October 26th, 2008

From the Environmental Protection Agency

The 2008 Green Power Leadership Awards were presented in conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Marketing Conference, held October 26-29 in Denver, Colorado.

Green Power Beacon Award – Honorable Mention

To help promote enrollments in its fledgling renewable energy program, GreenCurrents, Detroit Edison entered into a partnership with a landmark music venue in Ann Arbor, Michigan known as The Ark. The Ark attracts up-and-coming music acts and well-known artists from around the country who enjoy playing to audiences in its intimate atmosphere.

The electricity for select events at The Ark was offset by renewable energy obtained through the GreenCurrents program, and audience members were also encouraged to enroll in the program. Each customer enrolling during the event received a free CD of the evening’s featured artist. The program proved so popular that the event was extended from a weekly “Take a Chance Tuesdays” event into a “Green Month” of concerts, and now into a continuing series of “Green Events.” The Green Events held in conjunction with The Ark have led to more than 1,600 new enrollments into the GreenCurrents program. The program was launched in April of 2007, and total program enrollment currently stands at over 14,000.

The grassroots exposure for the program has made marketing its benefits and educating the public on renewable energy substantially easier. GreenCurrents carries Green-e certification to ensure customer confidence and support for the program. This is the first voluntary renewable energy program from a major U.S. utility serving southeastern Michigan and including the Detroit metro area.