MADISON:A coalition of utilities and environmental groups announced today the creation of a third-party recognition initiative for utility renewable energy programs in Wisconsin. The announcement marked a heightened commitment to accelerate the green power markets that are taking off nationwide. The Wisconsin group will work under the auspices of a national Accreditation Initiative for Green Pricing Programs, sponsored by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions, to set Wisconsin-specific standards for recognizing "best practice" utility programs in the state.
Utility green pricing, or green choice, programs enable utility consumers to purchase electricity from renewable energy resources. Since the first green choice program was introduced in 1996, sixteen thousand customers have switched in Wisconsin. In addition to purchasing electricity from existing renewable resources, consumer choice is sparking new renewable development in Wisconsin beyond that required by state mandates.

"Wisconsin is clearly a leader in a phenomenon we're seeing all over the country - allowing consumers to purchase green power will no doubt increase investment in new renewable energy resources," said Karl Ràbago, Chair of the Accreditation Initiative's independent national governing board.

To receive Accreditation, utility programs must meet a series of stringent environmental and customer protection criteria, including use of "new" renewable resources. The Accreditation Initiative complements work by state regulators to ensure that customers receive electricity from the green power resources they are promised. The meetings and partnerships between utilities and local consumer and environmental advocates is a crucial part of the Accreditation Initiative because it allows these diverse stakeholders to jointly set the standard for green power.

"This meeting was a important first step in coming up with a standard for green power that can be used in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest," said Michael Vickerman, director of RENEW Wisconsin. "We were very pleased with the results."

Chris Schoenherr of Wisconsin Electric said, "We are committed to offering consumers a green power option and proud to be considered a leader in the green pricing arena. Accreditation will enhance consumer confidence in our product, which in turn increases its value to our customers. Partnering with the environmental community is a key component in giving consumers that assurance and added value."

Contacts: Michael Vickerman RENEW Wisconsin (608) 255-4044 Seth Baruch, Center for Resource Solutions (415) 561-2100 For Release: Monday, February 14, 2000

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