Green-e

Commonwealth Energy Gains Green-e Certification for "GreenSmart" March 15, 1999

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - The Center for Resource Solutions announced today that Commonwealth Energy (Tustin, CA) has received certification for its GreenSmart product under the Green-e Renewable Electricity Program. Commonwealth's product, based on 100% renewable energy supply, becomes the latest of 16 products in California certified under the Green-e program.

"The Center for Resource Solutions is pleased that Commonwealth is participating in the Green-e program with GreenSmart," said Jan Hamrin, Executive Director of the Center for Resource Solutions. "Commonwealth now joins with the other companies offering Green-e certified products in California to help build a thriving green power market in this state."

"We are very proud to have gained acceptance in the Green-e program," said Brian Gale, Director of Marketing and Communications. "We are excited to be bringing green power to customers at a cost less than they're currently paying to their local utility company for system power."

To receive Green-e certification, at least half of a certified product's energy supply must come from eligible renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass or small hydroelectric projects. Any non-renewables used to supply the product must result in less air pollution than California's tradition power mix, and none of the electricity for the product can be purchased from a nuclear facility. Commonwealth also agrees to abide by the Green-e program's code of conduct governing its treatment of its customers. Under the terms of the program, Commonwealth marketing materials will be regularly reviewed by the Center for Resource Solutions to make certain the company is not making fraudulent claims; Commonwealth also will undergo an audit at the end of the year documenting that the company has purchased enough renewable energy to meet its marketing claims.

First launched in California in November 1997, Green-e certification is also available in Pennsylvania, where four products are certified, and soon will be available in New England. More information on Green-e is available at the Green-e website.