Blair Academy Enhances Environmental Sustainability with Tioga Energy

253 kW solar installation to yield $16,500 savings in first year of operation

BLAIRSTOWN, NJ – April 23, 2012 – Administrators of renowned boarding school Blair Academy today announced the completion of a 253 kW solar electric system on its campus. The project – developed under a SurePath™ Solar power purchase agreement (PPA) from Tioga Energy, a leading provider of renewable energy services to commercial, government and non-profit organizations – will save the school approximately $16,500 in electricity costs during the first year of installation alone. PNC Energy Capital, LLC, a leader in distributed solar generation finance, provided financing for the project.


Encompassing a 435-acre campus, Blair Academy is home to more than 450 students from around the world. The electricity generated by the new rooftop solar project -- which spans the school's recreational facilities and was installed by Pro-Tech Energy Solutions – will meet nearly 7 percent of the campus' electricity needs.

"The system we installed for Tioga Energy at Blair Academy will prevent the release of more than 95 tons of CO2 each year, which equates to approximately 205,000 vehicle miles not traveled," said John Drexinger, Principal for Pro-Tech Energy Solutions. "This is a win-win situation that helps both the school and the State of New Jersey meet its clean energy and sustainability goals."
Through the PPA with Tioga Energy, Blair Academy officials will purchase the electricity generated by the system for 20 years. Tioga, as owner of the system, will manage its operation during that time. The school will benefit from exceptionally low-cost solar electricity, made possible in part through Tioga's knowledge of the New Jersey solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) market and the company's swift movement to secure very favorable pricing during an auction held by the local utility.

"For many years, one of Blair Academy's core missions has been to promote environmental sustainability among our students and staff. We've demonstrated our success in a variety of manners, including a robust recycling program and a student-led movement to implement more efficient lighting," said James Frick, Assistant Headmaster for Finance and Operations at Blair Academy. "Our renewable energy initiative allowed us to raise the sustainability bar even higher. Thanks to Tioga Energy's expertise in navigating a rapidly shifting SREC market, we are able to benefit from solar power and at the same time significantly cut our cost for electricity."

"Being selected by such a highly respected college preparatory institution is a testament to Tioga's strength in supporting academic organizations looking to incorporate renewable power into their daily operations," said Paul Detering, CEO of Tioga Energy. "We are pleased to be able to help Blair Academy achieve its sustainability goals and cut down on their operating costs at the same time."

About Tioga Energy
Tioga Energy enables commercial, government and non-profit organizations to reduce energy costs while lowering carbon emissions. Through its SurePath™ Solar power purchase agreement (PPA), Tioga Energy owns and operates renewable energy systems that provide organizations a hedge against energy price volatility and accelerate their access to clean energy without any capital outlay. For more information, call 877-333-9787 or visit www.tiogaenergy.com. To access and download Tioga Energy's SurePath™ Solar PPA, please visit: www.tiogaenergy.com/annotated-ppa-index.php.

About Blair Academy:
In its 164th year, Blair Academy continues to offer a superior college-preparatory program while holding firmly to its tradition of being a community fully focused on the development of each individual student. In this environment, students learn to advocate for themselves, become service-minded, and develop the leadership skills necessary for success in college and beyond. Students balance their academic responsibilities with extensive opportunities to develop in theater, music, competitive athletics, and numerous extracurricular activities. The balance between high academic and personal expectations, and a willingness to provide individual focus are among Blair's greatest strengths. Blair maintains an enrollment of 450 students on average, large enough to support a broad program of studies, activities, and athletics, yet small enough so that everyone can receive individualized instruction and ample attention. The average class size is 11 students, and the dual advisory system also makes for close relationships between students and faculty members. Situated on 423 hilltop acres adjacent to Blairstown in one of New Jersey's most scenic counties, Blair is just 10 minutes from the Appalachian Trail and the Delaware Water Gap, only 60 miles from New York City, and 2 hours from Philadelphia.
About PNC Energy Capital
PNC Energy Capital, LLC, is a part of PNC Equipment Finance, a national, high-growth, multi-channeled equipment finance company, headquarted in Cincinnati, Ohio, that provides a broad array of products and services to both new and existing customers and markets. PNC Equipment Finance is a wholly owned subsidiary of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

Media Contact:
Kimberly Setliff
Antenna Group for Tioga Energy
415-977-1942
Kimberly@antennagroup.com

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