GDF SUEZ Energy Resources Supports Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corporation's Commitment To Environmental Responsibility

HOUSTON, Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA announced today that it will provide power to Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corporation (GCMC).  This contract strengthens GCMC's commitment to environmental responsibility by incorporating Renewable Energy Certificates and peak load curtailment services into its Freeport recycling facility operations.

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GCMC, a leading recycler of spent petroleum refinery catalysts, has a number of sustainable environmental initiatives that focus on continuous improvement, resource conservation, waste minimization, and pollution prevention.  This contract with GDF SUEZ reflects that focus.   

Under this contract, GCMC will offset 10% of its electricity consumption with Green-e Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) provided by GDF SUEZ.  Each REC represents the environmental attributes or benefits associated with a specific quantity of energy generated from a renewable source, such as solar or wind.  GDF SUEZ will also provide the company with ERCOT price and peak load alert services at no cost to enhance GCMC's decision-making to curtail usage during periods of high consumption and thereby decrease demands on the electric grid.   

GCMC leaders who were involved in the contract negotiation said that in addition to competitive pricing and reliability, GDF SUEZ's shared commitment to sustainability and top-notch customer service distinguished the company from other retail electricity providers in the market. 

"What impressed us the most about GDF SUEZ Energy Resources is that the team really took the time to understand our business, finding out what makes us 'tick' and building a product that truly fits our priority of being a good steward of natural resources," said B.J. Stephan, Senior Executive VP of Operations.  "As a result, we were able to work together to build the right energy management strategy for our business – one that reinforces our commitment to environmental responsibility and meets our needs in terms of pricing and reliable supply."   

Sam Henry, President and CEO of GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, said, "The agreement is a direct reflection of the retail electricity provider's support of clean energy and its unique approach to helping customers make procurement decisions based on key business drivers.   

"We're honored to power GCMC, a true industry leader, and are proud to help the company further its efforts to ensure environmental responsibility," Henry further explained.  "We're committed to providing customers with the tools and industry knowledge they need to make the most of their energy management strategy, and this new contract underscores that dedication." 

The RECs provided by GDF SUEZ will have a measurable impact on greenhouse gas emissions.  According to a calculator from the Environmental Protection Agency, the RECs are the equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 126,312 tree seedlings grown for 10 years, removing about 4,926 metric tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere or displacing the estimated annual greenhouse gas emissions of 1,026 passenger vehicles.

About GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA

GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA is one of the largest non-residential retail electricity suppliers in the U.S. and currently serves commercial, industrial, and institutional customers in 12 markets: Delaware, Texas, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. The company serves over 60,000 accounts for customers having a peak demand ranging from 50 KW to more than 200 MW, with an estimated peak load totaling nearly 10,000 MW. The company offers electricity service to small business customers under the brand Think Energy™.

For more about GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, visit www.gdfsuezenergyresources.com or call 1-866-999-8374. Follow GDF SUEZ Energy Resources on LinkedIn, Twitter: @GDFSUEZEnergy, and Facebook. GDF SUEZ Energy Resources is a subsidiary of GDF SUEZ Energy North America, which manages a range of energy businesses in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, including electricity generation and cogeneration, natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution and sales, and retail energy sales and related services to commercial and industrial customers. GDF SUEZ Energy North America is a part of the international energy group GDF SUEZ. For more information, please visit www.gdfsuezna.com.

SOURCE GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA