RALEIGH, N.C., Oct 1, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- NC GreenPower took a major
step today to encourage the development of cleaner energy for North
Carolina.
NC GreenPower launched a landmark program to power North Carolina's
homes, businesses and communities at kick-off events held in Raleigh, N.C.,
and Charlotte, N.C. North Carolina is the first state in the nation to
develop a statewide plan for green power. While 31 other states have
programs in place, North Carolina's is the first to receive support from the
state's utility companies, environmental leaders, technology suppliers,
consumers and state energy agencies for this independent, nonprofit
organization.
NC GreenPower will tap into technology that transforms renewable energy
sources such as wind, solar and biomass sources into safe and
environmentally sustainable power, giving North Carolinians cleaner options
for their energy sources.
"We are giving the state's businesses and residents the opportunity
to do what's right today to ensure the quality of life for future
generations," said Carl Wilkins, program manager for NC GreenPower.
"This program is voluntary and is an easy and affordable way for
everyone in North Carolina to increase the use of renewable energy. We have
such an abundant supply of these resources, it's only natural to invest in
them to help protect our environment and to improve air quality."
The N.C. Utilities Commission approved the NC GreenPower program plan in
January 2003. NC GreenPower is an independent nonprofit organization
administered by Advanced Energy, a Raleigh-based nonprofit organization that
helps utility, industrial and residential customers improve the return on
their energy investment.
Residential and business customers may voluntarily contribute funds that
NC GreenPower will use to encourage the development of power from renewable
energy sources in the state. A typical residential customer would contribute
a minimum of $4 per month. That $4 will add a block of 100 kilowatt-hours of
renewable energy to North Carolina's power supply.
Businesses and large-volume power users can volunteer to support NC
GreenPower. They may contribute toward 100 or more blocks of green power at
$2.50 per block. Those blocks of green power will also be added to North
Carolina's power supply.
In kick-off events held today in Raleigh, N.C., and Charlotte, N.C., NC
GreenPower recognized Lowe's and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
as founding sponsors.
Lowe's, a Fortune 100 company with sales of $26.5 billion, has more than
900 stores in 45 states and is headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C. The
mission of the EPA, which has a regional office in Research Triangle Park,
N.C., is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment.
"Lowe's is pleased to be a founding sponsor of NC Green Power,"
said Robin Nickles, vice president of Lowe's Retail Facilities Management.
"We believe that investing in programs that reduce the impact we have
on the environment is the right thing to do. It's good for the environment.
It's good for our business. Most importantly, it is good for the next
generation and beyond. At Lowe's we accept this responsibility and we have
committed to do our part to help lead this effort."
"For EPA, aggressive energy conservation and green power work hand
in hand. EPA is committed to green power," said Bill Laxton, director
of EPA's Office of Administration and Resource Management in Research
Triangle Park, N.C. "This year, EPA will buy at least eight percent of
its electricity through NC GreenPower. By supporting NC GreenPower, EPA is
helping to build a renewable energy future right here in North
Carolina."
Customers may sign up for the program by contacting their electric
utilities, including Dominion North Carolina Power, Duke Power and Progress
Energy, or members of the N.C. ElectriCities and North Carolina's electric
cooperatives. All contributions are tax-deductible and will be used for NC
GreenPower; no funds will be used by the utilities.
For more information about NC GreenPower visit www.ncgreenpower.org.
NC GreenPower, an independent nonprofit organization, was approved by the
N.C. Utilities Commission to provide North Carolinians with cleaner options
for their energy sources. NC GreenPower is committed to environmental
protection by increasing renewable energy sources in North Carolina.
SOURCE: NC GreenPower
NC GreenPower
Carl Wilkins, 919/857-9008; Sharon Gladwell, 919/857-9058
