Rocky Mountain Power wants to help fund small renewable energy projects

Rocky Mountain Power is looking for Utah organizations that would like a little help making their dreams of establishing renewable energy projects a reality.

The power company said it is accepting applications to fund small, community-based solar, wind and low-impact hydro-electric projects under its Blue Sky renewable energy program.

Under that program, consumers pay a premium on their monthly bill — $1.95 for each 100 kilowatt-hour block of Blue Sky energy they buy — for the promise that the utility will ensure that a similar quantity of electricity generated from wind farms and other renewable resources goes onto the regional power grid.

And since 2006, Rocky Mountain Power has been using some of the money generated from its Blue Sky program to help fund small community-based renewable energy projects — undertakings it hopes can be used to help educate the public on the benefits of producing electricity from renewable resources.

The amount available for funding awards is limited and varies year to year, said Jeff Hymas, a spokesman for Rocky Mountain Power.

He noted, though, that in 2011 the utility committed more than $1 million in total to help fund 12 renewable energy projects in Utah.

Since 2006, Blue Sky customers have helped fund more than 75 new renewable energy projects, Hymas said.

Funding is not available for off-grid or residential projects, for passive or thermal solar energy projects and for geothermal or biomass heat pump systems.

Organizations interested in seeking funding should go to company's website for detailed criteria on project qualifications and applications forms. To be considered for funding, interested parties must complete and submit an application form along with supporting materials by 5 p.m. on June 15. —

Among 2011 renewable energy projects:

Cedar City Fire Department Station #1 • a 23.26-kilowatt solar array

Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City • a 20.9-kilowatt solar array

Weber State University • 15.43-kilowatt solar array

To participate:

Application • Interested organizations can go to www.rockymountainpower.net/blueskyfunds for more information.

Deadline • Application and supporting materials due by 5 p.m. on June 15.