April 19, 2011
Watch Press Conference | Fighting Illini Energy FAQ | FightingIlliniEnergy.com
CHAMPAIGN, IL - April 19, 2011 - Representatives from the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, Branded Retail Energy and Champion Energy announced an exciting new sponsor to the Fighting Illini family with the official launch of Fighting Illini Energy. Through this innovative program, proud fans can now support both the University of Illinois and the Fighting Illini from their homes and businesses; simply by paying their electricity bill.
Former students and fans across the state will benefit from competitive rates for several different electricity plans, plus have the option to choose 100% renewable energy. Fighting Illini Energy is powered by one of the nation's top retail electricity providers, Texas-based Champion Energy. Proceeds from this partnership will support the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA).
"Illinois alumni and fans now have a choice in their electricity and we are pleased to offer them a program that allows them to support the University with something they use every day," said Illinois Director of Athletics, Ron Guenther. "We encourage all Illinois fans to sign up for Fighting Illini Energy, powered by Champion Energy to support the University and the Athletic Department through this innovative concept. We are also pleased that fans will have the option to choose 100% renewable energy as well".
Illini fans across the state are encouraged to visit FightingIlliniEnergy.com to learn how to switch providers and sign up for Fighting Illini Energy.
Fighting Illini Energy customers will also have an exclusive opportunity to receive game tickets, special offers on Illini gear, access to special promotions and more. Additionally, each new customer account will generate funds for Fighting Illini Athletics. The impact one change could have on the school is limitless: these accounts will continue to create funds for the University as long as they remain active Fighting Illini Energy customers.
"As a proud Illinois alumnus, and for all of us who love the Illini, knowing we can contribute to the University's success simply by choosing Fighting Illini Energy is an exciting proposition," said Branded Retail Energy co-founder Justin Helms. "Fighting Illini Energy is proud to become a new corporate partner of Illinois Athletics and we look forward to increasing our financial commitment to the University as alumni and fans join our program."
While rates change daily, Illini fans are encouraged to visit FightingIlliniEnergy.com to see today's rates and learn how to sign up. The website also serves as a hub for customers and passionate fans to support the University through exclusive Illini contests and content, fan forums, University news and more.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the state's flagship public university and one of the largest in the nation with nearly 42,000 students. Illinois boasts one of the largest alumni bases in the country. Every business and retail account created through Fighting Illini Energy will result in funds for the University's athletic department, student scholarships and other initiatives.
"Fighting Illini Energy is a unique opportunity for loyal alumni and fans to support the University and its Athletics program with something they need and use everyday, and Champion Energy is excited to be part of this innovative electricity program," said Scott Fordham, president and CEO of Champion Energy. "While deregulation is not new to the state of Illinois, many residents haven't made the switch to a new provider, so now is a great time to make that decision and support the school they love, while also saving money on their electricity."
Fighting Illini Energy is the official University of Illinois electricity sponsor and will have a significant presence at athletic events. Illini supporters are encouraged to visit FightingIlliniEnergy.com to learn how to switch and for more information.
About Fighting Illini Energy:
Fighting Illini Energy is electricity that supports the Illini. By choosing Fighting Illini Energy for homes or businesses, consumers are directly supporting the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. Powered by Champion Energy, a top-rated retail electricity provider, consumers receive competitive low rates and can even choose 100% renewable power. Proceeds from this program will help fund student-athlete scholarships and other programs.
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 Fighting Illini Energy program and manages the ongoing marketing and sponsorship elements.
About Champion Energy
Houston-based Champion Energy ranks among the top retail electric providers in the United States. Champion Energy currently serves residential, commercial and industrial customers in deregulated electric energy markets in Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Jersey. Backed by the financial strength of Texas-based Crane Capital and EDF Trading North America, LLC, the company serves 700,000 residential customers equivalents, with a peak load of near 2,000 Megawatts. PUCT No. 10098, PA PUC license A-2009-2124113, Ohio PUC certificate 09-166E(1), Illinois (ICC) docket 10-0168, New Jersey BPU license ESL-0082.
