OGDEN, Utah — Fairgoers in Weber County may be experiencing a case of deja blue. For the second consecutive year, Rocky Mountain Power is "greening" the Weber County Fair with Blue Sky renewable energy. The utility is providing 94 megawatt-hours of energy from the recently developed Judith Gap wind project in Montana to offset the fair’s electricity use. The annual event takes place Aug. 8-11.

"Encouraging the use and development of energy produced using wind and other renewable resources helps create more sustainable communities and benefits the environment," said Steve Rush, customer and community manager for Rocky Mountain Power. "Ogden City has a goal for at least 5 percent of its households and businesses to sign-up for Blue Sky renewable energy by the end of October, and this is a terrific opportunity to create awareness throughout Weber County of the voluntary program and its benefits."

The 94 megawatt-hours of renewable wind energy purchased on behalf of the Weber County Fair is equivalent to the amount of electricity about 122 typical Utah homes would consume in one month. Rocky Mountain Power’s "greening" of the fair will offset 188,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, providing environmental benefits similar to planting more than 36 acres of trees or not driving more than 201,000 miles.

The utility is buying the renewable energy from the Judith Gap wind project, located in Harlowton, Montana. The 135-megawatt facility includes 90 wind turbines and began producing electricity in December 2005. Each turbine alone can provide enough renewable energy for approximately 350 to 400 homes.

Rush explained that while Rocky Mountain Power already includes renewable energy in its generation mix used to provide power to its customers, Blue Sky is a way to bring even more renewable energy into the system. Customers can buy Blue Sky in 100-kilowatt-hour blocks for $1.95 for each, in addition to their regular monthly electricity bill. Business customers can save on larger purchases. Enrollment is optional and customers can increase their participation or withdraw from the program at any time.

Blue Sky is one of the most popular green-power programs in the U.S., ranking second in the nation for the number of customers enrolled. In Utah, more than 21,800 residential and business customers buy Blue Sky renewable energy. More than 57,000 customers buy Blue Sky in the Western U.S. The program enables customers to help bring more renewable energy into the region.

For more information about Blue Sky, or to sign up, call toll free at 800-769-3717 or visit www.rockymountainpower.net/bluesky .

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