New York City and Westchester County residents can now make an even greater impact on the environment by supporting the local development of solar energy for area nonprofit organizations. Green Mountain Energy Company, the nation’s leading competitive retail provider of cleaner energy and carbon offset solutions, today will launch the New York chapter of the Green Mountain EnergySM Sun ClubSM – a program where for only $5 a month, Green Mountain’s New York customers can help donate solar energy technology to worthy local nonprofits.
This program is available to residential electricity customers in the Con Edison service territory throughout New York City and Westchester County. In addition to helping worthy organizations reduce their electricity costs and carbon footprints, each solar donation will include an educational component to help New Yorkers learn more about the importance of this renewable and pollution-free resource.
According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, each kilowatt of new solar photovoltaic installed avoids 1,254 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution a year. That’s as much CO2 pollution avoided as planting 72 trees, or not taking 471 taxi rides in the city.
“Green Mountain was founded with a mission to change the way power is made,” said John Holtz, director, Eastern Region, Green Mountain Energy Company. “Every New York resident that participates in the Sun Club helps us continue to fulfill that mission. Sun Club projects will be a shining example of the power our customers have to make a difference for the environment in the Empire State. And they will help to support the development of solar energy in New York.”
The company will launch the Sun Club program during a free concert this afternoon in Madison Square Park (W. 23rd St and 5thAve.) beginning at 4:30 p.m., featuring the “cosmo-country” duo The Vanity Belles™. During the event Green Mountain employees will be handing out sunflowers to promote the Sun Club.
Green Mountain has been offering New York City residents in the Con Edison service territory a choice of competitively priced cleaner energy products since 2009. Through the Sun Club program, the company expects to select and announce at least three solar projects for local non-profits before the end of 2011. Details will be announced in the coming weeks as to how interested nonprofits may request participation in the program. To learn more about the Sun Club or to sign up for this program, please visit http://www.gmsunclub.com.
