Hill Air Force Base and Rocky Mountain Power celebrate completion of largest Blue Sky solar project in the region

ROY, Utah — Today Hill Air Force Base and Rocky Mountain Power celebrated the completion of a new 350kW solar array, one of the region’s largest Blue Sky projects. 

This new renewable energy source helps Hill AFB move toward achieving energy goals while positioning the military installation for future growth. The project also contributes to efforts aimed at improving grid resiliency.

“We are the third largest energy consumer in the Air Force because of the various missions we have underway here,” said 75th Air Base Commander Col. Jenise Carroll. ”This new renewable energy project adds to the total power generation capabilities we have on the base.” 

Carroll and Rocky Mountain Power president and CEO Gary Hoogeveen toured the array during his visit to the base in June. Hoogeveen is partnered with Carroll in the base’s honorary commander program that pairs Air Force leadersip with community leaders to provide networking and educational opportunities.

“As one of the largest employers in Utah, Hill Air Force Base has been an excellent partner in collaborating on projects that help move us toward a more sustainable future,” he said.  "We thank our Blue Sky customers for making this and many other projects possible, and it’s remarkable to see what a tremendous impact they have made.” 

Since 2006, Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky customers have awarded funds to more than 170 different organizations, helping customers increase renewable energy generation and sharing the message of environmental stewardship.

Earlier this spring, Rocky Mountain Power presented the 75th Air Base Wing with a $1.4 million energy incentive award for completing additional energy efficiency and resiliency projects. Those efforts resulted in saving 12,882,649 kilowatt-hours a year, which translates into a cost savings of $621,264 annually. 

Rocky Mountain Power Blue Sky customers provided funding to build the project and will own and operate it for the next 25 years as part of the Blue Sky initiative, but HAFB will add the energy generated to its power grid.

Launched in the spring of 2000, Blue Sky allows customers to match their energy usage with the purchase of renewable energy credits. It’s a simple way for participants to support new sustainable energy development in the West, above and beyond Rocky Mountain Power’s substantial and growing commitment to renewables. 

Blue Sky is currently more than 135,000 participants strong, and according to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory rankings, one of the top five utility programs of its kind based on most participants and most renewable energy supported. For many cities and counties, Blue Sky offers a tangible way to meet local sustainability and climate action goals.