By Albany Tribune — (March 18, 2013)
A 50-kilowatt wind power project atop the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is now closer to reality thanks in part to $257,372 in funding from Pacific Power’s Blue Sky renewable energy program.
This is the seventh year Blue Sky customers have funded these awards, which since 2006 has put more than $4 million to work at more than 50 facilities that produce power and increase awareness of the viability of renewable energy.
“The Umatilla project is another example of our customers’ deep commitment to building a renewable energy future,” said Pat Reiten, president and CEO of Pacific Power. “Not only will the Tamástslikt project supply renewable energy, but it will help teach a new generation about renewable energy. We’re proud to be part of this important effort along with our Blue Sky customers.”
The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is the museum and cultural center of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and brings the tribe’s story alive to thousands of visitors each year. The 50-kilowatt wind turbine planned at the center will be visible from a variety of locations and will also serve as an educational tool for both local and tribal students. A kiosk and monitoring display showing real-time energy usage will be installed inside the cultural center and this information will be available on the institute’s website.
“The Blue Sky Block program, which funds these projects, has one of the highest participation rates you’ll find nationwide,” said Pat Egan, vice president of customer and community affairs, Pacific Power. “One of the reasons the Blue Sky Block option is so popular is that customers can see what they are getting. In addition to supporting the renewable energy industry, they are helping fund on-the-ground, working renewable projects in their own communities.”