For Sixth Year, GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA Continues Support of New England Aquarium's Commitment to Environment

HOUSTON, Sept. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- GDF SUEZ Energy Resources announced today that it will give Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for the sixth consecutive year to the New England Aquarium.  RECs allow electricity consumers to purchase their energy from a renewable source such as wind, solar, or biomass. The contribution matches 100 percent of the Aquarium's estimated annual electricity usage and further underscores the retail electricity provider's commitment to helping commercial, industrial, and institutional customers build environmentally sound energy strategies.

Each Green-e® certified REC represents the environmental attributes or benefits associated with a specific quantity of energy generated from a renewable source, such as solar or wind.  In addition to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, RECs encourage the development of domestic sources of renewable energy. 

GDF SUEZ Energy Resources' donation to the New England Aquarium will displace the estimated annual greenhouse gas emissions of 1,294 passenger vehicles, the impact of 2,204 tons of waste diverted from landfills, or the carbon dioxide emissions from the total energy usage of 561 households.

"We're proud to maintain our support of the New England Aquarium and its ongoing focus on achieving eco-friendly operations," said J.D. Burrows, vice president of marketing for GDF SUEZ Energy Resources.  "Helping our customers incorporate sustainable practices in energy strategies is a priority for us.  This donation reflects that priority and reinforces our dedication to promoting investments in cleaner energy sources." 

"Conservation is at the very foundation of everything we do in our exhibits, educational programs, and visitor attractions," said Nigella Hillgarth, president and CEO of the New England Aquarium. "GDF SUEZ Energy Resources understands that and helps ensure our energy management strategy mirrors this strong commitment to environmental responsibility.  We couldn't be more honored to have the company as our retail electricity provider." 

Green-e® is the nation's leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission reductions in the retail market.

About the New England Aquarium
More than 1.3 million people visit the Aquarium annually, making it the second-most visited educational attraction in New England.  In addition to having more than 30,000 animals in over 70 exhibits on display, the Aquarium reaches out to 120,000 students per year; provides resources and training to over 3,000 teachers; and undertakes research and conservation work worldwide.

About GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA
GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA is one of the largest non-residential retail electricity suppliers in the U.S. and currently serves commercial, industrial, and institutional customers in 12 markets: Delaware, Texas, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. The company serves over 60,000 accounts for customers having a peak demand ranging from 50 KW to more than 200 MW, with an estimated peak load totaling nearly 10,000 MW.

For more about GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, visit www.gdfsuezenergyresources.com or call 877.321.4GDF. Follow GDF SUEZ Energy Resources on LinkedIn, Twitter: @GDFSUEZEnergy, and Facebook. GDF SUEZ Energy Resources is a subsidiary of GDF SUEZ Energy North America, which manages a range of energy businesses in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, including electricity generation and cogeneration, natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution and sales, and retail energy sales and related services to commercial and industrial customers. GDF SUEZ Energy North America is a part of the international energy group GDF SUEZ. For more information, please visit www.gdfsuezna.com.

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