STAMFORD, Conn. -- (Business Wire)

Massachusetts’ largest utility National Grid recently received approval from the Board of Public Utilities to raise its fixed rate for electricity supply to nearly double the current rate. At the same time, utilities NStar and Western Massachusetts Electric Co. have warned that they too anticipate higher electricity prices this winter. While Massachusetts consumers may feel as though they are powerless against rising energy prices – there is a pragmatic solution that has the potential to benefit consumers for years to come.

Viridian Energy, a leading provider of affordable, green energy in Massachusetts since 2012, is making consumers in The Bay State aware of their energy options through a multi-media direct marketing campaign focused on choice. Since Massachusetts is a deregulated energy market, residents have the power to choose energy suppliers for their homes or businesses. Deregulation provides consumers with many options in terms of energy management, efficiency, renewable green energy products and price.

“Despite these very real and tangible benefits however, only around 15 percent of consumers in Massachusetts have seized the opportunity to make alternate energy choices,” said Michael Fallquist, Founder and CEO of Viridian Energy. “Consumers don’t have to accept whatever rate the utility is charging. Because Massachusetts has a deregulated energy market, the power is in the hands of consumers – not the monopoly utility service provider. And I fundamentally believe that everyone wins when energy suppliers are forced to compete for business.”

Recognizing that utilities in the Northeast would see long-term impacts on their pricing from last winter’s polar vortex, Viridian Energy now offers a long-term fixed rate product to avoid the winter price spike. Viridian Energy’s 3DOM Fixed plan includes a potential 110% rebate if the customer pays more with Viridian.

In addition, hundreds of thousands of Viridian Energy customers have opted to use energy that is beneficial to the planet, as well as the household budget. Since 2009, Viridian customers have helped avoid more than 5 billion pounds of climate-changing CO2 from being released in to the atmosphere through the use of renewable energy from clean sources such as wind and hydro.

Viridian Energy also offers 100% green energy options including solar power. Solar power can help offset energy usage and protect homeowners from extreme changes in electricity costs such as the increase announced by National Grid last week. Through Viridian, many Massachusetts homeowners now have the opportunity to enjoy clean, affordable solar power with no hassle and free installation.

“If you put 100 people in a room and asked whether they would prefer to have a choice for a product or service or no choice, I’d suggest that 100 people would choose choice,” Fallquist explains. “Given turbulent market conditions these days and our new normal of extreme weather, consumers must become more educated and exercise their energy options.”

The new rates for National Grid take effect in November, which means its 1.3 million residential and business customers in Massachusetts will likely see an increase in their December energy bills.

About Viridian Energy

Founded with the vision of empowering consumers to be part of a significant, collective environmental impact by choosing Viridian (www.viridian.com) as their energy provider, this socially responsible company connects with Customers through a vibrant network of Independent Viridian Associates. Committed to sustainability, community action and global initiatives, Viridian Energy offers affordable electricity that is more than 50% renewable, natural gas with carbon offsets to mitigate usage and residential solar power to a range of customers throughout 13 states plus Washington DC. Viridian Energy is part of the Crius Energy (TSX: KWH.UN) family of best-in-class energy brands which also includes: Cincinnati Bell Energy, FairPoint Energy, FTR Energy Services, Public Power, and the newly-launched Citra Solar. Learn more at www.criusenergy.com

Contacts:

For Viridian Energy
Melanie Rener,203-663-5213
Director, Corporate Communications
mrener@criusenergy.com

Source: Viridian Energy