MASSACHUSETTS RENEWABLE ENERGY PURCHASERS A Program of the Center for Resource Solutions and Think Energy LARGE ENERGY BUYERS PROGRAM IN MASSACHUSETTS TO EXPLORE RENEWABLE ENERGY OPTIONS WASHINGTON, DC (October 28, 2004)—- The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) and Think Energy, Inc. announce a new program in Massachusetts that brings together businesses and higher learning institutions committed to purchasing their electricity from cleaner, renewable energy sources. The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Purchasers (MREP) program is free to members and provides a unique opportunity for large energy buyers to aggregate their purchasing power to obtain the best terms and services from renewable energy vendors. The MREP program is made possible through generous support from the Oak Foundation and The John Merck Fund.crs2. Renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, is generated from sources that naturally replenish over time and are inherently cleaner and more dependable than traditional fuel sources: oil, coal, nuclear, and natural gas. Fossil fuels produce almost all the electricity used for Massachusetts’s 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 purchasing energy from clean renewable sources, MREP members can help reduce our dependence on fossil and nuclear fuels, while also saving money, because renewable fuels can stabilize energy costs. Members will gain recognition as community and environmental leaders, and contribute to cleaner air. The goal of MREP is to create a significant demand for clean, renewable energy, prompting utilities and other suppliers of renewable energy technologies to expand their offerings throughout the state and to price their energy competitively. This will pave the way for all of Massachusetts, and ultimately the entire nation, to take advantage of new opportunities to buy renewable power. MREP is a program formed through the strategic partnership of CRS and Think Energy. CRS and Think Energy will identify and approach businesses and educational institutions in Massachusetts. They will form a core group of twenty-five to thirty members, and the group will investigate the market for renewable power to find cost effective purchasing opportunities. 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) 625-2590, 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 60 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 RECA, 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