Local businesses can now plug in to green energy generated in Wales with the launch of Welsh Green Source by ScottishPower, the UK's leading green energy expert. It is the first time that output from Wales's many renewable energy sources has been directed specifically at the Welsh business community.

First to sign up for Welsh Green Source is the energy buying group, North Wales Energy Partnership (NWEP) in a move which marks the biggest ever Welsh green energy deal.

More than 2,000 sites operated by the nine public sector member organisations of NWEP will now have a large proportion of their electricity supply matched to small scale hydro, on-shore wind sources of generation and landfill gas, owned and contracted by ScottishPower within Wales.

Under the three-year deal, ScottishPower has contracted a minimum of 43.5 million kWh's (30%) from certified new renewable sources. This will result in the CO2 emissions attributed to the NWEP being cut by approximately 7,000 tonnes per year. NWEP Chairperson, Tim Brimblecombe comments: "Public sector sites across North Wales will now benefit from Welsh Green Source thanks to this land mark deal, which was agreed following competitive tendering. Choosing Welsh Green Source has enabled NWEP to choose clean, green energy with a guarantee that all renewable electricity bought is matched to a unit generated from a new renewable source in Wales."

The benefits of the energy deal will be reflected in the costs of running the sites which include schools, libraries, leisure centres and many other services which are used by thousands of people across the region.

Stewart Saunders, Managing Director of Manweb, part of the ScottishPower group commented: "ScottishPower is delighted to announce the biggest green energy purchaser in Wales as the first key customer for Welsh Businesses Green Source. This ground-breaking deal demonstrates a commitment to new and renewable energy in Wales, supporting current investment and, potentially new developments. We are actively working with customers to offer this deal over the next few months subject to discussion and agreement with relevant parties."