PARK CITY, UT (Oct. 15) – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 14th to celebrate the 126 solar panels that were installed at the Center of Excellence and are now fully operational. The solar panels were funded by Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky renewable energy program, with savings going to fund USSA’s athletic programs. Olympians Andy Newell and Alex Deibold, who are both active in winter environmental awareness causes, were on hand to dedicate the array that will generate 50,000 kilowatt-hours a year.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Local officials, community partners and Olympians Andy Newell and Alex Deibold joined USSA staff at a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 14th celebrating the new solar array that was installed over the summer.
- Blue Sky Opportunity: The solar panels were funded by Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky renewable energy program, which has funded more than a dozen community-based renewable energy projects in Park City. Installation was managed by Utah’s Synergy Power.
- Savings: The solar array is expected to generate more than 50,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and save the USSA about $8,000 per year.
- Helping Athletes: Cost savings from the new solar array will help USSA power the development of future Olympians.
QUOTES
Tiger Shaw, President and CEO, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association
As a winter sports organization, it’s important for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association to be good stewards of our environment. Standing here and looking at the Wasatch Range and these wonderful mountains, we’re very lucky to be in this part of the country and have partners like Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky program to provide support that not only helps our environment but is a benefit for our athletes.
Steve Rush, Rocky Mountain Power Customer and Community Manager
Rocky Mountain Power and Blue Sky are very significantly connected to renewable energy. This installation will provide over 50,000 kilowatt hours a year. It’s very important for us to be a part of this project with the USSA and we appreciate the example the USSA is setting.
Andy Newell, Olympic Cross Country Skier
I’ve been a part of the USSA family for 12 years. It’s amazing to see the innovation and progress of this organization. As winter sports athletes, it’s our responsibility to use our voices to get people pro-active in helping the environment. What I tell kids is that we can make a difference by making smart decisions, like we are seeing here today. It’s been the legacy of the U.S. Ski Team that we lead by example on the snow, competing fair and clean. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that’s leading by example here relative to the environment.
Alex Deibold, Olympic Snowboardcross Bronze Medalist
As a winter sports athlete and someone who cares about the outdoor lifestyle so much, I want to give back to the next generation by trying to spread education. This is a step in the right direction on two levels. We can help support the environment and help offset energy costs. USSA is a non-profit organization and it can put that savings into the next generation of athletes. The small things you do add up in the long term. Thanks to Rocky Mountain Power and Blue Sky for making this possible.
Jack Thomas, Mayor, City of Park City
I’ve been passionate about energy design since college. I’m also passionate about winter sports. To see this come together is very exciting for me. This is the new normal. We’re going to see solar panels on more and more buildings moving forward. USSA represents the critical mass that is transformative for the future.
