Constellation NewEnergy Signs Renewable Energy Agreement with the InterContinental Chicago Hotel

BALTIMORE, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Constellation Energy today announced that its subsidiary, Constellation NewEnergy, has entered into a green electricity purchase agreement with the InterContinental Chicago Hotel. As part of the agreement, Constellation NewEnergy will secure approximately two million kilowatt hours of Green-e certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) through its NewMix Super(SM) product to match 50 percent of the hotel's electricity usage.

"Working with Constellation NewEnergy to match half of the hotel's energy demands is in perfect alignment with our commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices," said Chris Mander, regional vice president and general manager, InterContinental Chicago. "In addition to furthering our own environmental goals, we see this purchase as setting a strong example for our guests, partners and peers in the hospitality industry."

The InterContinental Chicago is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Since 2006, the IHG has worked to minimize its greenhouse gas emissions and tackle the effects of climate change -- including new hotel designs, management tools, water conservation and energy efficiency projects, as well as climate change awareness campaigns with partners and guests. In 1996, IHG commissioned and developed an environmental manual for its hotels, and invited industry peers to co-sign what became the International Hotels Environment Initiative. This marked the founding of today's International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF) Tourism Partnership, of which IHG remains a leading member.

"We are pleased to be providing the InterContinental Chicago with a source of renewable energy to match 50 percent of the hotel's electricity usage," said Michael Kagan, president, Constellation NewEnergy. "Constellation NewEnergy is spearheading innovative green energy products and solutions for our customers across North America, and we applaud both the hotel and its parent company for its aggressive sustainability goals."

As part of the company's NewAnswers(SM) sustainable solutions, NewMix(SM) Super is one of Constellation NewEnergy's two Green-e certified products. For customers that purchase the NewMix Super product, Constellation NewEnergy secures Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from certified renewable resources such as wind, solar, hydro, biomass and/or landfills. By purchasing RECs, companies are investing in the operation and development of facilities that generate renewable energy.

Constellation NewEnergy (http://www.newenergy.com/), a wholly owned subsidiary of Constellation Energy , is a leading competitive supplier of electricity, natural gas and energy-related services to commercial, industrial and institutional customers throughout North America. Constellation NewEnergy operates in all competitive energy markets throughout Canada and the United States, providing products that enable customers to effectively manage and control energy costs. Constellation NewEnergy's regional expertise, coupled with its national presence, provides customers with customized energy products and services while leveraging the assets of one of the strongest integrated energy companies in North America. Constellation NewEnergy, based in Baltimore, serves more than 19,000 commercial, industrial and institutional customers throughout 31 states and three Canadian provinces representing nearly 14,000 megawatts of peak load and more than 354 billion cubic feet of annual natural gas consumption.

Constellation Energy (http://www.constellation.com/), a FORTUNE 125 company with 2006 revenues of $19.3 billion, is the nation's largest competitive supplier of electricity to large commercial and industrial customers and the nation's largest wholesale power seller. Constellation Energy also manages fuels and energy services on behalf of energy intensive industries and utilities. It owns a diversified fleet of 78 generating units located throughout the United States, totaling approximately 8,700 megawatts of generating capacity. The company delivers electricity and natural gas through the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), its regulated utility in Central Maryland.