Blue Horizons Project Last updated or reviewed on March 14, 2023 The Energy Innovation Task Force (EITF) was a joint initiative between the City of Asheville, Buncombe County and Duke Energy Progress to research and recommend energy efficiency and demand-side management programs in Buncombe County. The EITF had two goals: Avoid or delay the construction of an additional natural gas powered combustion turbine power plant at the Asheville site in the year 2023 Transition Western North Carolina to a cleaner, affordable, and smarter energy future through community engagement and collaboration that is mutually beneficial to the community, customers, and Duke Energy Progress On January 28, 2020, following the delay of construction of an additional natural gas plant in Asheville, City Council voted to dissolve the EITF to be replaced by the Blue Horizons Project Community Council. The final meeting of the EITF took place March 11, 2020. The City and County issued a joint request for proposal (RFP) to contract with a nonprofit to implement the Blue Horizons Project and manage the Blue Horizons Project Community Council. The Green Built Alliance was selected to implement the Blue Horizons Project and support the Blue Horizons Project Community Council. Regular Meeting Schedule Notice: The Blue Horizons Project Community Council meets monthly on the first Monday of the month at 3 p.m. The traditional meeting length is 90 minutes. Due to COVID-19 the meetings are all conducted virtually. For more information including meeting schedule, agendas and virtual meeting information please visit the Blue Horizons Project Community Council website. Get Involved Through the research of the Energy Innovation Task Force the Blue Horizons Project was launched to assist residents and business owners reduce their energy consumption and invest in renewable energy. Check out how you can get involved with the Blue Horizons Project. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Contact Information For archived materials please contact Bridget Herring 828-259-5558.