Ogden, Utah has joined the growing number of American cities buying clean, renewable energy to power their community. Mayor Matthew Godfrey announced that Ogden will buy enough renewable energy through Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky program to cover about 19 percent of city buildings’ electricity use.

The Mayor also urged residents and businesses to participate in the Blue Sky program, which gets its electricity from six wind power facilities and is one of the most popular green power programs in the nation. Mayor Godfrey’s Blue Sky Community Challenge aims to get 5 percent of businesses and households signed up for renewable energy by the end of October.

Increasing investment in renewable energy is an important economic move for Ogden, a city of about 78,000 people. It has been attracting several outdoor recreation companies, and Mayor Godfrey explained that having clean air is “critical” to attracting these businesses.

The Sustainable Ogden Committee developed the challenge, and has other initiatives in the works. A Fresh Air Friday program will encourage the use of public transportation, converting city vehicle fleets to renewable fuels, and a downtown bicycle program.

Ogden’s purchase of wind power will cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions – a main contributor to global warming – by 900 tons each year. That’s equivalent to planting about 354 acres of trees, according to a statement from the Mayor. If Ogden residents meet the Blue Sky Community Challenge, it would cut CO2 emissions by about 5,900 tons each year. A typical household could get 100 percent of its energy from renewable power for an extra $11.70 per month.

Rocky Mountain Power
Salt Lake Tribune, via Headwaters News