The start of 2005 marked an end to a very successful year at NC GreenPower. During the program’s first full calendar year since its inception, NC GreenPower saw a number of important milestones that have helped to define its ongoing success.

Program suppliers announced
Perhaps the most important event of 2004 was the selection of the first energy suppliers to NC GreenPower. Announced on June 16 at the N.C. General Assembly Building in Raleigh, the event was an important step in the growth of the program. State Senators Charles W. Albertson and R.B. Sloan Jr. and Representative Pryor A. Gibson made the historic announcement, highlighting the energy, economic and environmental benefits to North Carolina.

Seven suppliers were selected from across the state to provide renewable energy from solar, landfill methane and biomass resources, all of which are cleaner sources of energy, indigenous to North Carolina and replenished by nature. NC GreenPower plans to issue future requests for proposals to obtain additional resources as needed.

Earth Week and public exhibitions
NC GreenPower has made Earth Week an annual statewide event for the program. In April of 2004, more than a dozen presentations were given across the state during the week dedicated to better awareness of environmental and sustainable issues. Earth Day alone saw seven presentations, helping to spread the message of NC GreenPower to all corners of the state. Public events have played an important role in providing education and incentives to participate in the NC GreenPower program.

Speakers Bureau
From the inception of the program, marketing efforts have relied heavily on a grass-roots approach to spreading the NC GreenPower message. One of the most effective means of accomplishing this task has been with the all-volunteer NC GreenPower Speakers Bureau. The Speakers Bureau has been responsible for hundreds of signups and given presentations to civic, governmental, environmental, faith-based, educational and other interested groups. Comprising more than 85 members statewide, the Bureau provides free presentations to groups and at public events to better educate citizens about NC GreenPower and encourage participation in the program.

Corporate sponsors and program affiliates
The addition of a number of corporate sponsors was another highlight of 2004. Corporate sponsorship forms a strong foundation in any renewable energy program and NC GreenPower has worked hard to build a solid base of outstanding corporate partners. NC GreenPower is proud of its partnerships with these industry and business leaders, and continues to seek out new avenues for strengthening its corporate foundation.

Program affiliates have also been an important reason for NC GreenPower’s success in the past year. The countless hours of staff time and the abundance of supplies that NC GreenPower program affiliates have provided to the program have been invaluable in furthering the message of renewable energy in North Carolina.

State and national recognition of program
The success of NC GreenPower has resonated throughout North Carolina and the nation as a whole. As the nation’s first statewide multi-utility green power program, NC GreenPower’s success has been of interest to other renewable energy programs across the state. The diverse mix of electric utility, environmental, governmental and community interests has created a platform for continued dialogue on energy issues and North Carolina’s environmental future.

For its achievements, NC GreenPower was recently awarded a Southeastern Electric Exchange Industry Excellence Award for its work with North Carolina utilities to provide renewable energy options to ratepayers across the state. And this past year, North Carolina Governor Michael Easley designated October 1st as “Renewable Energy Day” in recognition of the efforts of NC GreenPower and others who have worked to make renewable energy a reality in the Tar Heel state.

The road ahead
The successes of 2004 have served as the beginnings of great achievements in the future. But with achievements come challenges. During the coming year, NC GreenPower will continue to expand its membership base. Despite the excellent signup rate of the first year, the total of NC GreenPower subscribers still accounts for less than 1% of electric ratepayers statewide. The program will continue to rely on media coverage, special events, the Speakers Bureau and other marketing activities to increase participants and thereby provide greater quantities of renewable energy to North Carolina’s power supply.

Corporate sponsorship will also continue to grow in 2005, with existing opportunities being extended to the not-for-profit market through the new “Friend” category of sponsorship. NC GreenPower will also encourage businesses to conduct employee awareness campaigns to carry the program message to every employee or member of the organization.

And NC GreenPower will continue to seek out new ways to benefit its participants. From providing informative newsletters and updates, to promoting educational opportunities on renewable energy across the state, to examining new trends in the green power industry and continually staying on the cutting edge of developments in the energy industry.

But the continued success of NC GreenPower also relies on the citizens of North Carolina. As a consumer driven program, it is essential that participants stay actively involved and help to share the message of renewable energy with others.

It has been a great start and 2005 promises to be another outstanding year for NC GreenPower. Limitless possibilities await, and every new milestone is another step towards a brighter energy future for North Carolina.

update at a glance

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