Texas A&M's 12th Man Can Soon Support the Aggies With the Flip of a Switch as University Signs Landmark Sponsorship to Establish Aggie Energy

HOUSTON, July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The 12th Man is among the greatest traditions in all of collegiate athletics. Today Texas A&M University announces an innovative and forward-thinking way for the 12th Man to support the Aggies from their homes and businesses, as Aggie Athletics' multimedia rights holder Learfield Sports and the Collegiate Licensing Company, the exclusive licensing agency for Texas A&M, have signed an agreement with Dallas-based Branded Retail Energy Company to create Texas A&M Aggie Energy.

The service will be officially launched to former students and fans on September 3, 2010, as part of Texas A&M's participation in the national College Colors Day, signaling the kickoff of college football season. Aggie Energy will be powered by one of the nation's top retail electricity providers, Houston-based Champion Energy Services, and will provide 100 percent renewable energy to former students and fans in deregulated regions of Texas.  

Texas A&M is the nation's seventh largest university with nearly 49,000 students and boasts one of the nation's most passionate fan bases with 350,000 former students around the world. Every business and retail account created through Aggie Energy will result in funds for the University's athletic department, student scholarships and other initiatives.

"We want Texas A&M former students and fans to save their energy up for Saturdays at Kyle Field this fall," said director of athletics Bill Byrne. "But like every University, partnerships and philanthropic giving are critical to maintaining our academic and athletic excellence as we continue our mission of Building Champions. Signing up for Aggie Energy is an easy way to support Texas A&M, as well as tap into a renewable energy source."

Final rates will be announced at the launch event, but costs are expected to be in line with other renewable electricity rates currently in the market. Electricity has been deregulated in the State of Texas since 2002, providing residents and businesses in most areas of the state a choice of energy providers. The Aggie Energy agreement between Branded Retail Energy Company, Learfield Sports' Texas A&M Sports Properties and the Collegiate Licensing Company is for five years.

"Our former students and fans will be among the first in the nation to have access to this innovative way to support Texas A&M's athletic department while also helping fund critical University programs such as the Bonfire Memorial and scholarships for the Corps of Cadets," said Shane Hinckley, assistant vice president for business development. "Aggies are also among the most active social networkers in the nation. So we are tying our launch to College Colors Day with a variety of special offers exclusively to our fans on that day promoted entirely through our social media channels."

"Aggie Energy is a unique opportunity for loyal alumni and fans to support the University and its Athletics program with something they need and use everyday, and Champion Energy is excited to be part of this innovative electricity product," said Scott Fordham, president and CEO of Champion Energy Services. "Our company has an unwavering respect for Texas A&M, which is well represented on our executive management team and in Champion Energy's leadership development program."

Customers who sign up to utilize Aggie Energy will receive a variety of consumer benefits designed to fuel their passion for the Aggies. In addition, consumers living in regulated communities also will have an opportunity to support the University through Aggie Energy, with details being announced at the official launch in August.

Aggie Energy will have a significant presence at Aggie sporting events this fall as the company will serve as Texas A&M Athletics' official electricity sponsor.  

About Champion Energy Services

Houston-based Champion Energy Services (www.championenergyservices.com) ranks among the top retail electricity providers in the United States. Champion Energy currently serves residential, commercial and industrial customers in deregulated electric energy markets in Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Ohio and is slated to enter the New Jersey and California markets in 2010. The company serves 450,000 residential customer equivalents, with a peak load near 1,200 megawatts. Champion Energy is backed by the financial strength of Texas-based Crane Capital. PUCT No. 10098, PA, PUC license A-2009-2124113, Ohio PUC certificate 09-166E(1), Illinois (ICC) docket 10-0168.

About Texas A&M Aggie Energy

Texas A&M Aggie Energy is electricity that supports the Aggies. By choosing Aggie Energy for homes or businesses, consumers are not only supporting Texas A&M, but also helping the environment. Powered by Champion Energy Services, a Texas-based company, consumers are choosing 100 percent renewable power. Proceeds from this program support athletics and academic programs.

About Branded Retail Energy Company

Based in Dallas, Texas, Branded Retail Energy Company (BRECo) is in the business of marketing electricity through affinity partnerships. BRECo develops concepts, creative, implementation and customer acquisition platforms that focus on sports, cause and educational institutions. BRECo created the Texas A&M Aggie Energy program and manages the ongoing marketing and sponsorship elements.

SOURCE Champion Energy Services