Knoxville, TN: March 27, 2000: The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) announced today that a coalition of utility representatives and environmental organizations has formally sought national, third-party recognition for the green energy programs to be provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The announcement is yet another example of the commitment to increase investment in renewable energy generation around the country. The regional coalition - which includes TVA, ten public power companies in the TVA service area, and several environmental groups - is working within a national Accreditation Initiative for Green Pricing Programs sponsored by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions.

Utility "green pricing" or "green choice" programs enable consumers to target their utility dollars towards environmentally preferable energy resources. By having a green pricing program recognized by a national, independent organization, consumers can have the confidence that they are receiving the green power resources they are promised.

To receive Accreditation, utility programs must meet a series of stringent environmental and customer protection criteria, including use of new renewable resources. Under the terms of the Accreditation Initiative, utilities work with local environmental and consumer protection stakeholders to craft standards that reflect critical environmental and consumer protection issues in their region. The TVA regional stakeholders group is one of the first in the country to submit its regional standard for approval by the Accreditation Initiative's national governing board.

TVA's Green Pricing Program will include wind, solar and landfill gas resources. Participating local public power companies will begin signing up customers on Earth Day April 22, 2000. "We've worked extensively with TVA to develop a green pricing program that will directly lead to new investment in renewable energy. We believe gaining national recognition will significantly help increase the number of customers who sign up," said Dr. Stephen Smith, Executive Director of the Tennessee Valley Energy Reform Coalition.

"Accreditation will enable TVA to enhance consumer confidence in our Green Power Program. We believe partnering with the environmental community is one of the key components in giving consumers that assurance, " said Susan Humber Ross, TVA's Green Power Program Manager.

"TVA is taking the right steps by offering environmentally preferable power to customers and by working with the non-profit community. In it's effort to be one of the nation's first accredited green pricing programs. This coalition is setting a high standard for utilities and advocates around the nation," said Karl Rabago, Chair of the Accreditation Initiative's national governing board.

The Green Pricing Accreditation Initiative is sponsored by the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS), a non-profit organization dedicated to economic and environmental sustainability. The Accreditation Initiative receives support from The Energy Foundation. Based in San Francisco's Presidio, CRS administers national and international programs that preserve and protect the environment through the design of innovative strategies and increased utilization of appropriate technologies. CRS directs the Green-e Program, a renewable energy certification program for restructured electricity markets. Dr. Jan Hamrin founded CRS and serves as the Executive Director. More information is available at www.resource-solutions.org

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