MASSACHUSETTS RENEWABLE ENERGY PURCHASERS A Program of the Center for Resource Solutions and Think Energy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CRS Contact: Keri Bolding, kbolding@resource-solutions.org (415) 561-2100 Think Energy Contact: Mark Crowdis, mcrowdis@thinkenergy.net (301) 270-0482 LARGE ENERGY USERS IN MASSACHUSETTS EXPLORE RENEWABLE ENERGY OPTIONS BOSTON, MA (March 2, 2005)- The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) and Think Energy, Inc. announce the commitment of large businesses and institutions in Massachusetts to explore the purchase of electricity from cleaner, renewable energy sources. Twenty-eight organizations in Massachusetts have now joined a new renewable energy purchasing program, which represent more than 400,000 megawatt hours of electricity demand in their state. crs2 These businesses and institutions are new members of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Purchasers (MREP) program, which provides a unique opportunity for large energy buyers to aggregate their purchasing power and obtain the best terms and services from renewable energy vendors. MREP is designed to create a significant demand for clean, renewable energy. This will prompt utilities and other suppliers of renewable energy technologies to expand their offerings throughout the state and price their energy competitively. "Large businesses are finding that renewable energy offers more than environmental benefits --it simply makes good business sense," said Jan Hamrin, Executive Director of the Center for Resource Solutions. MREP is a program formed through the strategic partnership of CRS and Think Energy, and made possible through the generous support of the Oak Foundation and The John Merck Fund. The program helps large energy users reduce their dependence on fossil and nuclear fuels. By purchasing energy from clean renewable sources, MREP members will not only gain recognition as community and environmental leaders, but also contribute to cleaner air. "Through MREP, businesses and institutions have the opportunity to buy renewable energy as part of a large group, and pool the buying power with others for even greater potential savings, said Mark Crowdis, President of Think Energy, Inc. "Members also learn about valuable federal, state and local tax incentives and rebates for renewable energy purchasing." Over the next several months MREP will investigate the market for renewable power and attempt to find cost-effective purchasing opportunities. This will include reviewing the composition of different energy markets, evaluating purchasing options, meeting with vendors in a facilitated environment, soliciting and evaluating proposals, and beginning to purchase clean energy, either individually or in aggregate. Membership in MREP is limited; however CRS and Think Energy encourage interested businesses and educational institutions to inquire about joining. Some of the MREP members include: * Allmerica Financial * Amherst College * Axcelis Technologies * Austen Riggs Center * Brooks Automation * Caritas Norwood Hospital * Good Harbor Fillet Company, Inc. * Hines Interests L.P. * Hubbard Regional Hospital * Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum * MetroWest Medical Center * Millipore Corporation * Mt. Holyoke College * PerkinElmer, Inc. * Progress Software Corporation * RREEF Funds L.L.C. * Sasaki Associates, Inc. * The Saunders Hotel Group * Simmons College * Smith College * Springfield College * St. Anne's Hospital Corporation * Suffolk University * Tufts University * Tufts - New England Medical Center * Tufts - New England Medical Center, Inc. * Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc. * University of Massachusetts, Lowell * Whole Foods Market, Inc. With expert assistance, members will make purchasing decisions individually or in aggregate for the best terms and contracts. For more information on how your large organization with facilities in Massachusetts can join the program, please contact Mark D. Crowdis, Think Energy at (301) 270-0482, mcrowdis@thinkenergy.net or Gabe Petlin, Center for Resource Solutions (415) 561-2100, gpetlin@resource-solutions.org. About the Center for Resource Solutions CRS is a national nonprofit working to increase the supply and use of renewable energy. CRS operates national and international programs that design clean energy policies, identify best practices and create implementation tools. CRS administers Green-e - the nation's leading certification and verification program for renewable energy. Green-e is the most inclusive national brand for renewable energy, representing the largest segment of suppliers and purchasers in the nation. Green-e certifies renewable energy products offered by 100 energy providers. Twenty-three of these energy providers currently offer Green-e certified renewable energy products to businesses and institutions in Massachusetts. For more information about CRS, visit: www.resource-solutions.org. About Think Energy Think Energy is a consulting firm committed to environmental excellence in the energy sector. Think Energy enables its clients to access the financial, environmental and energy security benefits of renewable and distributed energy systems and products. The company works primarily with large energy consumers, helping them find the most economical strategies for using environmentally friendly sources of energy to run their businesses. Think Energy does this by aiding clients with market intelligence, strategy development, energy procurement, and public relations. For more information about Think Energy or MREP, visit: www.thinkenergy.net , or call (301) 270-0483. ### MASSACHUSETTS RENEWABLE ENERGY PURCHASERS (MREP) A program of the Center for Resource Solutions and Think Energy P.O. Box 29512; Presidio Building 97; San Francisco, CA 94129 Tel: 301.270.0482 or 415.561.2100; Fax: 415.561.2105