Westminster College Announces Gift from Rocky Mountain Power

Solar panels for Meldrum Science Center to be partially funded through Blue Sky Program

SALT LAKE CITY– Westminster College announced today that Rocky Mountain Power has committed $100,000 through its Blue Sky Program to install solar panels on the college’s new Meldrum Science Center. The college broke ground in May on the $25 million LEED-Gold certified facility, which is scheduled to open in spring 2010. Solar panels will provide approximately 7.5% of the building’s energy requirements.

“The Blue Sky grants for solar energy projects have been an exciting part of our program,” said Richard Walje, president of Rocky Mountain Power. “Through these grants, a number of solar installations have been completed that educate students and the public about how photovoltaic technology can be used to generate electricity.”

The Meldrum Science Center is the second building on campus to receive funding for solar panels through the Blue Sky Program. By using solar panels and implementing other environmental initiatives, the college is committed to achieving carbon neutrality in the college’s operations in the near future. Westminster is also a partner in the Blue Sky Program through its purchase of 750 blocks of Blue Sky Wind Energy per month, amounting to 11% of the college’s total electrical needs. The wind power purchase has the same environmental benefits as planting over 176,000 trees or not driving over 1.9 million miles annually.
“We are delighted that Rocky Mountain Power is partnering with Westminster again by helping fund one of our priority environmental initiatives,” said Westminster College President Michael S. Bassis. “Solar panels are an important step in realizing our ultimate goal of carbon neutrality at the college.”

Rocky Mountain Power:
Rocky Mountain Power works with customers and communities to increase the visibility of renewable energy generation technologies through education and community outreach. Rocky Mountain Power is headquartered in Salt Lake City and provides electric service to more than 957,000 customers in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. As part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power provide approximately 1.7 million customers in six western states with reliable, efficient energy. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment.

Westminster College:
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information, visit www.westminstercollege.edu.