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Community Energy Green Power Utility Programs Recognized by U.S. Department of Energy

(Radnor, PA, May 3, 2010) – The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently announced the results of its analysis of the more than 850 utility green power programs in the United States.  The top ten lists rank the most successful utility-sponsored programs that offer renewable energy products to their customers in a variety of categories.  Community Energy plays an important role in five nationally-leading green power programs.  As a supplier or marketer to 19 electric utility or competitive electric supplier programs, Community Energy serves over 112,500 green power customers around the country.

“Voluntary green power purchases by utility customers are a significant driver of demand for new renewable energy generation above and beyond any legal mandates,” said Jay Carlis, Vice President of Community Energy.  “We are honored to serve customers around the country who have chosen to step up and support clean energy.  They are making a powerful choice for emission-free energy, enhanced energy security, a new green economy and a cleaner planet.”
Community Energy is the marketing and supply partner to three of the recognized programs.  The PECO WIND program in Pennsylvania ranks fifth in total number of customer participants, with 34,491 customers.  Iberdrola USA’s NYSEG and RG&E “Catch the Wind” program has attracted 20,386 customers, ranking tenth in total customer participants.  In Illinois, the City of Naperville program ranked fifth in customer participation, with 8.4 percent of the utility’s customers enrolled in the Renewable Energy Program.  

Community Energy is one option in two nationally-leading ballot programs that give customers the choice of multiple clean energy suppliers.  National Grid’s GreenUp program which is offered in New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, placed in the top 10 on two lists.  With over 174 million kWh, National Grid placed eighth for total renewable energy sales and seventh for total customer participants with 22,888 customers.  Out of the three suppliers on the ballot, Community Energy serves approximately 40 percent of total customers.

Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating also placed on two lists with their CTCleanEnergyOptions program.  This program ranked seventh on the total sales list with over 197 million kWh and eighth on the total customer participants list with 22,336 customers.  Of the two options to customers, Community Energy serves approximately 60 percent of these customers.
NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development and has been releasing its annual Green Power study since 2000.  The NREL top 10 lists for 2009 can be viewed in their entirety by visiting NREL online at www.nrel.gov.