Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to be totally green

TORONTO, ONTARIO - For the first time in the 87-year history of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the entire electricity consumption of the Fair will be greened with renewable power.

Direct Energy Business will be greening the electricity usage of The Royal by purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

The timing of this important new green initiative is ideal as The Royal is honoured to welcome Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall to officially open the 2009 Royal.

"Prince Charles has been a champion of the environment for many years. It gives us great pleasure that Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will be opening our first 100% green powered Fair," said RAWF representative CEO Bill Duron.

Direct Energy Business secured Renewable Energy Credits from low-impact hydroelectric generation facilities based in Ontario to offset the electricity usage over the 10-day event.

"The agriculture industry is a very environmentally aware market. The Royal is setting an example for the industry that everyone needs to consider the environmental impact and carbon footprint of their operation," noted Tom Marshall, Direct Energy Business Development Manager. "It is encouraging that more and more organizations within the agricultural industry and across Canada are looking for ways to be more environmentally conscious."

In addition to The Royal, which takes place at Exhibition Place, Direct Energy Business recently helped the Allstream Centre at Exhibition Place become Canada's greenest conference centre by providing 100% green power for the next two years.