June 11, 2002

Kinko’s, Inc., and Rocky Mountain Power announced that Kinko’s has signed on as the largest purchaser of Blue Sky renewable wind energy. Kinko’s has agreed to buy more than 10 percent of its total electricity needs for Utah Kinko’s locations through Blue Sky.

Rocky Mountain 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.

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.  Utah marks the twelfth state where Kinko’s is purchasing renewable energy.

"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. "Rocky Mountain 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, 3,691 residential and business customers participate in Blue Sky, in addition to 5,243 customers in Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

The environmental benefits are significant. By buying Blue Sky for a year, Utahans are providing the following environmental benefit as not driving 11,147,4000 miles or planting 2,044 acres of trees. In addition, the purchases prevent 5,202 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.   

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.

"The benefits of wind power are many, as it does not generate air pollution or carbon dioxide emissions," said Sarah Wright, coordinator, Land and Water Fund of the Rockies’ Utah Wind Power Campaign. "Kinko’s is now Utah’s largest purchaser of wind power. Each year, their purchase will prevent over 200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is one of the chief gases associated with global warming."

In addition to Blue Sky, Rocky Mountain Power continues to invest in renewable power projects. It owns nearly 33 megawatts (mw) of wind energy from Wyoming Wind Development and gets 23 mw from its Blundell geothermal plant in Utah. The company also purchases 50 mw of wind power from the newly constructed Rock River I facility in Wyoming. Blue Sky has led to the direct purchase of 3 mw of additional wind power from Wyoming Wind.