PHILADELPHIA, April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Philadelphia Zoo announced today that GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, the retail energy business of GDF SUEZ Energy North America, will supply its electricity for the next two years, beginning with 25 percent of the Zoo's electricity consumption offset by renewable energy certificates (RECs).  RECs represent the environmental attributes of electricity generated from wind, solar or other renewable power facilities.

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The RECs, which are Green-e® Energy Certified, will be donated to the Zoo by GDF SUEZ Energy Resources and will displace an estimated 3,195,990 pounds of carbon dioxide per year – the equivalent of taking 314 cars off the road.  In utilizing the certificates, the Zoo will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage development of domestic sources of cleaner, renewable energy.

"The Philadelphia Zoo is committed to making environmental responsibility and conservation part of our daily activities," said Vikram H. Dewan, President and CEO.  "We have instituted a diverse range of programs and practices that help us do our part to reduce global warming and mitigate the effects of climate change on wildlife.  Our support of green energy reflects this dedication, and we thank GDF SUEZ Energy Resources for supporting our efforts," says Dewan.  The Zoo's plan is to begin with 25 percent of renewable energy usage, moving to something much greater, which will help establish the standard in this area.

"It is an honor to serve America's first Zoo," said Robert Wilson, President and CEO of GDF SUEZ Energy Resources.  "Its focus on energy efficiency and carbon reduction – a focus that our company shares – has not only raised the environmental bar for zoos across the country, but has also set a standard for eco-friendly practices."

GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA is one of the largest non-residential retail energy suppliers in the U.S. and currently serves commercial and industrial customers in 11 markets: Delaware, Texas, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C.  The company serves approximately 73,000 accounts for customers having a peak demand ranging from 50 KW to more than 200 MW.

To learn more about GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, visit www.gdfsuezenergyresources.com or call 1-866-999-8374.

About the Philadelphia Zoo:

America's first zoo and one of the region's foremost conservation organizations, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered. The Zoo, fulfilling its mission of conservation, science, education and recreation, supports and engages in conservation efforts to protect endangered species around the world. The Philadelphia region's leading family destination, the Zoo welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors last year. The Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information on the Philadelphia Zoo, as well as to purchase and print tickets online, visit us at www.philadelphiazoo.org. Philadelphia Zoo is a non-smoking facility.

About GDF SUEZ Energy North America, Inc.:

GDF SUEZ Energy North America, Inc. manages a range of energy businesses in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, including electricity generation and cogeneration, natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution and sales, asset-based trading and origination, and retail energy sales and related services to commercial and industrial customers.

GDF SUEZ Energy North America owns and/or operates power, cogeneration, steam, and chilled water facilities, including those in construction, representing a capacity of approximately 15,000 MW of electricity generation, 6.0 million pounds per hour of steam, and 42,000 tons per hour of chilled water.  Renewable fuels—wind, hydro, and biomass—power 25 of the facilities in the portfolio, two of which are among the largest wind farms in eastern Canada. The company's natural gas assets include an LNG receiving terminal in Everett, Massachusetts, which currently meets approximately 20 percent of New England's annual gas demand; an offshore LNG import facility off the coast of Massachusetts; and natural gas distribution networks and pipelines in Mexico that serve nearly 400,000 customers.

GDF SUEZ Energy North America is part of the international energy groups, International Power and GDF SUEZ.

For more information, please visit www.iprplc-gdfsuez.com and www.gdfsuez.com

SOURCE GDF SUEZ Energy Resources