KDRV Staff
 
April 2, 2009
 
GRANTS PASS, Ore. - Encore Ceramics is powered entirely by renewable energy, and besides contributing to cleaner air, the company says they're flying through the economic recession.
 
EC says their decision to power with renewable energy is attracting customers.
 
"When somebody is looking to make sure that the source of the produce they are buying come from a responsible sustainable source, they're going to pick us and we will get more business now we're probably not feeling these economic crunch nearly as badly as our competitors because we have that edge," says CEO and co-owner of Encore Ceramics Barry Russell.
 
Encore Ceramics has run from renewable energy for about three years, but they recently switched to services provided by Pacific Power for renewable energy.
 
"I really took note when I saw Pacific Power had gotten the green e certification because it gives me the confidence that what I'm buying from them contributes to building renewable energy resources," says Russell.
 
Solar panels also help power the business.
 
"Because we took advantage of tax credits and accelerated depreciation, and a grant from the energy trust, that paid for itself in four-and-a-half-years, and now all the energy it's producing for the plan is essentially free," says Pacific Power Regional Community Manager Monte Mendenhall.
 
And the renewable energy trend is growing.
 
"Just like Encore Ceramics is participating as a partner with Pacific Power, we're enthused about it because we are seeing more and more industries and businesses that are participating in this program," says Mendenhall.
 
Pacific Power's Renewable Energy Program is called Blue Sky and is offered to residential customers for a slightly higher fee.