Walgreens inks deal with NRG Energy

DEERFIELD, Ill. In an effort to extend its environmental stewardship, Walgreens stores in the Houston area soon will feature high-powered rapid charging stations for electric vehicles for customer use, thanks to a new partnership with NRG Energy.

The initial rollout of NRG Energy's eVgosm charging stations will include installation at 18 Walgreens locations, with the first charging station expected to be installed in February 2011. The partnership is part of the drug store chain's sustainability efforts, Walgreens said. The eVgosm network, which also will include charging stations at public parking facilities, other retailers and work places in the Houston area, will help ensure anyone with an electric vehicle has a place to charge up within 25 miles of the Houston city center.

“Our neighborhood stores will be a great and convenient location for customers to recharge electric vehicles,” said Walgreens director of energy and sustainability Menno Enters. “This is another way we are providing our customers with an environmentally sustainable shopping experience, and it sets us apart as a retailer who is moving clean and green energy alternatives forward.”