LARGE ENERGY USERS IN CONNECTICUT EXPLORE CLEAN ENERGY OPTIONS HARTFORD, CT (March 13, 2006) —The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) and Think Energy, Inc. (Think Energy) announce a new program in Connecticut that brings together businesses and higher learning institutions committed to supporting electricity from cleaner, renewable energy sources. The New England Renewable Energy Purchasers (NE-REP) program provides a unique opportunity for large energy buyers to unite in pursuit of clean energy, and aggregate their purchasing power to obtain the best terms and services from renewable energy vendors. In a special collaboration with SmartPower and representatives from state-based agencies, businesses came together in Connecticut March 2nd to explore clean energy options and the state’s goal of reaching 20% clean energy by 2020.crs2 Renewable or “clean” energy is generated from sources that naturally replenish over time such as wind and the sun. Wind power and solar power are inherently cleaner than traditional fuel sources such as oil, coal, nuclear, and natural gas. Fossil fuels produce the majority of electricity used for New England homes, schools, and businesses. These fuels increase air pollution and adversely affect human health and the environment. They are also subject to volatile price swings, most recently upward. By supporting energy from clean renewable sources, NE-REP members can help reduce dependence on fossil and nuclear fuels, while also potentially saving money and stabilizing energy costs. Members will also gain recognition as community and environmental leaders while contributing to cleaner air. The goal of NE-REP is to create a significant demand for clean energy, and drive clean energy commitments to help Connecticut meet its goal of 20% by 2010. NE-REP members represent high-profile, substantial organizations across the state, and their commitments to clean energy will be strategic in prompting utilities and suppliers of renewable energy technologies to expand their offerings throughout Connecticut and to price their energy competitively. NE-REP is a program formed through the strategic partnership of CRS and Think Energy. The program began in Massachusetts as MREP (Massachusetts Renewable Energy Purchasers) and became NE-REP after achieving success and then gaining significant interest in the effort by other states in the region. NE-REP expansion to Connecticut was made possible through generous support from SmartPower, the Oak Foundation and the John Merck Fund. Their funding supports free NE-REP membership for a limited number of large energy users in New England, including intensive education on clean energy alternatives, data analysis, purchasing assistance and promotional services. Some NE-REP members include: Bayer Bozzutos, Inc. Cianbro Corporation Connecticut College Eastern Connecticut Health Network Capewell Components Co., LLC Mohegan Sun Hospital of Saint Raphael. Phoenix Life Insurance Meadwestvaco Corp Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals The TJX Companies, Inc. UST Inc The Waterford Hotel Group Pfizer Xerox Western Connecticut State University St. Paul Travelers, Inc. The Ashforth Company The Christie Wareck Company Kaman Corporation With assistance from Connecticut-based non-profit SmartPower, CRS and Think Energy identified and approached eligible businesses and educational institutions in Connecticut. They formed a core group of twenty-five members, and with the group will investigate the market for clean energy to find cost-effective purchasing opportunities. With expert assistance, members will make decisions to support clean energy individually or in aggregate for the best terms and contracts. This will pave the way for all Connecticut to take advantage of new opportunities to buy renewable power to meet the state’s outstanding goal of 20% clean energy use by 2010. For more information on how your large organization with facilities in Connecticut can join the program, please contact Mark D. Crowdis, Think Energy at (301) 270-0483, mcrowdis@thinkenergy.net or Këri Bolding, Center for Resource Solutions (415) 561-2100, kbolding@resource-solutions.org. About the Center for Resource Solutions 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. For more information about CRS, visit www.resource-solutions.org. About Think Energy Think Energy, Inc. is a consulting firm committed to delivering the clean energy economy that will provide a bright future for all. Think Energy enables its clients to access the financial, environmental, and energy security benefits of clean and distributed energy systems and products. The company works primarily with large energy consumers, helping them find the most economical strategies for using clean sources of energy to run their businesses. Think Energy does this by aiding clients with market intelligence, strategy development, financial analysis, full service procurement, and public relations. For more information about Think Energy, visit www.thinkenergy.net or call (301) 270-0483. About SmartPower SmartPower is a nationwide, non-profit marketing campaign that is leading the effort to promote clean energy – electricity from sources such as wind, solar and water. It’s their mission to have 20% of the energy supply come from clean, renewable sources by 2010. SmartPower uses innovative and traditional marketing techniques to identify and create effective messages that resonate with the general consumer. Their unique approach to marketing clean energy is capturing attention, creating customers, and cultivating a mainstream market for clean energy. Through SmartPower’s collaborative efforts and sound marketing and publicity strategies, people and organizations are hearing and embracing the vital message that clean energy is real, it’s here, and it’s working. For more information about SmartPower, visit www.smartpower.org. ### Contact:Këri Bolding, CRS Director of Communications and Business Services, kbolding@resource-solutions.org (415) 561-2100, or Mark Crowdis,Think Energy President, mcrowdis@thinkenergy.net 301-270-0482 * If you would like to be removed from this email distribution list for CRS and Green-e announcements, please click here to unsubscribe.