Laramie Fire Station 3 will soon generate its own clean, renewable power thanks to a funding award from Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky program participants. The funding will support the installation of a 25kW solar array and an electric vehicle charging station in west Laramie. The City of Laramie is committed to the reduction of carbon emissions from municipal operations through Resolution 2020-14.
The award of $ $39,465 will cover nearly hal fof the installation cost of the solar array and charging station.
The City of Laramie joins more than 190 organizations across Rocky Mountain Power’s service area that, since 2006, have received awards for community-based renewable projects, including solar, wind, geothermal and other forms of renewable energy. This project is one of a dozen selected this year through a competitive-evaluation process.
“We are thrilled that we were selected for this award and so grateful to Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky participants who made it possible,” said Erin O’Doherty, Ward 2 City Council Member. “This 25kW solar array and EV car charging station project is not only a win for the environment but for the local community, too. By generating our own electricity, we’ll save on energy costs — and that means we can dedicate more of our budget to our capital projects and operations.”
Blue Sky is an opt-in program that gives Rocky Mountain Power customers an option to match all or part of their energy use with renewable energy — reducing their carbon footprints and driving demand for new renewable energy in the West. Through the Blue Sky Block option, participants also support qualifying, renewable energy projects for local institutions such as schools, community centers and arts organizations.
“For 20 years, the Blue Sky program has offered Rocky Mountain Power customers a simple and powerful way to live their values, reduce their carbon footprint and support renewable energy,” said Mike Morrissey, Regional Business Manager at Rocky Mountain Power. “Unlike most green power programs, Blue Sky goes beyond the purchase of renewable energy credits to help fund additional smaller energy projects for organizations in our communities. Through projects such as this, Blue Sky participants are powering a better future for local communities.”
Construction on the Fire Station 3 25kW solar array and EV car charging station project will begin in the spring of 2022. It is expected to begin generating power by June 30, 2022.