SAN FRANCISCO, CA: The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) released its Annual Verification Report for Green-e Energy revealing positive growth in certified renewable energy retail sales, supply, and pollution benefits in 2002. The report shows over 1.9 million MWh of certified renewable resources procured in 2002 --a two-fold increase over 2001. Green-e certified products sold in 2002 resulted in a pollution benefit of over 1.2 million tons of avoided carbon dioxide (CO2), a major contributor to global warming.

“The sharp increase in certified renewable energy volume is a positive sign that green power markets are on the rise,” said Jan Hamrin, CRS Executive Director. “Our independent verification confirmed that participating providers exceeded their commitments to customers in total renewable energy product content for the fifth year in a row.“

In 2002, one in three green power customers chose Green-e certified energy. Over 147,000 households and businesses purchased Green-e certified renewable electricity products, representing a 58% market share of US green power retail sales.

The increase in volume and customers served is due to several factors: 1) Green-e certified products are in new markets such as the Texas direct access market and the national market for Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRCs); and 2) Green-e sales volume increased in direct access markets in California and the Mid-Atlantic, and in monopoly utility green pricing markets.

“Consumers win big with Green-e, because certified product providers must meet stringent resource content requirements and they know CRS is checking on them,” said Gabe Petlin, a Green-e Program Manager for CRS. “With the doubling of certified products in 2003, we’re looking forward to seeing the next year’s results, which should show another growth year for Green-e and renewable energy markets,” added Dan Lieberman, another CRS Green-e Program Manager.

CRS’ Green-e Program, is the nation’s leading renewable energy certification and verification program. Green-e sets standards for renewable electricity-based products in three markets: restructured, regulated and TRCs. Green-e certifies 60 products sold by 98 marketers and utilities. Electricity Service Providers (ESPs), TRC marketers, and utilities that sell Green-e certified energy products undergo an annual independent audit to verify conformity with CRS standards. This annual verification is an integral part of Green-e’s goals to build consumer confidence in renewable-based electricity products and spur demand for renewable electricity.

Highlights of the results of the 2002 Green-e Verification Report include:

· Total sales of Green-e competitive electricity products and utility green pricing products increased 51% and 24% over 2001 sales respectively.
· Over 147,000 households and businesses purchased Green-e certified renewable electricity products, a 23% increase over 2001. Non-residential accounts represented only 6% of Green-e customers, but purchased 23% of total Green-e renewable supply.
· Green-e verified 32 separate renewable electricity-based products offered by 62 marketers and utilities.
· 63% of verified renewable supply is from qualifying “new” renewable resources (TRCs and electricity supply.) The percent of new renewables supplying electricity products is 54%, -- a more than two-fold increase over 2001. (The 2001 percentage was 26%.)

Click here to read the 2002 Green-e Verification Report.

About the Center for Resource Solutions
The Center for Resource Solutions is a nonprofit organization that makes it easier for families and businesses to understand and use renewable energy that benefits the environment. CRS sponsors national and international programs that support the increased supply and use of renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and low-impact hydroelectric power. CRS administers Green-e Energy, the nation’s leading voluntary certification and verification program that sets standards for renewable electricity-based products. To learn more about CRS visit http://www.resource-solutions.org