WEST BRIDGEWATER, Massachusetts - The first New England food retailer to purchase renewable energy is hosting the Shaw's Supermarkets and Sun Power Electric "Green Power Challenge" on Aug. 8. The event, designed to promote the benefits of clean, natural energy and educate consumers about how to purchase alternative sources, will be held at the Shaw's Supermarket in Barrington, Rhode Island, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The celebration will feature several attractions including live entertainment, children's activities, giveaways, chances to win gift certificates, refreshments and a solar electric hybrid car with an interactive, educational display. The Barrington Shaw's is located at 186 County Road.

The "Green Power Challenge" officially launches the availability of ReGen, a "Green-e" certified renewable energy source that R.I. customers will be able to purchase for their homes and businesses. The event will begin with speeches by local supporters of the environmental community. Shaw's associates will also be thanking those involved with the project and will encourage the public's support for alternative energy sources. According to Bernard Rogan, spokesperson for Shaw's Supermarkets, "We are very excited to be the first food retailer in New England to offer customers the opportunity to invest in renewable energy sources. At the 'Green Power Challenge,' the community can really get involved by learning more about the importance of clean, natural energy sources and spreading the word."

Currently, three stores in R.I. (Barrington, Johnston and Bald Hill Rd., Warwick) purchase ReGen for 25 percent of their electricity supply. If 1,600 or more people sign up at Shaw's over the next three years, all 13 stores in R.I. will have 25 percent of their power supplied from ReGen. If this "Green Power Challenge" goal is met, Sun Power Electric will also donate matching funds for an environmental project in the community, such as installing solar panels at a local school. According to Sun Power Electric, the expansion of ReGen to other communities will help build a market for renewable electricity and reduces global climate change and regional air pollution.

ReGen is a natural power source generated from solar power and landfill gas. The Shaw's and Sun Power Electric initiative is a multi-year educational campaign to help increase consumer awareness about the environmental efforts of conventional power generation and how supporting green power can make a difference in air quality. The program is supported by local, state and regional groups including Rhode Island Renewable Energy Collaborative, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Green-e and Clean Air-Cool Planet.

Sun Power Electric is a division of Conservation Services Group (CSG), of Westborough, Mass. For the past 18 years, CSG has been a national leader in offering energy conservation and renewable energy strategies for businesses, utilities and individuals. Shaw's supermarkets, Inc., manages 186 Shaw's and Star Market store locations and two distribution centers in six New England states. The company serves more than four million customers and has nearly 30,000 associates. Shaw's supermarkets is also an award-winning ENERGY STAR(R) partner, working with the U.S. EPA, U.S. Department of Energy and local utilities to promote energy conservation.

For more information about the Shaw's/Sun Power Electric "Green Power Challenge" contact 1-800-689-7957.

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