Greentech Lead America: Reliant, a provider of
electricity, energy services and smart energy solutions, has been selected by
the city of Houston to power city hall and its other facilities for three
years.
The contract enables the city to save roughly $30 million
annually and also provides an opportunity to purchase renewable energy credits
(RECs) and supports the city’s Hire Houston First initiative. By purchasing
RECs, the city ensures that an amount of electricity equal to what it consumes
is generated from renewable sources.
“It’s a great deal for us. We have a responsibility to
the city and the people of Houston to do everything we can to keep jobs in our
city and our partnership with Reliant does that. Selecting Reliant reinforces
our Hire Houston First initiative, which grants preference to local businesses
when awarding certain contracts,” said Annise Parker, Houston Mayor.
Under the agreement, Reliant has
committed to supporting the city’s Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise
program (MWBE) by purchasing 15 percent of the electricity needed to power the
city from a certified MWBE.
Reliant also partners with the city on a number of
programs such as school supply drives, Innovation Avenue, Beat the Heat
Centers, and product donations, such as air-conditioning units and home
energy monitors, to help Houston’s most vulnerable citizens during the hot
summer months.
“We’re delighted to have earned the opportunity to
continue serving the citizens of Houston. Just as we do for our residential
customers, we are providing tools and services to help the city better manage
its electricity use, save money and maximize its purchase and use of renewable
energy,” said Jason Few, president of Reliant.
Recently Reliant announced its support for the Green
Button, a White House-inspired, industry-led initiative to provide electricity
use data to consumers electronically in a simple, easy-to-understand format.