Texas Universities to Bring Renewable Energy to Alumni By Carl Levesque

Under arrangements uniquely branded with each school’s storied athletic program, Dallas-based Branded Retail Energy Co. (BRE) will work with a pair of major Texas universities to provide renewable energy.

The University of Texas (UT) Men’s & Women’s Athletics programs announced a sponsorship program with BRE to create Texas Longhorns Energy (TLE), which will provide 100% renewable energy to alumni and fans in deregulated regions of Texas through retail electricity provider Champion Energy Services. Each new customer account will generate funds for sustainability initiatives for UT and UT Athletics. The new service will be officially launched in mid-August.

“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.”

TLE supports the mission of the University of Texas to educate the campus at large on conservation and sustainability initiatives. TLE plans to use web portals and event-based activities to educate consumers on energy conservation and green power options and to assist with fundraising in support of specific initiatives.

Meanwhile, at Texas A&M, Aggie Athletics’ multimedia rights holder Learfield Sports and the Collegiate Licensing Co., the licensing agency for Texas A&M, signed an agreement with BRE to create Texas A&M Aggie Energy, which will also provide 100% renewable energy to fans and former students through Champion Energy Services.

“We want Texas A&M former students and fans to save their energy up for Saturdays at Kyle Field this fall,” said director of athletics Bill Byrne. “But like every university, partnerships and philanthropic giving are critical to maintaining our academic and athletic excellence as we continue our mission of ‘Building Champions.’ Signing up for Aggie Energy is an easy way to support Texas A&M, as well as tap into a renewable energy source.”

By Carl Levesque, www.awea.org/blog/