Green Is Good: Viridian Energy Jumps to #45 in Direct Selling News Magazine's Global 100 List, and Scores a Sweet Victory for the Power of Responsible Choices

Revenue growth tied to product and geographic expansion and a broadened sales leadership base

STAMFORD, CT, April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Viridian Energy, the leading provider of affordable, responsible energy that exploded out of the gate in 2009 by offering greener electricity priced right for the family budget, has been ranked #45 on Direct Selling News Magazine's prestigious DSN Global 100, the magazine's annual rankings of the top revenue-generating direct selling companies in the world. Rankings are determined according to net revenue from network marketing operations before commissions are paid, and without any value-added tax.

With its ranking in the top 50, Viridian joins American icons such as Amway, NuSkin and Primerica. The announcement will appear in the magazine's June issue. Viridian has been on the list of top 100 companies since 2012, with this year's ranking its highest position yet.

"It is an absolute honor to be recognized among the world's top direct selling companies," said Meredith Berkich, President of Viridian Energy, who was also asked to speak at the DSN Global 100 event. "As a company, we owe this achievement to our customers who have a powerfully positive impact on the environment simply by using their electricity or natural gas, and to the thousands of talented and passionate Independent Associates who share our collective vision. Viridian is not only a catalyst for good in the energy industry, but is also a vehicle of growth, development, and community for thousands of individuals we are proud to share this milestone with."

At five years of age, Viridian can still be considered a relatively young company, but with the company's continued momentum and expanding market presence, it is also one that is proving it can stand the test of time. This year's star performer in parent company Crius Energy's innovative family of brands, Viridian's solid performance and steady growth are a direct result of the company's continued commitment to product diversification, geographic expansion, strengthened associate leadership, and commitment to social responsibility, both at home and abroad, which lead to customer retention and loyalty.

In the past year alone, Viridian introduced solar power for residential customers, increased the amount of renewable energy in its electricity from a minimum of 20% renewable to a minimum of 50% renewable, began purchasing carbon offsets to mitigate the effects of its natural gas customers' usage, and established a fund to support responsible extraction and heightened accountability in the natural gas industry.

"Today's energy consumers are increasingly aware that their choices matter deeply," said Michael Fallquist, Viridian Founder and CEO. "There's a new urgency in the marketplace. Viridian's holistic portfolio of responsible energy products allows us to make a phenomenal collective impact: We've reduced carbon emissions by more than 4 billion pounds to date through the use of our products. And our highly-trained and skilled Independent Associates have done more than any advertising campaign could ever do to educate and rally our customers around our guiding principles of sustainability, local and global engagement, and value. We are honored and deeply delighted to be named among the top performing direct selling companies, not only because it validates our business model and efforts of our extraordinary team, but also highlights the inspiring trend toward more responsible energy."

About Viridian Energy

Founded with the vision of empowering consumers to be part of a significant, collective environmental impact by choosing Viridian 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 provides 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 15 states plus the District of Columbia. Learn more at www.viridian.com

About Crius Energy

Honored as the 2014 Energy Supplier of the Year by Energy Marketing Conferences, Crius Energy is a comprehensive energy solutions partner that provides electricity, natural gas and solar products to more than 600,000 residential and commercial customers in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Crius connects with energy customers through an innovative family-of-brands strategy and multi-channel marketing approach that make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about their energy needs. The Crius family of best-in-class energy brands includes Viridian Energy, Cincinnati Bell Energy, FairPoint Energy, FTR Energy Services, Public Power and the newly-launched Citra Solar. Learn more at www.criusenergy.com

SOURCE Viridian Energy