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CHANGE ISIN THE WIND

The Role of Green Energyin the New American Economy

BRINGING A NEW LIGHT TO AFRICA

Green Energy & Education in Ghana

FA L L 2 0 1 1 • E D I T I O N 1

2 3

As a Viridian customer, you are part of a very important

movement. By joining the millions of people who choose

where their energy comes from, you’re helping to change the

way energy works in this country. And because suppliers now

have to compete for your business, you can and should expect

more from them.

At Viridian, we’re proud to have created a convergence between

affordability and sustainability, ultimately helping to define what

has become an entirely new industry. And it’s an industry that

continues to evolve—which is why we are launching the “Green

Energy Observer.” This report will keep our customers and stake-

holders posted on the latest news in both energy deregulation and

renewable energy development, and analyze the impact these two

trends are having nationwide. Plus, we’ll take a broader look at

global issues and how our actions have an impact both locally

and globally. In short, you’ll always know what’s going on in this

energy niche, and how Viridian is a part of it.

While we began by providing affordable green energy to our

customers, our ultimate goal is that the collective impact of so

many opting for greener energy will drive the development of

renewable technologies in our country and set an example of en-

vironmental stewardship for the next generation. We also know

that with growth comes increased responsibility, which is why

we engage on a local level with our communities on projects that

impact sustainability and promote greener living.

Our commitment to sustainability extends across our borders

with a global pledge we call “7 Continents in 7 Years.” I am

proud of our role as global citizens. Whether it’s planting trees

in an area of the Amazon devastated by deforestation or install-

ing solar panels in a remote village in Ghana, our efforts around

the globe represent our commitment to positive social and

economic change and bringing awareness to sustainability

issues. You’ll learn more about these commitments later in

this report.

But first, I’d like to personally thank each one of you for your

decision to use Viridian and for the impact it has had, not only

on the environment, but on our ability as your supplier to

provide more and do more.

{Welcome to the introductory edition of the Green Energy Observer}Renewable

electrical output was up 25.8% in the first three months of 2011 compared

to the first quarter of 2010.*

The number of customers choosing

independent retailers will steadily rise from 20% of residential sales in 2009

to 34% in 2016.*

Globally

renewable energy

will be the fastest growing

source of electricity generation

over the next 25 years.*

WINDPOWER

ALL OTHERRENEWABLES

0

75,000

150,000

225,000

1997

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

2011*

(Per Thousand Megawatthours)

*expected

Wind Energy: 1,948% increase in the past decade.*

With gratitude,

Michael Fallquist, Viridian Energy Founder & CEO

Simply put, these growing trends in the development of renewable technology

mean more people care about creating a cleaner future. Customers like you are

a significant part of continuing to drive these trends. By demanding higher quality

sources, you have the potential to increase the use of green energy in our country.

{What does it mean?}

*Sources: KEMA, a leading authority on energy consulting and deregulation development; U.S. Energy Information Administration, the federal

public organization devoted to collecting, analyzing and disseminating energy information to promote policymaking and market efficiency.

{Growing Trends}

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{Choices today that change tomorrow}WATCHViridian’s mission is to infuse market innovation into the newly deregulated landscape and, as a result, increase consumer

demand for renewable energy. Your simple decision to choose greener energy leads to increased production of renewable

energy in the U.S. and a decrease of our dependence on foreign fuel. As the push for renewable development continues,

more benefits have been realized. Reports illustrate job creation, investment in new energy technology from both the public

and private sector, and, of course, positive environmental impact. From national to local publications, here’s a look at what

has made headlines just this past quarter as a result of increased consumer demand for cleaner energy:

DEVELOPMENT, MORE INVESTMENT & DECREASED COSTS

ECONOMYThe increasing awareness of deregulation has resulted in more customers choosing

alternative suppliers than ever before. These competitive offerings have resulted

in measurable positive results and savings for customers, including individuals,

businesses, municipalities and schools.

Take Pennsylvania. By August 2011, 1,327,017 customers had chosen their electric

supplier, compared to only 103,178 the previous year. But while this is a dramatic

increase, it is easily explained: according to recent reports, before deregulation was

implemented, electric customers in Pennsylvania paid roughly 15 percent more

than the national average. Since deregulation was implemented, Pennsylvania

customers pay 12 cents per kilowatt hour, or just about the national average. As more

and more customers experience savings, suppliers will be able to offer more options

and competitive offers, compounding the positive economic impact for consumers.

Customer choice has also helped spur the growth of new renewable generators,

encouraging major private sector investments, which serve to confirm the viability

and sustainability of energy development.

RESEARCH

INCREASEDRESEARCHDOLLARS

INCREASEDINFRASTRUCTURE

INNOVATION

DECREASED OVERALL ENERGY COSTS

$

While unemployment in the U.S. is at its highest levels in decades and new job

growth is stagnant, the green energy sector is seeking professionals of all kinds.

From running a generation station to building wind turbines to installing solar

panels, or performing audits and other services that improve energy efficiency,

the opportunities currently offered in the green energy sector outpace not just

those in the general economy, but in the fossil fuel industry as well. In fact, right

now the clean economy—including the solar, wind, fuel cell, smart grid and

biofuel industries—employs more than 2.7 million Americans. Growing at a rate

of 8.3 percent, over twice as fast as the overall economy, the clean energy sector

shows no signs of stopping.

Pennsylvania’s renewable energy industry, practically nonexistent 12 years ago, now employs more than 106,000 people.

1999 2011

JOBS CONTINUE TO GROW IN THE GREEN ENERGY SECTOR

JOBS

SMARTER CHOICES LEAD TO CLEANER AIR & MORE INNOVATION

ENVIRONMENT

With dwindling resources and record growth in population, now more than ever, it is critical

that we become better environmental stewards of our natural resources. As more and more

customers realize this, more are demanding greener energy solutions. It’s not surprising,

then, that government, both at the state and federal level, supports further development

of alternative sources. For example, Vermont has approved a $150 million wind turbine

project at Lowell Mountain Ridge, Washington state has installed 149 turbines in lower

Snake River, and Michigan has planned a $250 million wind farm with 75 turbines. Iowa

has set aside $20 million for research in renewable energy and Colorado has recently

budgeted $26.5 million for wind development.

As for the federal government, it reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy

development when the U.S. Department of Energy announced the allocation of $81

million for the development of green energy. This formidable public sector investment is

augmented by the $100 million in private investments over the past two years.

And it’s not just the government and big investors who are dedicated to developing

renewable energy. A recent study by a market research firm in Maryland shows that

Maryland customers not only favor wind development but are willing to pay for it. The

poll results showed that 62 percent of Maryland residents would pay a $2 surcharge every

month on their electric bills to fund renewable energy generated from offshore wind.

In Virginia, private investors have committed up to $9 million to the state’s newest in-

vestment in renewable energy: A wind turbine test facility that will help test and certify wind

turbines, greatly accelerating local renewable growth in the mid Atlantic region. Similarly,

in Massachusetts, research and testing has begun on the nation’s first in-water hydrokinetic

energy production device. The system would use the power of ocean waves, tides and

currents to generate turbines. Both projects would increase the potential for locally-produced

clean energy and both have already contributed to local job growth.

As of October 1, 2011. Viridian custom-

ers have avoided 248,626,531 pounds

in carbon emissions. That’s the equiva-

lent of 2,891,669 trees or the annual

greenhouse gas emissions from 22,113

passenger vehicles. This incredible impact

is from just one company. Imagine the

ripple effect as other companies and

customers follow suit.

OF CARBON EMISSIONS AVOIDED.248,626,531 LBS

(CARBON SEQUESTERED BY 10-YEAR OLD TREE SEEDLINGS)

2,891,669 TREES

22,113 VEHICLESAVOIDING THE GAS EMISSIONS OF

VIRIDIAN’S COLLECTIVE IMPACT

For more information and current industry news

that affects you, visit:

ENERGYNEWS.VIRIDIAN.COM

Updated Daily!

Growing at a rate of 8.3 percent, over twice as fast as the overall economy, the clean energy sector shows no signs of stopping.

The development of local, renewable energy is necessary for the future of our

environment. It’s necessary to ensure that our children have clean water and air.

And it’s necessary to end our dependence on foreign fuel. While it may seem

obvious, we can’t assume that others are setting the example for change. We know

that Viridian alone cannot revolutionize the world’s sustainable economy, but we

can spark change. And that change starts with a grand vision and is realized by

doing what’s right, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

Viridian’s pledge is simple: 7 continents in 7 years. This means going to a different continent each year for 7 years, and engaging in a local

project that will have sustainable social, economic and environmental benefit. The

point is not just to make a difference while bringing awareness to each issue, but also

to enable others to follow in our footsteps. In this way, our vision of collective impact

is realized, one small step at a time.

Over 50% of our tropical

rainforests have been destroyed in the past 50 years*

YEAR 1 YEAR 2

{Our Pledge & Mission}

{Viridian’s Global Commitment}

2011 South America (Brazil)2012 Africa (Ghana)2013 Asia2014 Antarctica2015 Australia2016 Europe2017 North America

WHEN WHERE

1 in 5 people lack access to electricity

globally*

2011: Reforestation in the Amazon

YEAR

7YEAR

6

YEAR

2

YEAR

3

YEAR

4

2012: Bringing Power

to Villages in Ghana

YEAR

1 YEAR

5

*International Energy Agency (IEA), World Energy Outlook; United Nations (U.N.), Forest Resources Assessment

8 9

The Amazon rainforest is a living, breathing, fascinating

ecosystem rich in nutrients and an incredible variety of

life, both large and small. It is also an essential part of our

global environment, producing one-fifth of the air we all

breathe. Unfortunately, it is also under threat, as thousands

of acres are being deforested for temporary use as cattle

land or other purposes.

In March 2011, Viridian embarked on our first 7 Continents

in 7 Years journey. The pioneer group of 36 Associates and

corporate staff went deep into the heart of the Amazon,

officially commencing our global sustainability initiative.

We prepared the ground and planted trees in a region

that had been previously burned down for cattle pasture.

Unable to support cattle, the land laid to waste until,

together with a local environmentalist group, the Viridian

crew came in to replant indigenous tree species to help

repair some of the vast damage that had been done,

focusing on five acres on Lake Tracaja, near the Mamori

River. The team’s efforts are only the first step in making an

impact on areas of the rainforest that have experienced

irreversible damage.

To continue what we started, Viridian launched the

Viridian Foundation and then the Amazon Preservation

Project, our pledge to continue to replant and preserve

the land by planting at least 5,000 trees in the Mamori

region. Through the Foundation, individuals can sponsor

parcels of land that will be cared for in their name in

perpetuity. The Foundation will also travel back to the

area with interested participants twice each year, beginning

in November 2011 until our goal is achieved and to learn

from local guides and experts about the inherent value

of the Amazon rainforest.

2011: BRAZIL

DESCRIBED AS THE “LUNGS OF OUR PLANET,” THE AMAZON RAINFOREST PRODUCES NEARLY 20% OF THE EARTH’S OXYGEN.

THE OBJECTIVE THE FACTS THE FUTURE

To help restore the complex ecosystem and its associated environmental benefits destroyed by systematic deforestation.

Become part of the solution and help the Viridian Foundation plant more trees. Sponsor your own parcel of land at:

www.theviridianfoundation.org

Trees planted: 155Species: Acai, rosewood oil, rubber tree, Brazil nutLand: 5 acres on Lake Tracaja, formed from the Mamori river.Execution: Designed and led by forestry engineer from the university in Manaus.

Learn more about how you can help: www.theviridianfoundation.org.

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big image

global access to energy

Imagine living in a world with no light after the sun goes down.

A world where cooking and warmth require a fire and health

care cannot rely on pharmaceuticals that require refrigeration.

A world where your child cannot continue to learn past sundown

and where you may obtain a cell phone, but you have to travel

three, four, or more hours just to charge a device to connect you

to the outside world. This is a reality for more than 1.5 billion

people across the globe. Electricity is a fundamental necessity

for any modern community or society to develop.

In developing countries around the world, schools, hospitals,

and libraries are providing a path to stronger communities.

But access to basic power is a critical component for en-

abling residents to improve the quality of life, educate their

children, provide reliable health care and ultimately build a

thriving economy.

In the spring of 2012, we will embark on our second 7 Continents

in 7 Years journey, visiting a small group of villages in rural Ghana,

with a community of people we have already fallen in love with.

In and around a village named Asonafo, we have identified a

growing and thriving community in need of reliable power. This

summer, Viridian executives traveled to Ghana to meet the

villagers and to plan with our partner organization, World Joy,

a nonprofit dedicated to health and education initiatives in

13 rural villages in the Ghana’s Atiwa district. Founded in 2005,

World Joy has constructed many local government-run schools,

health facilities and libraries and trained teachers and ad-

ministrators to help strengthen public health and education

initiatives from the bottom up. With a unique collaborative

relationship with the Ghanaians, World Joy has laid the

foundation for a sustainable community.

As part of our initiative, Viridian will work with our partners

to plan and design solar panels to provide reliable and

sustainable electricity to hundreds of patients, students

and community members. In the spring of 2012, the Viridian

sustainability team will travel to Ghana to install the panels,

hardware for electricity storage, lighting fixtures, portable

lighting, charging stations, refrigeration in health care fa-

cilities and more, as well as provide training for ongoing use

and maintenance.

Bringing light and power to these communities will have am

immeasurable impact for years to come. We look forward to

seeing what these wonderful and industrious people are able

to accomplish simply by having something we take for

granted every day.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE, LITERALLY

THE OBJECTIVE THE NEED

Improve quality of life by

supporting social change

in thriving and growing

rural villages in Ghana.

1 in 5 people live without

access to electricity globally,

contributing to disease,

illiteracy, difficulty accessing

basic communication and

other conditions.

2012: GHANA

THE PROJECT

Install solar panels on health care, education and community development facilities. Ensure long-term viability of access to power.

Viridian will work with our partners to plan and design solar panels to provide reliable

and sustainable electricity to hundreds of patients, students and community members.

GREENLiving Living Green is an easily achievable way of life, through small changes in your daily routine that will have a big impact on your energy consumption, energy costs and carbon footprint. By making just a few easy adjustments in the home or office, everyone can contribute to a greener planet and a cleaner, better lifestyle for all. The following are some actions you can start with today, to help make a better tomorrow:

Turn it upMonitor your refrigerator, as it accounts for about 20% of household electricity use. Use a thermometer and keep it as close to 37 degrees and your freezer as close to 3 degrees as possible.

Dial it downDialing down the thermostat just one degree from your “normal” setting during the winter can result in about 1 to 3 percent less fuel use, and a similar reduction in your heating bill.

Keep it coldUse cold water whenever possible when doing your wash. Analysts estimate that 80% of the energy used in washing clothes is used to heat the water.

3 EASY THINGS YOU CAN DO

Visit www.theviridianfoundation.org to see how you can make a difference

by sponsoring your own parcel of land in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.

Sponsor & PROTECT THErainforest in Brazil

Trees with the square bit of grass/earth and the ribbon

www.theviridianfoundation.org

For more information about Viridian’s products or programs, please contact your local Viridian Associate.

© 2011 VIRIDIAN ENERGY. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copying or reproduction of this product, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. GEO_Fall2011_110711.