Aug. 17, 2010

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Ben Franklin might have discovered electricity and Thomas Edison the light bulb, but it took Texas ingenuity to figure out how Longhorns fans could support the University of Texas and UT Athletics with the flip of a switch.

On Tuesday, representatives from UT Athletics, Branded Retail Energy and Champion Energy Services announced the launch of customer registration for Texas Longhorns Energy and unveiled the details about its service and customer incentives at a press conference in Austin, Texas.

Texas Longhorns Energy (TLE), powered by Champion Energy Services, is the result of a landmark sponsorship program, announced in July, between UT Athletics, IMG College, and Dallas-based Branded Retail Energy Company. TLE offers 100 percent renewable energy to University of Texas alumni and fans in deregulated regions of Texas. Proceeds from this partnership will provide millions of dollars to The University's sustainability initiatives and the Athletics Department.

"Longhorns alumni and fans can now sign up for Texas Longhorns Energy, powered by Champion Energy Services," said DeLoss Dodds, University of Texas Men's Athletics Director. "We are the first to provide this service and encourage all Longhorns fans to support The University through this new innovative concept."

Longhorns fans in deregulated regions of Texas are encouraged to visit TexasLonghornsEnergyZone.com to learn how to switch providers and sign up for Texas Longhorns Energy. TLE customers will benefit from competitive renewable electricity rates powered by Champion Energy Services' renewable energy program, generated by wind, solar energy and biofuels.

While rates change daily, residents in deregulated regions of Texas are encouraged to visit TexasLonghornsEnergyZone.com to see today's rates and learn how to sign up.

TLE customers will also have an exclusive opportunity to receive game tickets, special offers on Longhorns gear, access to special promotions and more. Additionally, each new customer account will generate funds for The University's sustainability initiatives and UT Athletics.

"As a Texas Ex, and for all of us who love our Longhorns, knowing we can contribute to the University's success simply by choosing Texas Longhorns Energy is an exciting proposition," said Champion Energy Services CEO Scott Fordham.

"In this inaugural year, Texas Longhorns Energy has committed more than a half million dollars to the University and its Athletics program," said Jason Helms, president and CEO of Branded Retail Energy. "With the support we anticipate from Longhorns alumni and fans, we are expecting to provide millions of dollars to the University."

With football season approaching, for its first exclusive contest, TLE is calling on Longhorns fans to show their support for the team by uploading a video clip to TexasLonghornsEnergyZone.com of the pre-game pep talk they would deliver to the team before each game. Each week, fans will be able to vote and decide the best pre-game speech. That speech will be made available to to the team, and the person who delivers the best speech each week will receive a football signed by University of Texas head football coach, Mack Brown.

Texas Longhorns Energy is the official electricity sponsor of the Texas Longhorns and will have a significant presence at UT Athletics events. Longhorns supporters are encouraged to visit TexasLonghornsEnergyZone.com to learn how to switch. About Texas Longhorns Energy Texas Longhorns Energy (TLE) is electricity that supports the Longhorns.

By choosing TLE for homes or businesses, consumers are not only supporting the Texas Longhorns, but also helping the environment. Powered by Champion Energy Services, a Texas-based company, consumers are choosing 100 percent renewable power. Proceeds from this program support sustainability initiatives of UT Athletics and the University. For more information, visit TexasLonghornsEnergyZone.com.

About Champion Energy Services
Houston-based Champion Energy Services (championenergyservices.com) ranks among the top retail electricity providers in the United States. Champion Energy currently serves residential, commercial and industrial customers in deregulated electric energy markets in Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Ohio and is slated to enter the New Jersey and California markets later in 2010. The company serves 450,000 residential customer equivalents, with a peak load near 1,200 megawatts. Champion Energy is backed by the financial strength of Texas-based Crane Capital. PUCT No. 10098, PA, PUC license A-2009-2124113, Ohio PUC certificate 09-166E(1), Illinois (ICC) docket 10-0168.

About Branded Retail Energy Company
Based in Dallas, Texas, Branded Retail Energy Company (BRECo) is in the business of marketing electricity through affinity partnerships. BRECo develops concepts, creative, implementation and customer acquisition platforms that focus on sports, cause and educational institutions. BRECo created the Texas Longhorns Energy program and manages the ongoing marketing and sponsorship elements.

About IMG College
IMG College is UT Athletics exclusive sponsorship sales and management partner, and the leader in capturing consumer devotion to college sports through partnership opportunities in licensing, marketing, events and hospitality, multimedia rights, stadium and arena development, sales, and consulting. IMG College is a division of IMG Worldwide, the world's premier sports, media, and entertainment company. For more information, please visit imgworld.com.