Apr 21 2008
DTE Energy's GreenCurrents renewable energy program, which marks its one-year anniversary on Earth Day, has enjoyed an extremely successful first year of operation and achieved several milestones along the way, a company official said today.
"We are thrilled that customers have embraced GreenCurrents, and made it one of the fastest growing voluntary renewable energy programs in the country," said Trevor Lauer, vice president of retail marketing for DTE Energy. "Michigan is a very environmentally-sensitive state, and more than 8,000 of our customers have signed up for GreenCurrents in the past year, helping shape the future of sustainable energy in Michigan."
Introduced in conjunction with Earth Day 2007, GreenCurrents gives DTE Energy's Detroit Edison electric customers the option of "greening up" their power with renewable energy created from the wind, biomass and other environmentally friendly sources. For as little as $2.50 extra a month, residential customers can purchase a block of renewable energy that's equal to 15-20 percent of a typical home's monthly electric usage.
A key element of GreenCurrents is to encourage the development and operation of new renewable energy projects in Michigan, and Lauer said the program made tremendous strides during its first year.
"DTE Energy has signed agreements with four Michigan firms to provide renewable energy for GreenCurrents, and we recently issued a Request for Proposal seeking additional Michigan-based contracts," Lauer said. "We want the resources for GreenCurrents to be homegrown -- and we're signing long-term agreements with developers who share that vision."
GreenCurrents also achieved national "Green-e certification" this year from the Center for Resource Solutions, the nation's leading certification and verification program for renewable energy. The Green-e program provides independent, third-party verification that renewable energy meets strict environmental and consumer protection standards.
"We are extremely grateful to our customers for their support of GreenCurrents, and for the incredible success the program has enjoyed in its first year," Lauer said. "As people continue embracing renewable energy, demand will grow and exciting new renewable energy alternatives will be developed in the future."