Energy Co-ops

In yesterday's posting I mentioned one solution to our coming energy and environmental crises is through local citizens creating "energy cooperatives."

Energy co-ops can be formed in a variety of ways, and with various kinds of energy production. They can range from a larger energy supplier such as the Toronto co-op that has erected a commercial wind turbine in that city to smaller co-ops such as in Vancouver where the membership works at helping each other put solar hot water systems on their roofs.

Co-ops can be formed between businesses, as well, so as to reduce the cost of purchasing equipment, and in sharing the knowledge base.

A couple of months ago the "Carbon Busters" group in the Duncan area sponsored a fantastic public event designed to kick-start a multiple-household purchasing arrangement to install solar hot water systems there. While this arrangement may not be a co-op as such, it has virtually all the markings of one. By working together the provincial government will further reduce the cost of installing systems on 20 roofs or more. Plus a contractor(s) can enjoy lowered operating costs when involved in a multiple-house installation. Win-win for everyone!

These co-ops (formal and informal) have been increasing in popularity around the world, and under the new administration there are taking off in the U.S. They make a lot of sense, not only on economical grounds, but also because they offer people in similar circumstances to get together and talk about energy in practical terms. The enthusiasm ends up being contagious (in a good way!), resulting in a greater uptake of renewable energy and energy efficiency.