Green Mountain Energy Launches New “Riding on Sunshine™” Initiative to Advance Clean Transportation

Initiative includes free EV charger promotion, EV-shopping tool powered by Group 1 Automotive, and solar plans, allowing customers to green-up their lifestyle
Oct 19, 2020 11:30 AM ET

HOUSTON, October 19, 2020 /3BL Media/ – Green Mountain Energy is rolling out Riding on Sunshine, an initiative to support electric vehicle (EV) adoption by offering customers in Texas two new electricity plans, an EV-shopping tool and a free EV charger to promote home charging through the use of emission-free solar energy. Today, transportation and electricity production account for nearly 60% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States and the shift to EVs and renewable energy is vital to achieving climate andclean-air goals.

“While EVs have zero tailpipe emissions and are more energy efficient than their fossil fuel counterparts, their full potential will only be reached when the energy that fuels them is zero-emission too,” said Mark Parsons, vice president and general manager of Green Mountain Energy. “Our customers are key agents of change toward greener economies, and their decision to choose EVs and renewable energy creates environmental benefits for all of us, while saving them money and reducing their carbon footprint.”

Whether EV enthusiasts want to install rooftop solar panels, source their energy from solar parks, or want help with their EV purchase or lease process, Green Mountain offers tools and electricity plans that suit different stages in their Solar and EV journey:

  • The EV Charger Promotion gives customers a free level 2 charger, up to $1,100 in value, when customers install a solar panel system that would supply enough electricity for a future EV. The level 2 charger uses 240 volts, mounts on the wall, charges four times faster than the level 1 charger that comes with the vehicle and adds about 25 miles of range per hour of charging time. Green Mountain’s preferred installation company, Green Light Solar, takes care of the rooftop panels and EV charger installation. Additionally, Green Mountain provides customers with an exclusive solar rebate to help them save on installation costs.
  • New: Solar All Nighter for EVs offers 100% solar energy sourced from solar parks and provides EV drivers with a lower fixed rate between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Just like a smartphone, customers can plug in their EV when they get home and have it ready to use the next morning, all while taking advantage of a discounted price. This plan works best for those who want to power their EVs with zero-emission energy but are not ready to install rooftop panels.
  • New: Solar with Green Mountain Driver is designed to help customers thinking about reducing their carbon footprint and considering buying an EV, but not ready for the financial commitment. Green Mountain allows them to contribute to the clean transportation landscape by offsetting the emissions from their current vehicle and providing them with 100% solar energy. To offset customers’ vehicle emissions, Green Mountain sources carbon offsets, which contribute to climate stability by indirectly reducing carbon emissions through investments in projects that reduce or avoid carbon dioxide emissions.
  • New: Green Mountain’s EV-Shopping Tool: Green Mountain is teaming up with Group 1 Automotive, a leading operator in the automotive retailing industry, to help EV enthusiasts locate a vehicle that fits their lifestyle and needs, at no cost. Anyone interested in purchasing or leasing an EV can now access Green Mountain’s EV-shopping tool to get connected with a Group 1 VIP coordinator, who will provide professional guidance in the shopping process and search across 118 Group 1 dealers nationwide, allowing for a more pleasant, convenient experience. For more information please visit this link or send an email to: electriccars@greenmountain.com

“We are delighted to partner with Green Mountain Energy to deliver personalized EV options and a world-class customer experience, at one of our 118 U.S. locations, on their device or by using our AcceleRide platform,” said Pete DeLongchamps, senior vice president of Group 1 Automotive. “This partnership gives customers the opportunity to reduce their environmental impact by choosing an EV that’s right for them and powering it with 100% clean energy.”

If EVs replaced 25% of combustion-engine vehicles currently on the road, the United States would save approximately $17 billion annually by avoiding damages from climate change and air pollution, according to a new study by Northwestern University. EVs may be poised to gain traction in 2021 and beyond, particularly as a growing list of cities and institutions implement initiatives to promote vehicle electrification. As an example, EVolve Houston, a public-private-partnership aims to boost EV sales to 30% of new vehicle sales in Houston by 2030.

As more EVs come online, it is crucial that customers continue to explore options to charge EVs with renewable energy sources to maximize emission reductions. Green Mountain’s mission to change the way power is made extends to the transportation landscape by delivering affordable renewable energy for both EV drivers and those considering an EV.

About Green Mountain Energy Company
Green Mountain Energy Company is the nation’s longest serving renewable energy retailer and believes in using wind, sun and water for good. The company was founded in 1997 with a simple mission: to change the way power is made. Green Mountain offers consumers and businesses the choice of cleaner electricity products from renewable sources, as well as a variety of carbon offset products and sustainable solutions for businesses. Green Mountain customers have collectively helped avoid more than 81 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. To learn more about Green Mountain, visit greenmountainenergy.com.

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Media Contact
Diana Maddock
713-537-5025
diana.maddock@greenmountain.com
Twitter: @GreenMtnEnergy