Privately-owned software and communication firm Windstream Holdings Inc. has reportedly entered into a retail renewable energy agreement with ENGIE Resources, an ENGIE North America subsidiary.
Under the five-year contract signed through 2026, Windstream will buy Renewable Energy Credits and electricity from the Live Oak wind project of ENGIE located in Texas. This purchase of renewable energy completely matches the forecasted electricity consumption of Windstream at over 400 Texas locations.
The renewable energy in this agreement typifies the environmental advantages of curbing the GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions from 3,505 cars annually or the carbon sequestered by close to 19,744 acres of U.S. forest per year during the course of the agreement.
David Carroll, ENGIE North America’s Chief Renewables Officer, stated that the company is excited that the Live Oak wind project will play a crucial part in the renewable energy solution of Windstream. ENGIE is an operator of over 3 GW of renewable energy throughout North America alongside leading businesses of consumer solutions. The company is committed to spearheading the energy transition and is delighted to partner with companies such as Windstream to expedite those efforts, said Carroll.
The Arkansas-based telecom company will also receive budget certainty throughout the agreement term, with a fixed price structure in an easy retail contract with pliable terms.
Renewable energy has been a crucial part of the environmental sustainability strategy of Windstream and its approach to curbing GHG emissions from electricity consumption. The company officially initiated its carbon-free and renewable energy program in 2020 with the signing of the first community solar project and has continued sourcing other renewable opportunities.
In 2020, Windstream made renewable energy purchases of Scope 2 electricity, which powers close to 34% of its locations and data centers. Following the ENGIE agreement, around 44% of the purchased Scope 2 electricity of Windstream now comes from carbon-free and renewable sources.
Mark Reed, the Chief Procurement Officer of Windstream, quoted that the company is dedicated to stewarding the environment and this agreement with ENGIE is the latest step in the company’s effort of reducing carbon emissions.
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