Kinko’s has signed on as Utah’s largest purchaser of Blue Sky wind energy, buying more than 10 percent of its total electricity needs through Utah Power’s voluntary renewable power program.

Kinko’s is purchasing Blue Sky wind power for all 11 Wasatch Front-area stores, including Salt Lake City, Ogden, Layton, Sandy, Orem, West Valley and Midvale.

Utah Power launched Blue Sky in 2000 to give customers an opportunity to purchase pollution-free wind power. It gives customers the option of purchasing 100-kilowatt hour (kwh) "blocks" of renewable energy for $2.95 per month through their electricity bills.

Utah marks the twelfth state where Kinko’s is purchasing renewable energy. The company is also dedicated to a wide range of environmental efforts. For example, Kinko’s has retrofitted almost all of its branches with lighting fixtures that meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Lights standard. The company also purchases Energy Star-compliant equipment whenever possible, and offers a wide selection of recycled and tree-free paper stocks.

"Kinko’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact not only includes buying renewable energy, but also by reducing energy use, by offering recycled and alternative papers, and by minimizing waste," explained Larry Rogero, environmental manager for Kinko’s, a leading provider of document solutions and business services. "Utah Power’s Blue Sky program makes it easy for companies and individuals to help bring more renewable power online and make a real difference for the community and the planet."

Blue Sky wind energy recently received national recognition as number six on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Top 10 list of utility green programs in terms of customer participation. Blue Sky received recognition in 2001 for ranking number seven on the list. In Utah, 3,411 residential and business customers participate in Blue Sky, in addition to 5,148 customers in Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

Blue Sky customers can be sure that their money is going directly to new wind power. Not only is Blue Sky overseen by state regulators, it is certified by Renew 2000, an organization formed to ensure consumers get what they are paying for when they buy renewable power products. Blue Sky meets their rigorous standards and is reviewed annually.