KRCL Radio doubles its commitment to wind power

KRCL, community-supported radio, often uses its airwaves urging listeners to get involved in environmental good works. Recently, the station (90.9 FM in Salt Lake City, 96.5 FM in Park City) increased its own commitment to renewable power by nearly doubling its purchase of Rocky Mountain Power's Blue Sky.

KRCL has signed up to purchase 53 block increments of Blue Sky per month, up from 27 blocks. Wind power now accounts for the equivalent of 50 percent of the station's usage.

"We have so many public service announcements about conserving and preserving the environment, it’s nice to lead the way instead of just talking about it," explained KRCL General Manager Donna Land. "Blue Sky gives us an easy way to participate in developing new wind power."

Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky is a voluntary program where business and residential customers can help increase the demand for new, clean, renewable wind power generation. For an additional $2.95 per month, residential, business and industrial customers can purchase wind power in 100-kwh block increments.

KRCL’s wind power purchase is equivalent to the electricity usage of nearly six average Utah households and prevents the emission of nearly 44.5 tons per year of carbon dioxide, the chief greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. The purchase has the same environmental benefit as not driving an automobile 95,400 miles per year, or planting 17.5 acres of trees each year.* In addition, wind power produces no pollution.

"These days, I think that there is a much stronger environmental ethic in our community, but sometimes it’s hard to know how to get involved," Land said. "Because KRCL is considered progressive community radio, and we’ve been in business for 22 years, we hope that lending our name to an effort like Blue Sky will inspire others to participate as well."

*Calculations are based on an independent analysis completed by the Northwest Power Planning Council and EPA data.