ATLANTA - Georgia Power recently signed an agreement with TOTO USA Inc. to begin providing the company with Green Energy. Under the terms of the agreement, TOTO USA has agreed to purchase 480,000 kilowatt-hours of Green Energy.

Green Energy is environmentally friendly electricity generated from sources like the sun, wind, water, landfill methane and biomass. Customers who participate in the program help reduce the environmental impact of energy production, conserve natural resources and support domestic energy self-reliance.

"The recent Green Energy purchase by TOTO USA is evidence that more and more of our customers see the value of making renewable sources a part of their energy portfolio," said Richard Holmes, Georgia Power 's Metro Atlanta senior vice president. "As our newest partner, TOTO USA's commitment will raise awareness of the importance Green Energy plays in protecting our environment."

Atlanta-based TOTO USA is the North American division of TOTO Ltd., a plumbing products manufacturer with global headquarters in Japan.

"As a socially responsible manufacturer, TOTO strives to conserve environmental resources in everything we do," said Lenora Campos, the company’s public relations manager. "By adding earth-friendly green energy that spares landfills to our energy portfolio, we continue in our ongoing efforts to provide products and engage in business practices that conserve our natural resources, reduce pollution and enhance environmental sustainability."

Since Georgia Power began the Green Energy program in October 2006, more than 4,000 customers have committed to purchase in excess of 19 million kilowatt-hours of Green Energy annually. The majority of the electricity Georgia Power purchases for the program comes from a methane gas landfill facility in DeKalb County, southeast of Atlanta.

Residential customers can purchase 100-kilowatt-hour blocks of Green Energy for $4.50 per block, which is added to their monthly electricity bill. Of the more than 4,000 participants enrolled in the program to date, the residential class makes up the majority. The average Georgia Power residential customer uses about 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month.