Blue Sky fund award community projects

Helping advance community-based renewable energy projects
Since 2006 Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky customers have provided funding to help support 17 community-based renewable energy projects. These projects are in addition to the renewable energy supported in the region through monthly block purchases.

Funds have been directed to solar and wind projects at various cities, local government, schools and nonprofit organizations among others.

2008 Funding Cycle
For the third year, Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky program is providing awards from funds remaining after purchasing renewable energy certificates and covering program costs. These Blue Sky fund awards facilitate the construction of community-based renewable energy projects and support research and development of renewable energy technologies. Click herefor f unding guidelines and an application form.

Application Deadline
For a project to be considered for a funding award in 2008, an application form must be completed and submitted by May 5, 2008, 5 p.m., MDT.

Projects that received funding in 2006 and 2007

Completed projects

Entheos Academy Solar (Kearns, Utah) 2.4 kw – The rooftop solar system at the school is successfully up and running and is integrated into the school curriculum. This is part of the Utah Solar Schools initiative and is the first public school in Utah with solar power. Project completed January 2007.
Tracy Aviary Solar (Salt Lake City, Utah) 5 kw – The rooftop solar system at the aviary’s Liberty Park bird exhibit began operation in August 2007.
Westminster College Solar (Salt Lake City, Utah) 8 kw – Solar array on the roof of the newly constructed Dolores Dore’ Eccles Health, Wellness and Athletic Center building. Project completed August 2007.
National Outdoor Leadership School (Lander, Wyoming) 6.48 kw – Solar array on roof of main administration building with system monitoring display and interpretive exhibit for students and public. Project completed December 2007.
East High School (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1.7 kw – A solar array on the rooftop of the second public school in Utah with a solar installation. Project completed January2008.

Projects currently in development

Idaho

City of Lava Hot Springs (Lava Hot Springs) 10 kw – Solar array on roof of blower building at city wastewater facility with educational component on city’s website and onsite signage.

Wyoming

Girl Scout Council of Wyoming (Casper) 1.8 kw – Wind turbine at Camp Sacagawea with on-site educational exhibit for campers.
Casper College (Casper) 10 kw – Wind turbine at Rocky Mountain Outfield Testing Center to provide a live lab for students and provide education on wind turbine testing and certification.

Utah

Ecker Hill Middle School (Park City) 1.7 kw – Solar array on roof and interactive Web curriculum. Part of Utah Solar Schools initiative.
Hogle Zoo (Salt Lake City) 10 kw – Solar array on roof of elephant exhibit with ground level educational kiosk for visitors.
Moab City Solar (Moab) 20 kw – Solar array on the roof of the Moab Arts and Recreation Center, and a second solar array planned for the recreation swim center.
Moab Public Radio (Moab) 12 kw – Solar array on roof of station with educational broadcasting promoting renewable energy. When completed Moab Public Radio will be the first 100 percent solar-powered radio station in Utah.
Ogden Nature Center (Ogden) 3.3 kw – Wind and solar demonstration project as part of the on-site energy and nature education center, including an educational kiosk
Park City Wind (Park City) 5.4 kw –Three small wind turbines to power the Park City ice arena, and also solar arrays at the ice arena and municipal golf course.
Swaner Nature Preserve (Salt Lake City) 12 kw – Solar array on roof of the building supporting the on-site nature education center and assisting them in achieving LEED Platinum status – the first in five states.
The Leonardo at Library Square (Salt Lake City) 25 kw – Solar array on roof of the building with educational displays and exhibits on renewable energy inside this art, science, and engineering outreach facility.
Town of Alta (Alta) 3 kw – Solar array on roof of city administration building, with educational outreach for citizens and a goal of becoming an EPA Green Power Community.
Utah State Office of Education (Salt Lake City) 7.2.kw – Small wind turbines at three different locations as part of the Utah School Wind Project, includes educational plaques at each school.