HARTFORD, CT - The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) announced today that Connecticut Energy Cooperative's 100 percent renewable energy option, Co-op Ecowatt, has been certified by the Green-e Program. When Co-op members see the Green-e logo, they can be sure they are purchasing electricity from reliable renewable resources that meet strict consumer protection and environmental standards set by the non-profit CRS.

To receive Green-e certification, at least half of an electricity product's energy supply must come from eligible renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass or small-scale hydro projects. The Connecticut Energy Co-op predicts that six percent of Co-op EcoWatt will come from wind power resources. Co-op EcoWatt is the first power offering in Connecticut to give customers an energy option from 100% renewable resources.

"The certification of Connecticut Energy Cooperative's Co-op EcoWatt means that Connecticut has joined California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania in bringing certified renewable power options to their citizens and bringing new wind generation on line. We welcome Co-op Ecowatt as our first Green-e certified electricity option in Connecticut," said Jan Hamrin, Executive Director of CRS.

Jane Hotchkiss-Gordy, Coordinator for the Green-e Program in New England, congratulated the Connecticut Energy Co-op for being the first company in New England with a Green-e certified product. "We created a standard for New England to establish a baseline for green energy products and are very excited to see it debut in the Connecticut market."

"The Connecticut Energy Cooperative is proud to gain Green-e certification," said Larry Union, the Co-op's General Manager. "With Green-e, our members can be sure they are buying 100% reliable renewable electricity, verified by an independent party."

Under the terms of the Green-e Program, Connecticut Energy Cooperative agrees to abide by the Green-e Code of Conduct, which includes submitting marketing materials to CRS to make sure customers receive truthful information about the Co-op Ecowatt certified electricity offering. The Co-op will also undergo an annual verification process to document that the company purchased enough renewable electricity to meet its Co-op Ecowatt marketing claims.