Jan. 23, 2001—Green Mountain Energy Co., a provider of cleaner and renewable electricity, said at a press conference in Hartford, Conn., that effective immediately, it will begin selling electricity in the Connecticut market.

Green Mountain, based in Austin, Tex., was founded in Vermont in 1997. It has previously begun offering green power to customers in California, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey and will soon begin doing business in Texas.

The company said its Green-e certified Green Mountain Energy is significantly cleaner than the current regional system mix. Green-e independently certifies products in which at least half of the energy content comes from eligible renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass or small-scale hydro projects. Today most of Connecticut's power, Green Mountain said, "comes from highly polluting oil and coal, as well as nuclear sources which lead to radioactive nuclear waste."

"When we see an organization like this entering the state which is dedicated to providing power through green sources, we couldn't be happier," said Charlie Moret of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. "All of us know on a theoretical level how important alternative sources of power are, but many of us think renewable energy is something for tomorrow. By selling green electricity and helping educate consumers about the benefits of clean energy, Green Mountain Energy Company is leading us into the future—today."

Green Mountain said it will also offer Connecticut customers a switch-back guarantee and its "Power Perks" customer rewards program, in which it will be partnering with some of Connecticut's leading local organizations—like the Bridgeport Bluefish, The Maritime Aquarium, The Barnum Museum and the Beardsley Zoo, as well as national companies like Orvis, Discovery.com and Stonyfield Farms—to bring customers a wide array of discounts and offers. Membership in the program is automatic when consumers select Green Mountain Energy as their energy provider.

For further information, contact Eleanor Scott, corporate communications, Green Mountain Energy Company, e-mail eleanor.scott@greenmountain.com, or visit the company web site at http://www.greenmountain.com/ct .