The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) announced today that it has granted Green-e Certification to Austin, Texas based Green Mountain Energy Company's new renewable energy product offered in Texas. The Green Mountain Energy(SM) 100% new wind energy product is the first green power product to be certified by the Green-e Program in Texas. The program provides consumers with a simple way to quickly identify environmentally superior electricity options.

Green Mountain Energy electricity in Texas is generated from newly built wind turbines in west Texas. Texas ranks number one in the nation in tons of the climate-changing pollutant, carbon dioxide (CO2), emitted from its power plants. In contrast, the Green Mountain Energy product is 100 percent clean, pollution-free renewable energy.

"Green Mountain Energy Company has set the bar high for other providers in Texas. Buyers of Green Mountain Energy electricity support over 50 times the amount of renewable energy required by law," said Karl R. Rabago, former Texas PUC Commissioner and chair of the National Green Power Board, which governs the Green-e program. "Texans have been demanding an opportunity to change the way electricity is made for years," he added, "now they have the chance to really make a positive difference."

Texas electricity deregulation began with a pilot program in 2001 and the full market opening in January of 2002, giving consumers the option to choose their power provider including providers offering renewable energy. Consumer choice, combined with a strong Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has lead to a significant increase in demand for clean energy in the state.

"Green Mountain Energy electricity customers can buy renewable energy with complete confidence. Green-e verifies to Texas Green Mountain Energy electricity customers that the electricity they use comes from wind energy, which produces no emissions and burns no fossil fuels," said Gabe Petlin, Green-e Program Manager.

"Texans are truly embracing clean, pollution free electricity," said Gillan Taddune, Texas region president for Green Mountain Energy Company "We're proud to bring the first Green-e certified product to Texas and lead the way in promoting clean electricity in the State. It's a really powerful message when consumers learn that by switching their electric provider they can help clean the air we all breathe. Just by buying Green Mountain Energy electricity, the average Texas household can avoid contributing over 20,000 pounds of carbon dioxide into our air each year."

"The Green Mountain Energy offering is proof that the Texas Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) enacted in 1999 has provided incentives to enable large and valuable amounts of renewable energy to be built in the state," said Jim Marston, director of the Environmental Defense, Texas Office. By law, all competitive electricity providers in Texas must use at least .5% new renewables in their energy supply mix increasing to 3% in 2010.

To receive Green-e certification, a product's energy supply must come from at least 50% eligible new renewable resources such as wind, solar, small or low-impact hydro, geothermal, biogas, or biofuels Green Mountain Energy electricity is 100% new renewable electricity and therefore exceeds this minimum requirement. Green Mountain Energy Company also agrees to abide by the Green-e Code of Conduct, and to submit marketing materials to CRS to meet Green-e disclosure and truth-in-advertising requirements. The company will undergo an annual verification process to document that the company purchased enough quantity and type of renewable electricity to meet customer demand and marketing claims. Currently, over 163,000 customers nationwide purchase Green-e certified electricity. Green Mountain Energy Company currently offers Green-e certified products in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania as well.

Green-e is a program of the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS), a non-profit organization based in San Francisco's Presidio. CRS brings together diverse interests to preserve our environment, encourage sustainable economic growth; and promote clean energy for present and future generations. Dr. Jan Hamrin founded CRS and serves as the Executive Director. More information on the organization is available at http://www.resource-solutions.org.

About Green Mountain Energy Company

Green Mountain Energy Company provides less-polluting electricity generated from sources including wind, solar, water, geothermal, biomass and cleaner burning natural gas. Green Mountain serves nearly half a million customers in seven states: California, Connecticut, New Jersey Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas. For more information on the company, visit http://www.greenmountain.com, or contact Eleanor Scott, 512/691-6316, Eleanor.scott@greenmountain.com.

Center for Resource Solutions

Center for Resource Solutions

The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) is a national nonprofit with global impact. CRS brings forth expert responses to climate change issues with the speed and effectiveness necessary to provide real-time solutions. Our leadership through collaboration and environmental innovation builds policies and consumer-protection mechanisms in renewable energy, greenhouse gas reductions, and energy efficiency that foster healthy and sustained growth in national and international markets.

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