7‑Eleven Inc. signed a deal with TXU Energy to buy 100% wind energy for 425 Texas stores that are located in competitive energy markets.

The 96-month wind energy agreement starts June 1, 2018, and is expected to reduce 7‑Eleven’s carbon footprint by 6.7%.

In 2016, the convenience store chain outlined steps to reach measurable corporate social responsibility goals to reduce its environmental footprint. Using 2015 as a baseline, the company set goals to reduce its energy footprint in stores and at its support center in Irving, Texas, by 20% by 2025.

In practice, neither TXU nor 7-Eleven can control which electrons from which generating source flow through the transmission and distribution network to arrive at a given location. A long-term deal like the one the retailer signed with TXU typically signals financial support that may enable the utility to sustain existing renewable energy projects and build new ones.

7‑Eleven says it has already cut electricity use in store operations by an estimated 21% over the past seven years through projects including installation of LED lighting, energy management systems, and high-efficiency HVAC units.

TXU Energy will help 7‑Eleven save more by providing energy efficiency rebate incentives through its TXU GreenBack program. These incentives will allow 7‑Eleven to fund and pilot new energy efficient technologies.

With more than 10,000 wind turbines in the state, Texas ranks first in the United States for both installed and under-construction wind capacity, and is home to four of the 10 largest wind farms in the nation.

TXU Energy Retail Co. is a Dallas-based electricity provider. Irving-based 7-Eleven operates, franchises, licenses more than 60,000 stores in 17 countries, including 10,700 in North America.