Gov. Easley proclaims October 1, 2004, as renewable energy day for North Carolina

Governor Mike Easley recently proclaimed October 1, 2004 as "Renewable Energy Day" in North Carolina. The proclamation was made as a result of NC GreenPower's continued work to provide North Carolina with cleaner, alternative sources of energy. The energy program also celebrated its one year anniversary on October 1, 2004 and has experienced great success its first year.

NC GreenPower is a non-profit program that encourages the use of renewable energy sources to efficiently improve the state's power supply. Renewable energy sources used in the program include sun, wind, small hydro, methane gas and agricultural waste. NC GreenPower is the first statewide, multi-utility green energy program in the nation. All of NC GreenPower's renewable energy is produced in North Carolina, in hopes of making the state a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations. The program was approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission in January 2003 and began accepting contributions in July. Given that the program is nonprofit, all contributions are tax deductible. All interested customers may sign up for the program by visiting www.ncgreenpower.org.

NC GreenPower is a subsidiary of Advanced Energy, a Raleigh-based nonprofit corporation that enables utility customers to improve returns on energy investments. The corporation focuses on industrial process technologies, motors and drives testing, and applied building science. Advanced Energy is responsible for meeting energy needs while reducing harmful environmental threats caused by energy use. The non-profit corporation also strives to create environmental and economic benefits through innovative approaches to energy.

"Renewable Energy Day" marks the beginning of Energy Awareness Month. Throughout the month of October, Advanced Energy encourages the public to use energy resources more efficiently.