Sustainability partnership between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Green Mountain Energy brings 67 kilowatts of renewable energy to parks across Texas.

GLEN ROSE –Green Mountain Energy and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) unveiled the completion of solar installations at three state parks across Texas at a ceremonial “Flip the Switch” event at Dinosaur Valley State Park. These three installations are the latest in a long-standing sustainability partnership to bring renewable energy to Texas State Parks.

Dinosaur Valley State Park, Estero Llano Grande State Park and Eisenhower State Park are the latest TPWD sites to receive solar panel installations through the partnership with Green Mountain Energy.

The three solar installations will provide 67 kilowatts of renewable energy, completely powered by the sun. Through the ongoing sustainability partnership, all TPWD facilities in competitive markets are supported by 100 percent Texas renewable energy from Green Mountain Energy.

Park visitors can now experience the benefits of solar energy whether they are comparing shoe sizes to actual dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Valley State Park, enjoying the spectacular South Texas wildlife at Estero Llano Grande State Park or camping near the Red River at Eisenhower State Park.

 “The partnership with Green Mountain Energy is a great example of a collaboration that helps TPWD with our goals to use sustainable practices to support our resource conservation efforts,” says Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks. “We are thrilled to have three new renewable energy projects at parks to inspire and educate people on the importance of environmental sustainability. We offer our thanks to everyone at Green Mountain Energy and TPWD involved in these projects for their dedicated work towards this achievement.”

The installations also enhance the visitor experience at the parks. At Dinosaur Valley State Park, a display of solar panels also functions as a beneficial shade structure for visitors and educational events while optimizing viewing potential for dinosaur tracks. The installation at Estero Llano Grande State Park is a visually appealing structure specially designed with low glare so not to impede visitors’ views along nearby walking paths.

 “Green Mountain Energy formed a partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife in 2016 to provide renewable energy to parks across Texas, and these solar installations are the latest step in our joint commitment to conserve our state’s natural resources,” said Mark Parsons, vice president and general manager, Green Mountain Energy. “The addition of solar to these three parks will help offset energy costs, add needed shade structures and reduce the environmental impact at the parks.”

Previously, Green Mountain Energy provided a 21-kilowatt rooftop solar array at TPWD’s Sea Center Texas, a marine aquarium, fish hatchery and nature center. Additionally, the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club made a $40,000 donation to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to help purchase and install a 11.2-kilowatt solar array on the park’s welcome center. The partners worked together in unique ways to implement alternative energy solutions to offset TWPD’s energy usage, allowing for more park enhancements.

Green Mountain Energy Company
 Green Mountain Energy Company is the nation’s longest serving renewable energy retailer and believes in using wind, sun and water for good. The company was founded in 1997 with a simple mission: to change the way power is made. Green Mountain offers consumers and businesses the choice of cleaner electricity products from renewable sources, as well as a variety of carbon offset products and sustainable solutions for businesses. Green Mountain customers have collectively helped avoid more than 63 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. To learn more about Green Mountain, visit greenmountainenergy.com.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department mission balances outdoor recreation and sustainable use of resources with conservation and management of natural and cultural resources. The department operates 95 Texas state parks, natural areas and historic sites, 50 wildlife management areas, three saltwater fish hatcheries and five freshwater hatcheries. TPWD game wardens and wildlife and fisheries biologists work in every Texas county, enforcing laws and encouraging management to conserve fish and wildlife. The agency has 12 internal divisions: Wildlife, Coastal Fisheries, Inland Fisheries, Law Enforcement, Legal, State Parks, Infrastructure, Communications, Financial Resources, Human Resources, Support Resources and Information Technology..

Follow Green Mountain Energy at facebook.com/greenmountainenergycompany or twitter.com/greenmtnenergy.

To connect with TPWD, visit http://tpwd.texas.gov/socialmedia/ for a complete list of our social media channels.

Media Contact:

Hunter Dodson
512-448-4950
hunter.dodson@greenmountain.com
Twitter: @GreenMtnEnergy

Stephanie Garcia
512-389-8030
stephanie.garcia@tpwd.texas.gov
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department