San Francisco, CA (December 4, 2002): A recent verification audit process conducted by the non-profit Center for Resource Solution (CRS) confirms that the green power provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) met a series of stringent environmental and customer protection criteria, including use of “new” renewable resources. TVA's Green Power Switch® program, which is accredited by CRS and meets its Green-e standards, represents the first significant development of new renewables in the Southeast specifically to meet customer demand. The audit reviewed Green Power Switch sales for calendar years 2000 and 2001, and showed a steadily growing demand. TVA expects even higher numbers for 2002 based on an increasing base of participants this year, with a promise of bringing even more renewable energy facilities online in the near future to meet this growing demand.

TVA and local public power companies, working with input from the environmental community, created the Green Power Switch® program, to produce electricity from cleaner, greener sources and add it to the Tennessee Valley’s power mix. Green Power Switch® includes wind, solar and methane gas resources and is available in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Participating local public power companies began signing up customers on Earth Day April 22, 2000. The verification audit showed that more than 4,800 of TVA’s residential and non-residential consumers had chosen green power by the end of 2001.

Under the terms of the Accreditation program, utilities work with local environmental and consumer protection stakeholders to craft accreditation standards that reflect the critical environmental and consumer protection issues in their region. The TVA regional stakeholders group worked together in 1999 on the accreditation criteria. This process united environmental groups such as the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and Chattanooga Sustainable Lifestyle Campaign, with utilities such as Sevier County Electric System, and Knoxville Utilities Board around green power standards and criteria.

"This program is the first large scale and most aggressive green power pricing program in the South. With Accreditation, we help build consumer confidence and increase customer participation in this important effort," said Stephen Smith, Executive Director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

TVA successfully completed the CRS Green Pricing Accreditation Initiative’s verification process, which requires the provider to undergo an independent process audit. The audit reviews contracts, invoices and metering data to verify that the quantity and type of renewable resources sold met consumer demand, as well as meeting strict consumer protection requirements. The Center for Resource Solutions also biannually reviews all of TVA’s marketing materials to make sure that their claims to consumers match what they deliver. By having a green pricing program recognized by a national and independent organization, TVA consumers can have the confidence that they are receiving the green power resources they are promised.

“TVA is pleased to have received CRS accreditation, and we feel the results of their audit will help to enhance consumer confidence in our green power program. We look forward to continuing our partnership with local utilities and the environmental community, as we continue investing in programs like Green Power Switch for customers interested in renewable power choices," said Gary Harris, TVA’s Green Power Switch Program Manager.

By completing the verification process for its Green Power Switch® program, TVA is setting high standards for utilities across the nation in green power. Aggressive expansion is planned for the program due to its success, and each year additional distributors will be encouraged to participate in the program.

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The Green Pricing Accreditation Initiative is administered by the Center for Resource Solutions, a non-profit organization that encourages sustainable growth and promotes the use of clean energy. 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 sustainable technologies. More information is at www.resource-solutions.org. Information on TVA’s Green Power Switch is available at www.tva.gov/greenpowerswitch.