Viridian Energy Program to Help Central Regional Foundation

The Central Regional school district’s fledgling foundation is expected to receive its first payment from Viridian Energy next month.

Viridian Energy, which was founded in March of 2009, provides an alternate energy supply option to the local utility.

 Under a program set up by Central Regional Business Administrator Kevin O’Shea, the Central Regional Foundation is awarded $2 per month for every account that enrolls with Viridian under the foundation’s name.

 So far, 14 homeowners have signed up for the program, he said.

“We are expecting the first payment in June for the first couple of months," O'Shea said.  "As word is catching on we’ll get more staff involved. It’s slowly but surely picking up speed.”

 “Last year we formed an education foundation - The CR Foundation," he said. "It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to enhancing Central Regional and its students.”

Viridian provides "high-quality renewable energy products" that meet or exceed the proposed 2020 federal environmental goal of 20 precent renewable energy" according to the company's website.

"This allows our customers to choose energy that exceeds the renewable portfolio standards in their own states for rates that are often lower than the local utility," the website states.

Those who sign up under The Central Regional foundation  can chose a program that provides a 20 percent renewable energy source or one that is 100 percent environmentally  friendly, O'Shea said.

Costs vary depending on what program is selected by the homeowner. Those who sign up for the 20 percent program may see a 5-10 percent reduction in the utility bill, he said.

For more detailed information visit www.viridian.com/default.aspx.

O’Shea and Superintendent of Schools Triantifillos “Tom” Parlapanides rolled out the concept to the staff in March.

“It was very well received,” said O’Shea.

 When we went out into the local neighborhoods to present the budget, we also encouraged people to sign up, he said.

The money will assist in supporting the school district in the form of grants to teachers, school supplies, and other areas vulnerable to budget cuts. For anyone interested in signing up, the  link is https://www.viridian.com/CRF/Custom/Genealogy/EnrollCust.aspx

Interested persons may also contact the board office at 732-269-1199 for more information.