Vinci Days, which runs July 20 to 22. This amount of green power avoids putting about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide in the air and has the same environmental benefit as planting 190 trees or not driving 2,142 miles.

"Leonardo celebrated innovation every day. Now with Blue Sky, this community celebration is helping promote a new innovative age of renewables," said Doris Johnston, regional community manager for Pacific Power. Pacific Power customers can support additional renewable energy by enrolling in Blue Sky. Participation is optional and customers can increase their participation or withdraw at any time.

"Da Vinci Days operations are moving toward enhanced sustainable practices including the use of renewable energy provided by Pacific Power and decreasing our impact at the landfill by providing guidelines for our food vendors. We're also raising consumer awareness in Green Town, an area of the festival that spotlights a sustainable present and future where you'll find sustainable solutions for your home, community, business and activities," said Brenda VanDevelder, executive director of da Vinci Days, Inc.

Pacific Power customers can also celebrate the innovative genius of Leonardo by greening their own homes and businesses. Buying just one, 100-kilowatt-hour increment of Blue Sky Block costs only $1.95 per month. Customers can buy as many blocks as they wish. Oregon residential and small businesses customers can also choose Blue Sky Usage, in which customers offset all of their energy usage with renewable resources for slightly more per month, 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 difference – helping encourage more renewable energy development in the region, which brings environmental and economic benefits to Oregon," Johnston said.

Customers can sign up for Blue Sky renewable power by calling Pacific Power at 800-769-3717 or by visiting www.pacificpower.net/bluesky . Currently, about 30,000 Oregonians are enrolled in one of the three options. Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program is one of the most popular green power programs in the country.

Media inquiries: newsdesk@pacificorp.com