SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 8, 2002 — Westport, Conn. has become the first municipality in the northeast to receive Green-e certified power.
The Westport Board of Selectmen voted to sign up the Westport Town Hall and most of the town’s recreation buildings for a 100% renewable electricity offering that comes from wind, water and recovered methane gas from landfills, and has been certified by the Green-e Program.
Green-e certification is a nationally recognized tool to help consumers identify environmentally superior electricity offerings. Westport selected EcoWattà¢â€ž-, an energy option provided by the Connecticut Energy Cooperative, and distinguished by the Green-e Logo.
Westport signed up with the nonprofit Connecticut Energy Cooperative for its electricity, and in taking this historic action, became the first Municipality in the northeast to make a commitment to 100% Green-e certified electricity. “We have a responsibility to set the example,” Westport’s First Selectwoman, Diane Goss Farrell, said (in a press release issued by Connecticut Co-op). “The Co-op’s EcoWattà¢â€ž- electricity offering is significantly cleaner, renewable, and supports homegrown New England based sources.”
The town of Westport, along with thousands of households in the state of Connecticut, has made the switch of some or all of their electricity to green power, even though the cost is slightly higher. They are a part of a growing number of Americans that are supporting renewable energy for a cleaner, healthier environment. College students in Connecticut have also made green power a priority, as Wesleyan University signed up the Freeman Athletic Center, while Connecticut College became the first college to sign up for renewable energy in September.
“Green Power is becoming a national trend, and studies show that many people will pay more for environmental benefits and the peace of mind that renewable energy offers,” stated Gabe Petlin, Green-e program manager. “Cleaner, greener resources are available, and Americans are taking advantage of them for a healthier future.”
For further information on the Green-e Program, please visit the websites www.resource-solutions.org or www.green-e.org. CRS is a nonprofit organization that encourages sustainable growth and promotes the use of clean energy.
