Washington, D.C., and Herndon, Va. - Reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability, District of Columbia Department of General Services (DGS) has signed a one-year contract for 100 percent WGES CleanSteps® WindPower from Herndon-based Washington Gas Energy Services (WGES). This new contract stipulates that Washington, D.C. government agencies will use 100 percent wind power for their electricity needs. This builds upon the prior contract the Government of the District of Columbia's had with WGES for 50 percent WGES CleanSteps® WindPower.
Using 100 percent wind power for electricity equates to the Washington, D.C. government avoiding the consumption of 32,825,000 gallons of gasoline or taking 61,000 cars off the road for a year. The world's fastest-growing energy resource, wind power displaces conventional power, reduces carbon dioxide and helps eliminate air pollution.
"Going green helps foster economic growth and creates modern and vibrant communities across the District of Columbia," said Brian J. Hanlon, Director, Department of General Services. "Our goals are to become more energy efficient and reduce our carbon emissions, and our strategic partnership with WGES is playing a role in helping us achieve these objectives."
As part of its contract with WGES, DGS will leverage its improved data acquisition program with services from Lucid Design Group and Honest Buildings. Lucid Design Group will deliver cloud-based dashboards for facility managers to identify - and fix - inefficiencies and anomalies in energy consumption, while Honest Buildings will provide a dynamic public interface for the public to see energy performance in DGS facilities.
"We have stated our mission for Washington, D.C. to be the cleanest, greenest city in the nation, which includes the use of renewable energy for our power sources," said Keith Anderson, Director, District Department of the Environment. "We're proud that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized Washington, D.C. as the leading Green Power Community for our commitment to purchase green power."
Washington, D.C. has a longstanding commitment to energy management solutions. The city has established ambitious sustainability goals to increase use of renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Already, Washington, D.C. is one of the largest metropolitan areas for green economy jobs and is home to more than 200 LEED- and ENERGY STAR-certified "green" buildings.
"The Washington, D.C. government is a clear leader in environmental sustainability and serves as a model for other cities seeking to adopt renewable energy solutions," said Washington Gas Energy Services President, Harry Warren. "As a leading competitive energy supplier, we are committed to providing customers in the mid-Atlantic region with options that include green energy products. We look forward to supporting Washington, D.C. residents and businesses in their efforts to reach their goals."
In the District of Columbia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, businesses, organizations, government entities, institutions and individual residents can purchase their electricity and natural gas supply from retail energy providers. Customers in Virginia may purchase natural gas and customers in Delaware may purchase electricity from retail energy providers. To learn more about WGES and its CleanSteps® products, visit www.wges.com or call 1-888-884-WGES (9437).
About Department of General Services:
The mission of the Department of General Services (DGS) is to elevate the quality of life for the District with superior construction, first-rate maintenance and expert real estate management. By building and maintaining safe and green state-of-the-art facilities which foster economic growth and elevate educational environments, our trusted and skillful employees create modern and vibrant communities across all of the District of Columbia.
About Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc.:
Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc. is one of the largest competitive providers of electricity and natural gas in the mid-Atlantic region and supplies more than 350,000 customers in Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and Virginia. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) named WGES the Green Power Supplier of the Year in the non-utility category. Headquartered in Herndon, VA, Washington Gas Energy Services is an affiliate of Washington Gas Light Company and a subsidiary of WGL Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:WGL). www.wges.com
Media Contacts:
Washington Gas Energy Services:
Lisa Fels 703-739-2424 x110
lfels@brightlinemedia.com
Department of General Services:
Kenneth Diggs 202-580-9361
kenneth.diggs@dc.gov