SACRAMENTO, California 12/06 — This Christmas season Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the state of California establish yet another “first” by becoming the first state in the US to power its official state Christmas tree with a fuel cell system. The 6500 lights on the 55-foot white fir tree are illuminated with electricity generated by a Freedom Powerâ„¢ fuel cell system designed and manufactured by Altergy Systems of Folsom, Calif. ( www.altergy.com ) The Altergy fuel cell system allows the tree’s lights to operate independent of the power grid, demonstrating the state of California’s commitment to clean energy sources and energy efficient technology. The fuel cell system is nonpolluting; its byproduct is water. “Fuel cell-generated power is a viable alternative to traditional power sources,” stated Eric Mettler, president and CEO of Altergy Systems. “The state of California and Altergy are leading the way toward changing the way the world gets its power, as demonstrated by this year’s fuel cell lighting of the state Christmas tree. We at Altergy are pleased to join with the Governor and First Lady to increase public awareness of fuel cell capabilities during this holiday season.”