On Sepember 24th, 2018, the Downtown Clinic celebrated the completion of a renewable energy project that will allow the center to make a larger impact on the community.
The Laramie nonprofit, which provides services to those in the community without access to healthcare, is now being powered by the sun.
Made possible by a $33,675 grant from Blue Sky customers, the 25-panel solar array offsets 98 percent of the clinic's energy usage. The project also includes Wyoming's first Blue Sky battery storage system that will keep medical supplies, such as vaccines, properly stored during an emergency.
"This project has allowed us to save money and provide more services to our clients," said Pete Gosar, Downtown Clinic executive director. "This means more emergency dental services, more vision exams, and more prescription medicines for families in need. We are extremely thankful."
The clinic reports that the cost savings generated each year is equivalent to over 200 prescription medications, 20 eye exams or the costs of 60 primary care visits.
"Organizations like the Downtown Clinic play a crucial role in our communities and we are grateful to our Blue Sky customers for making innovative renewable projects like these possible," said Rita Meyer, Rocky Mountain Power Wyoming vice president.
Since 2006, Rocky Mountain Power's Blue Sky customers have voluntarily supported wind and solar energy generation in the region. Blue Sky has provided more than $10 million in funding to community-based renewable energy projects. More information about the Blue Sky program is available at www.rockymountainpower.net/bluesky.
