EPA RECOGNIZES HOUSTON AMONG THE NATION'S LEADING GREEN POWER PURCHASERS
January 28, 2008 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that, for the first time, the City of Houston appears on its national top 25 list of the largest green power purchasers. (www.epa.gov/grnpower)
"This is a huge honor," said Mayor White, " and we are proud that the City's leadership in the area is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency. The City of Houston has achieved a significant milestone toward the goal of becoming the energy efficient capital of the world."
Houston has contracted the use of nearly 263 million kilowatt-hours of wind energy for City operations, which represents a significant cost savings. The City's comprehensive renewable energy plan calls for the purchase of fixed-price renewable power to offset the rising cost of conventional energy, and diversify its power portfolio. As part of this plan, the City has established a target of 438 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy, or one-third of the total operating load.
Mayor White said, " purchasing green power helps our City become more sustainable and cost-effective, while also sending a message that supporting clean sources of electricity is both a sound business decision and an important choice in reducing harmful emissions."
This purchase has qualified the City of Houston for the EPA's Green Power Leadership Club; a distinction given to organizations that have purchased a significant percentage of their total load as green power. The City of Houston is currently buying enough green power to meet 20 percent of its total purchased electricity use across its operations.
Houston residents interested in changing their personal power source to renewable energy can go to www.houstonconsumerchoice.com to look into renewable power options for their own homes.
