Contact: Jennifer Martin, CRS Verification Manager, 415-561-2100, jmartin@resource-solutions.org

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 15, 2003): The recent release of Green-e's Verification Report revealed setbacks in green power sales in 2001, but current market trends leave experts confident in the expansion of the renewable energy marketplace in 2003. Despite results indicating fewer green power purchasers in the year 2001 (down from numbers reported in 2000), Green-e Program staff report record numbers of new certified providers in 2002, large institutional purchases of green power, and increased consumer demand in newly restructured states such as Texas. The outlook for renewable energy markets in 2003 is optimistic.

In 2001, Green-e certified renewable energy products were sold in California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut. In total, 26 separate Green-e certified retail products were offered across the country, and over 120,000 electricity customers chose Green-e certified products in 2001. For this fourth consecutive year, Green-e Verification results also documented that certified products met and exceeded the program's strict environmental and consumer protection standards, as well as their responsibilities to customers in offering renewable power. In all regions, the renewable energy content exceeded Green-e's minimum requirements substantially- a benefit for consumers, renewable power producers and the environment.

Green-e is the nation's first voluntary certification and verification program for renewable electricity products. Since 1997, Green-e has been a nationally recognized, voluntary certification program to help consumers identify superior renewable energy products sold in competitive retail electricity markets, regulated markets, and nationwide through Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRCs). Certified products may display the Green-e logo, which helps customers easily identify environmentally preferable, renewable-based energy products.

Roughly 91% of the 120,000 customers that chose Green-e certified products nationwide were residential households. Although consumer numbers were higher in the year 2000 (over 163,000 electricity customers chose Green-e certified products), the marketplace for renewable energy in 2002 demonstrated considerable development leading to optimism for 2003. Renewable energy developments in 2002 include:
· ?# of newly certified renewable electricity providers and 8 newly certified renewable energy certificate providers
· Several significant purchases of renewable energy by institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State University and Connecticut College.
· Purchase of renewable energy by state government facilities such as Maryland, Connecticut and New Jersey
· Increased demand for renewable energy in recently restructured markets such as Texas and Oregon.
· Widespread renewable energy education and outreach efforts are underway in Mid Atlantic and New England states such as Pennsylvania, New York and Rhode Island.

For copies of the Green-e Annual Verification report, and more information on the Green-e Program, please visit our website, www.green-e.org. Green-e's verification process requires certified providers 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 the Green-e Program's renewable energy and consumer protection requirements. Green-e also biannually reviews all of the marketing materials of their providers to make sure that their claims to consumers match what they deliver. By setting stringent environmental product standards, and by requiring companies to disclose information about their products, Green-e helps consumers make responsible choices about the power they purchase.

More About Center for Resource Solutions
Green-e is a program of the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS), a national nonprofit organization that encourages sustainable growth and promotes the use of clean energy. To learn more about CRS, visit its website www.resource-solutions.org.

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