Texas Universities Offer Renewable Energy to Alumni and Fans
by Trey Granger
Published on July 30th, 2010
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Both the University of Texas and Texas A&M will provide 100 percent renewable energy to alumni and fans in deregulated regions of Texas. Photo: Utexas.edu
The University of Texas and Texas A&M, in partnership with a Texas energy company, have announced the launch of two separate programs to promote renewable energy to alumni and fans: Texas Longhorns Energy (TLE) and Aggie Energy.
Both programs will offer 100 percent renewable energy to school supporters that will also raise money for sustainability initiatives at the Universities. The TLE service will be offered starting in mid-August, while Aggie Energy begins September 3.
Both programs will be targeted toward their respective alumni and Longhorns fans that live in deregulated regions of Texas. The Sports Business Journal estimates nearly 280,000 UT alumni currently live in Texas, and most areas in the state are deregulated for energy.
Those who sign up will also receive other benefits, such as Longhorns merchandise and team-related incentives. Aggie Energy accounts will help fund student scholarships.
“This truly is a revolutionary approach to energy marketing,” said UT men’s athletics director DeLoss Dodds. “Not only will Texas Longhorns Energy be powered through renewable green energy, but the University will receive credit and funding for each customer who joins. This revenue will help continue UT Athletics and University efforts and programs in sustainability, recycling and energy conservation.”
The renewable energy provided through the programs will be a mix of wind, solar and biofuel provided by Champion Energy Services. All of these sources are able to generate electricity using natural resources to lessen the dependency on petroleum. Renewable energy accounted for 18 percent of all global energy use in 2009, according to the Renewable Energy Policy Network.
“Aggie Energy is a unique opportunity for loyal alumni and fans to support the (Texas A&M) University and its Athletics program with something they need and use everyday, and Champion Energy is excited to be part of this innovative electricity product,” said Scott Fordham, president and CEO of Champion Energy Services. “Our company has an unwavering respect for Texas A&M, which is well represented on our executive management team and in Champion Energy’s leadership development program.”
Will the renewable energy love end with these two Texas rival schools? Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia currently offer deregulated electricity, including states like Michigan and Ohio with strong college sports followings.
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