About The Project
Setting the course for clean energy
The Blue Horizons Project was formed through the former Energy Innovation Task Force (EITF), a working group convened in April 2016 by the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Duke Energy. The EITF had two primary goals:
In the long term, transition the Duke Energy Progress – West Region to a cleaner, affordable, and smarter energy future, rooted in community engagement and collaboration.
In the short term, avoid or delay the construction of a 190-MW natural gas peaker plant planned for 2023. That peaker plant has since been moved off of Duke Energy Progress's 15-year planning horizon.
The Blue Horizons Project was conceived to help achieve these goals by promoting energy efficiency and renewable throughout the region. Its role is to enlist public support and provide easy access to resources that allow everyone to be a part of creating a clean energy future.
Blue Horizons Project is a program of the nonprofit Green Built Alliance.
Setting the Course for Clean Energy: Blue Horizons Project Community Council Members
The Blue Horizons Project Community Council advises the work of the Blue Horizons Project. Its members are:
- Keith Bamberger, Asheville Resident, NC Department of Air Quality
- Geoffrey Barton, Director of Real Estate Development, Mountain Housing Opportunities
- Mica Crouse, Sustainability Communications Consultant, Big Mountain Impact
- Dave Erb, Automotive Engineer, Sierra Club
- Clary Franko, Asheville Resident and Chief Operating Officer, Sugar Hollow Solar
- Seth Little, Energy Efficiency Practice Director, CLEAResult
- Michelle Myers, Chair, Community Member
- Ken Nelson, President, Blue Delta Energy
- Brownie Newman, Chairman, Buncombe County Commission
- Rakesh Sridhar, eMobility consultant, Accenture
- Ben Stockdale, Vice Chair, Project Manager, Pine Gate Renewables
- Maggie Ullman, Asheville City Council Member
- Jason Walls, Local Government & Community Relations Manager, Duke Energy Progress
How you can help
The success of the Blue Horizons Project depends on the support and participation of the people and businesses of Buncombe County. We ask that you adopt energy efficiency as normal in your home, promote it in your workplace and donate and volunteer with organizations that help others do the same.