hheathub.blogspot.com

Renewable Energy in Halton and Hamilton

2012-03-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

This HHEAT presentation put together by speaker Martin Ince discusses Renewable Energy in Halton and Hamilton as well as Opportunities for Co-Operatives Technology and Site Selection. It has been split into two parts to accommodate size. In Part 1 you can gain an overview of the electricity market as well as take a look at renewable wind energy technologies. In Part 2 you can take a further look at other renewable technologies. You will also be exposed to provincial programs and the basics of Ontario's Feed-In-Tariff.

Come out to the HHEAT's Building Renewable Energy Co-operatives 2012 Workshop Series!

2012-02-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

Dundas Town Hall, Council Chambers Feb 23rd
Lots of great questions at this workshop. People learned about the various ways to finance a renewable energy co-operative and to secure the money that is necessary for project start-up.
Harry French from Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA)lead this part of the workshop.

Graham Flint, our Technical Specialist with HHEAT, did a fantastic job of explaining creating a business plan formation and the risks associated with a project and how the co-op model can address them.
Thirty plus people attended this workshop.

HHEAT Business Plan

2012-02-27T09:03:00.000-08:00

In this HHEAT presentation, you can learn about what a business plan is and the purpose it serves within a co-operative. You can also learn about how these plans can be structures and gain an insight into each section of a plan from the executive summary right down to the marketing and operations planning section in addition to relevant resources and references to other related subject material.

What is the HHEAT Project?

2012-02-27T09:02:00.000-08:00

In this HHEAT presentation, you can gain a snapshot of what the HHEAT project is and what it is striving to achieve in Hamilton and Halton. You can also gain an introduction to renewable energy in Ontario, Community Power and next steps that you can take with regards to awareness, advocacy and education within your local community.

Co-op Financing Mechanisms and Business Plans

2012-02-27T08:41:00.003-08:00

In this HHEAT presentation, you can learn about co-op financing mechanisms and strategies. You can learn about the various ways to finance a renewable energy co-op, explore the differences between non-profit and for-profit models so that you can see which model can suit your co-op better in addition to what an Offering Statement and how it can be used at phase of co-op development.

An Introduction to Co-Operatives

2012-02-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

In this HHEAT presentation, you can learn about how the basics of co-ops and co-op formation, how the community renewable energy co-operative business model works and the basics of renewable energy installation technology and site selection.

HHEAT Community Power Presentation

2012-02-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

This HHEAT presentation has been split into two parts. In Part 1 you can gain an overview of the HHEAT project's goals and learn more about renewable energy in Ontario. In Part 2 you can learn about renewable's energy's relation to community power and the co-operative business model. You will also be exposed to the basics of co-operative structure and formation, Ontario's Green Energy and Green Economy Act and the funding/technical assistance that is available to help you get your own community renewable energy co-operative started.

Community Power Roadmap to Success Workshop Video

2012-02-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

Ontario green energy prices under review behind closed doors

2012-02-07T07:07:00.000-08:00

Province quietly reviewing

In closed rooms at Queen’s Park, bureaucrats and policy-makers are poring over submissions about how much you should pay for renewable energy.

Many of the submissions have not been publicly released.

And while the policy-makers labour in private, discussion among non-government officials has also been muted.

For example, a coalition of green energy groups assembled dozens of like-minded “thought leaders” for a discussion of Ontario’s renewable energy policy late last year. They decried the lack of public understanding of energy policy — then agreed that their own discussions should remain private.

Even the name of the closed-door process is obscure to most people; the feed-in tariff (FIT) review.

But its outcome will be very real, as it will determine the prices to be paid for much of the power generated by wind, solar and biomass, and the rules governing who is eligible for the program.

The newer forms of renewable power still makes up a relatively small component of Ontario’s power grid — less than 4 per cent of the electricity generated in Ontario in 2011.

Nevertheless, they’ve garnered a disproportionately high amount of attention, because of the relatively high prices they attract.

The regulated consumer price for power is in the range of 6.2 to 10.8 cents a kilowatt hour. But the two big renewable sources (other than water-generated hydro power) receive more: 13.5 cents for wind and solar from 44.3 cents up.

When the program was set up in 2009, however, the government promised to review it, including prices, in two years. That’s the process now under way.

Energy Minister Chris Bentley says the closed-door approach is appropriate.

“There may be some that have written some things that they’d rather not read about, out there, in the attempt to give us the best possible advice, and I’m respecting that. But what we say is going to be publicly available.”

Peter Tabuns, energy critic for the New Democratic Party, disagrees.

“Those who are involved in the industry, and the public, need to know what the ideas are that are on the table,” says Tabuns. “An open process serves us better than a closed one.”

Conservative energy critic Vic Fedeli thinks the whole feed-in tariff program is wrong-headed and beyond fixing.

But he, too, thinks that at least the ideas submitted should be public:

“I’d like to read what people have to say.”

What, exactly, are feed-in tariffs?

When first announced in 2009, the feed-in tariff system was designed “to provide guaranteed prices for renewable energy projects,” according to a government release.

Along with guaranteed prices, producers get guaranteed access to the power grid for all the energy they produce, plus a long-term contract.

Most FIT contracts in Ontario are for 20 years.

But the Liberal government did decree that the initial prices paid for renewable power would be reviewed after two years — the process now under way. The new prices will apply to contracts going forward, not to those already signed.

How long will the review take?

The Energy Ministry asked for public submissions, which were due in early December.

“I said I’d like it to finish in the first quarter, by the end of March,” Bentley said in an interview.

“We got thousands of submissions, almost 3,000,” he said. “And they weren’t one-liners. Some of the submissions ran to dozens or hundreds of pages. So the people who’ve been working on this review have been working hard.”

The review doesn’t just cover price. It looks at the whole program, including what kinds of projects are eligible for the program, and who owns them.

Will the review scale back on renewables?

Not a chance, according to Bentley.

“I’m very committed to renewable energy, to green energy. I think the public would like to know what shape that’s going to take in the future.”

“I think those in the industry would like to be reassured that we have not lost our enthusiasm, and would like to know what the rules are.”

Fedeli of the Conservatives has a sharply different point of view. He blames high power prices — in part driven by the FIT program — for driving jobs out of Ontario.

“I’ve found wind and solar to be more social engineering than good energy policy,” says Fedeli. The Tories would scrap FIT.

What sort of prices are being discussed?

With many of the submissions under wraps it’s hard to know, but some groups have been public about their recommendations.

The Canadian Wind Energy Association argues that the current wind power rate of 13.5 cents a kilowatt hour is “cost competitive” for big turbines. It recommends a schedule of higher rates for smaller turbines.

But there’s a general consensus that rates for solar power will decline, as the cost of solar panels keeps dropping.

A coalition of green energy groups has made a detailed submission suggesting solar rates ranging from 38 cents to 59 cents a kilowatt hour (the current range is 44.3 cents to 71.3 cents) It suggests giving a small bonus to solar developments on reclaimed industrial sites.

They suggest leaving the overall price of wind power about the same, but introducing a new system that over time would scale back the rate for larger turbines to 8.2 cents a kilowatt hour.

Is price the only topic up for grabs?

By no means.

There is a lot of discussion about who owns renewable energy projects.

Some critics think the current scene is dominated by big corporate players. They think renewable power projects — especially wind turbines — would be more readily accepted if they were more broadly owned.

“What I hope would come out of the review would be a far greater emphasis on community and public ownership,” says Peter Tabuns, energy critic for the New Democrats.

“That’s needed to address political issues. But it’s also needed to ensure that more of the money that goes into the electricity system stays in Ontario.”

Toronto Star

10.8 cents

The top end of the regulated price consumers pay for one kilowatt hour

13.5 cents

The price companies are paid for one kWh of generated wind power

71.3 cents

The top end of what companies are paid for one kWh of solar power

Powerful - Energy for Everyone!

2012-02-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

Powerful - Energy for Everyone! A documentary by David Chernushenko Thu Feb 9, 2012, Milton, ON

Flick the switch, turn the key, press the button and then pay the bill. Multiply that by six billion and you’ve got a picture of energy consumption on Earth today. We’re hard-wired to a conventional energy system that drives our transportation, powers our communications and is the lifeline to industry and commerce. Despite the benefits, we know that this system is regrettably depleting our resources, polluting our air and affecting global climate change. Guaranteed access to energy is no longer being taken for granted and the quest for “energy security” has become the buzz-word behind global trade relations and even a justification for conflict.

For more information, go to- http://www.powerfulthemovie.com/

Thursday Feb. 9th at 6:30 pm, DOORS OPEN 6:00 pm
At: South Side Community Church 7480 Derry Rd. (S. side), W. of Ontario St.

Rsvp miltongreen.ontario (at) gmail.com 905-878-0995

Presented by MiltonGreen Environmental Association
(sustainable solutions to preserve Milton’s environment)in collaboration with partners Hamilton Halton Energy Awareness Team (HHEAT), Halton Environmental Network (HEN) with funding from Greening Sacred Spaces (GSS) and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

- A FREE EVENT.
- MONETARY DONATIONS
GRACIOUSLY ACCEPTED.
- REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED.

"This project has received funding support from the Ontario Power
Authority through the Community Energy Partnership Programs. Such
support does not indicate endorsement by the Ontario Power
Authority or the Province of Ontario of the content of this material."

For more information:
Contact Name: ANUJA RAMGOOLAM
E-mail: here.anujar (at) gmail.com

Powerful: Energy for Everyone

www.powerfulthemovie.com

Powerful: Energy Security for Everyone - a documentary by David Chernushenko

START A RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKING GROUP IN YOUR COMMUNITY TODAY!

2012-02-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

START A RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKING GROUP IN YOUR COMMUNITY TODAY!

Ready to join a working group? If you’re feeling inspired and want to take action from the ‘idea’ stage and on to the next step, then you might want to get a working group going in your own community. The HHEAT team can get help get you started by providing you and your group members with ideas, resources to support you all throughout this group development phase.
*A working group can be defined as a group of two or more individuals that work together."

Your first task is to seek other like-minded individuals from within your community.
To start a renewable energy co-operative you need at least five members that are 100% committed, but to initiate the start up of a working group, there is no set limit! Obviously, the more people you have interested in your co-op idea the better.

Start talking to people you think might also be interested in a renewable energy project. It could be anyone in your community like someone from your sports group, a local interest club, the workplace, a religious group, your friends and family.

The HHEAT Team can help walk you through this process and address any questions or concerns that you may have.
Be sure to attend the upcoming HHEAT workshops for free advice, on the spot consulting about co-op development.
We will have resources and information, and an opportunity to round up some members to form your community working group.

Note that there are already people gathering in your community to get a feel for the level of interest out there to get a renewable energy co-operative going.
HHEAT will be facilitating the meeting of interested persons!

For more information contact the Halton Project Coordinator Anuja at here.anujar@gmail.com or the Hamilton Project Coordinator Beatrice at hheat@environmenthamilton.org
Visit our HHEAT blog at http://hheathub.blogspot.com/.

Hamilton Workshop January 25th

2012-02-02T08:52:00.001-08:00

Great turn out of 30 people! Thanks to all for attending.

HHEAT Building Community Power Workshop Series 2012 in Halton Region!

2012-01-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

Building Community Power Co-operatively Workshops 2012!

The HHEAT kicked off the first of a series of workshops for 2012, on Tuesday the 24^th of January at the Oakville Town Hall. It was an engaging workshop with much discussion and interaction amongst attendees, the speakers and the HHEAT members.

Mr. Bill Thompson of Blue Green Canada, delivered the first half of the workshop where he reinforced the ideology of community power and it’s relation to renewable energy. He also spent some time explaining the principles and requirements of co-op development, making connections and had a lot to share from his professional background at Blue Green Canada and Environmental Defence. The second half of the workshop was presented by Mr. Martin Ince, a local Project Developer of M.K. Ince and Associates Ltd. His presentation was more focused upon how a working group can choose their potential site using both solar and wind examples and calculations to demonstrate his rationale. How to determine the suitability/feasibility of your site, site control and available technology and economics as well as the provincial legislation and acts that govern these actions were also looked at in depth via the use of some local maps and areas that were familiar to the attendees of the workshop.

At the end, there were much questions and concerns from the workshop attendees and each of the speakers and the HHEAT members, were able to address them accordingly. We encourage all participants to attend all workshops if possible so that they can learn as much as they can and truly benefit from this overall process. For 2012, we have four more workshops (two in Hamilton and two in Halton) left to come:

Come out to the HHEAT's Building Renewable Energy Co-operatives 2012 Workshop Series!

Financing Mechanisms & the Co-operative Model/ Business plan formation.

Learn about the various ways to finance (capitalize) a renewable energy co-operative and to secure the money that is necessary for project start-up. Harry French, Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA).

Learn business plan formation and the risks associated with a project and how the co-op model can address them.Graham Flint, Technical Specialist, HHEAT.

Halton: Tuesday, February 21st, 2012. Burlington Central Library from 6.00-9.00pm.

Hamilton: Thursday, February 23rd, 2012. Council Chambers Dundas Town Hall from 6.30-9.30pm.

Principles of Co-op Promotion & Maintenance

Learn the basics of developing the internal structure of your co-op’s team and the formation of the steering committee, members and the board of directors.
Learn also about co-op incorporation in Ontario, how to devise a marketing plan for your co-op and maintaining your co-op’s momentum and progress over time.

Peter Cameron, Co-op Development Manager at the Ontario Co-operative organization and Bill Thompson (Blue Green Canada).

Halton: Tuesday, March 20th 2012. Milton Sports Centre from 6.30-9.30pm.

Hamilton: Thursday, March 22nd 2012. Beasley Community Centre from 6.00-9.00pm.

If you have an idea or suggestion as to what you would like to see or learn more about within the HHEAT workshops, feel free to contact us directly. You can contact the Project Coordinator Anuja at here.anujar@gmail.com for more information or visit our HHEAT blog at http://hheathub.blogspot.com/.

A Co-operative Approach to Going Solar

2012-01-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

by Energy Matters

A growing number of people are starting renewable energy schemes in their communities through co-operatives and other forms of collaboration.

A recent report from Co-operatives UK and The Co-operative Group states 43 communities are in the process of or already producing renewable energy by investing money to install solar panels, large wind turbines or hydro-electric power in their area.

£16 million has been invested by over 7,000 people in these schemes, which include a £2 million wind farm and a 98kW solar photovoltaic installation on the roof of a brewery.

The report says green economy co-operatives are the most rapidly growing part of the UK co-op sector, jumping 24% since 2008.

In addition to these co-operatives' efforts seeing clean, renewable energy being supplied to their communities, there is also a financial return to participants through the sale of electricity produced.

The co-operative approach covered in the report basically works like this:

- A core group establishes the feasibility of a project, a process that may be assisted by a grant or the advice from other co-ops or non-profits.

- A share prospectus outlining the business plan, expected return on investment and other benefits is published and marketed locally.

- All investors become members of the co-op.

- Once sufficient funding is raised, which may also involve a bank loan, the facility is constructed.

- Members receive a return and decide how profits will be allocated.

Paul Monaghan of The Co-operative Group says the potential for a community-led clean energy revolution in the UK is huge.

AGRIS Co-operative Returns $786,000 to its Farmer-Owners!

2012-01-17T06:23:00.000-08:00

AGRIS Co-operative Ltd.

January 16, 2012 12:56 ET

AGRIS Co-operative Returns $786,000 to its Farmer-Owners

CHATHAM, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 16, 2012) - An income before tax of $1.7 million for 2011 was reported by AGRIS Co-operative Ltd. board president, Larry Pajot to the co-operative's shareholders at its annual meeting held at Club Lentinas, in Chatham. Based on these results, Pajot announced that the board of directors has declared a patronage of $375,000 in addition to the $411,000 paid on interest bearing investments.

In his year-end report, Larry Pajot told owners that, "In 2011 AGRIS has been celebrating 90 years of serving its owners. Our owners are technology savvy, aggressive and competitive. With our net income we re-invest a large portion to modernize our operations." It was also reported that with direction from its owners, AGRIS Co-operative sponsored a new sister co-operative, AGRIS Solar Co-operative. "This is now a standalone company and the largest solar co-operative in Ontario," Pajot added.

AGRIS Co-operative general manager Jim Campbell reviewed the operational highlights of 2011 for owners. Campbell highlighted that during its first full five years of operation, sales have increased significantly. "More importantly, profitability has been positive during these past five years allowing us to distribute more than $1.5 million in patronage back to our owners," says Campbell. Retained earnings have nearly doubled to $10.3 million with AGRIS owners investing $8.7 million in the co-operative, an increase of 35 per cent since 2006. "This increased owner investment and retained earnings has allowed the AGRIS board of directors to have aggressive capital spending budgets, increasing our grain storage capacity, custom application capabilities and overall maintain and expand our physical assets," added Campbell.

GROWMARK Ontario region manager, Claude Gauthier was a guest speaker who did a presentation on "2012 The International Year of Co-operatives," being celebrated around the world. "AGRIS owners should be proud of their contributions to agriculture and the community," says Gauthier. "AGRIS is a key member-owner of GROWMARK, the 54^th largest co-operative in the world," added Gauthier.

The owners of AGRIS Co-operative also acknowledged the service and contributions of Pat Vanheule and Ken Barrette who are leaving the board with a commemorative plaque. The election of five directors for the co-operative was held and re-elected to a three-year term was Kim Fysh from the Thamesville area, Jim Maw from Mooretown, Stan Towers from Glencoe and newly elected was Stan Gillier from Chatham and John Nooyen from Kent Bridge. The board of directors met immediately after the meeting and conducted the election of officers. The following were elected; as president- Larry Pajot, vice-president - Jim Maw and secretary - Paul Repko.

AGRIS Co-operative Ltd. is a one-hundred-per-cent farmer-owned grain marketing and farm-input supply company that serves 1,200 farmer owners in 14 locations in Essex, Kent, Elgin, Middlesex and Lambton Counties. It is a leader in precision farming technology, seed, agronomy and petroleum services. The co-operative is a partner of Great Lakes Grain, a grain merchandising company. AGRIS Co-operative is a member-owner of GROWMARK, Inc. and markets products and services under the FS banner.

Visit http://www.agris.coop and www.fssystem.com for more information.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

Here's to the year of the co-op!
We have many workshops for you in the upcoming months. Here's a start:

HHEAT Workshop Outline 2012:
3 specialized workshops between Jan-May (excluding the summit).

1) Overview of Co-ops and other models, Selection of Technology and Site Selection.
January:
Halton: 24/01/12, Oakville Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Rd. 6.30-9.30pm
Hamilton: 25/01/12 Laidlaw United Church, 155 Ottawa St. Hamilton 6.30-9.30pm

-Bill Thompson, Director of Blue-Green Canada.
-Martin Ince- Project Developer, M.K. Ince and Associate Ltd, Renewable Energy and Environmental Consulting

2) Financial Considerations and Developing a Business Plan
February:
Halton: 21/02/12, Burlington Central Library,2331 New St.. 6-9pm
Hamilton: 23/02/12 Council Chambers Dundas Town Hall 6.30-9.30pm

-Harry French- Director, Community Power Services Group, OSEA
-Graham Flint, HERE group/Solar and Technical Specialist

3) Co-op Administration and Promotion
March:
Halton: 20/03/12, Milton Sports Centre,605 Santa Maria Blvd. 6.30-9.30pm
Hamilton: 22/03/12 Beasley Community Centre,145 Wilson St, Hamilton. 6-9pm
-Bill Thompson, Director of Blue-Green Canada
-Peter Cameron, Co-op Development Manager, Ontario Co-operative Association

2012 . International Year of the Co-operative (Co-op).

2011-12-16T12:18:00.000-08:00

2012 has been recognised as the International Year of Co-operatives by the United Nations. This is an acknowledgement by the international community that co-operatives drive the economy, respond to social change, are resilient to the global economic crisis and are serious, successful businesses creating jobs in all sectors.

Co-operatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility.
- Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General

The Cooperators tell us why co-ops are better!

2011-12-13T08:49:00.000-08:00

Why co-ops are better

The Co-operators Group Limited (CGL) is a Canadian-owned co-operative with over 65 years of history. Our member-owners include co-operatives, credit union centrals and organizations that operate using co-operative principles. From communities across the country, they represent a variety of sectors, including agriculture, finance, service, retail/consumer, health and labour.

Business based on shared values

Our business decisions are guided by our co-operative principles, so the need for profitability is balanced with the needs of our member-owners and their communities. Making people a priority and taking a long-term view of business decisions makes The Co-operatorsfundamentally different from most insurance companies.

It's In Our Name

What is a co-operative?

Generally speaking, a co-operative is a business owned and democratically controlled by the people who use its services. The user-owners are called members and they benefit in two ways from the co-operative:

Products and services are customized to suit their needs
Profits are distributed to members based on the amount of business they do with the co-operative.

Co-operatives can provide almost any product or service, can be either non-profit or for-profit organizations, and thrive equally in urban and rural centres.

What’s the difference between co-ops and corporations?

Co-operatives are community-based organizations that care not only about their business’ bottom line, but also about their members’ needs and the quality of life in their communities. Co-ops and credit unions successfully compete in the marketplace without abandoning the values and principles that set them apart from other business models. Co-operatives and credit unions differ from other businesses in terms of purpose, control structure and allocation of profit.

For more informaiton please go to: http://www.cooperators.ca/en/About-Us/why-coops-are-better.aspx

HHEAT Workshop in Burlington!

2011-12-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

The HHEAT hosted its third and final introductory workshop for 2011 in Halton last night at the Burlington Central Library. This event was held collaboratively with the assistance of local green pioneers Burlington Green as part of their 2011 AGM's event 'Burlington: Our Energy Future". There was a huge turnout as more than 70 people came out for an evening of discussion, networking and fostering community connections. With noted speakers such from Mayor Goldring, Amy Schnurr, Ken Woodruff and HHEAT's very own Jeff Harti, it was a lively and engaging atmosphere that sparked and heightened interest locally towards renewable energy and community power. We would like to thank everyone for coming out and we urge you to keep in touch with us by joining our HHEAT blog, visiting our websites and getting in contact with the HHEAT Coordinator: Anuja at here.anujar@gmail with any questions or comments about the project or the upcoming 2012 workshops.

Case Studies on the CEPP website

2011-11-30T10:53:00.000-08:00

Check out case studies of renewable energy projects here in Ontario. Who qualifies, who is already online, who is getting there.
Fit Grant Recipients

A dead heat - crematorium to sell power for National Grid (UK).

2011-11-29T11:58:00.000-08:00

Durham Crematorium wants to install turbines in two of its burners, which would use the heat generated during the cremation process to provide the same amount of electricity as would power 1,500 televisions.
A third burner is to be used to provide heating for the site's chapel and its offices.
The scheme would be the first of its kind in the UK but industry experts say that it could be followed by other similar projects.
Many crematoria are currently replacing their furnaces, to meet government targets on preventing mercury emissions from escaping into the atmosphere.
Read more here.

Mohawk College lands $2.2m energy boost

2011-11-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

Mohawk College is getting $2.2 million over five years from the federal government.
The grant is part of a $13-million program being handed out to 18 community colleges across the country.
Under the Innovation Enhancement Grant it will support a new research centre in energy technology at the college.
The centre will undertake an applied research project aimed at solving the problem of connecting small scale locale power generation technologies like solar panels and wind turbines to the existing power grid.
The project will include construction of a micro-powered grid to test generation distribution and protection systems.
The college will work with Horizon Utilities, General Electric and McMaster University among others.

Burlington:Our Energy Future

2011-11-22T09:04:00.000-08:00

BURLINGTON: OUR ENERGY FUTURE

HHEAT Building Community Power Co-operatively Workshop in Burlington!

THE HHEAT 3rd and final introductory workshop will be part of the Burlington Green's AGM.

FREE event: November 30 @ Central Public Library (2331 New St., Burlington, ON).

•6:00 pm: BurlingtonGreen Annual General Meeting (Public welcome)

•6:30 pm: Visit Clean Energy Vendors

•7:00 pm: Why Renewable Energy? (multi-media presentation) What is Community Power? (Keynote by Burlington Mayor) Take ACTION & reap the benefits ! (H.H.E.A.T.)

In this introductory HHEAT workshop you will learn about the benefits of renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro and bio-energy). You will also be introduced to the concept of community power (locally-controlled and decentralized energy systems) and begin exploring the potential for locally-owned, community renewable energy co-operatives. Find out how you can invest in renewable energy as part of a collective of investors.

•8:30 pm: Closing Comments & FREE raffle

For more information about HHEAT, please contact Anuja at 647-880-4656 or here.anujar@gmail.com.

2011-11-21T18:16:00.001-08:00

Guidelines for development of renewable energy co-operatives in Ontario

View more presentations from MaRS Discovery District

Minister of Energy delivers keynote for Community Power Awards

2011-11-20T08:20:00.001-08:00

Minister of Energy delivers keynote for Community Power Awards

Nov 15th, 2011 3:28 PM

Media Release

(TORONTO, ON November 15, 2011) The Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) 2011 Community Power Awards were presented last night during the Green Connection banquet & awards ceremony. The award winners are individuals who have made significant contributions to the Community Power movement in Ontario and globally.

The award presentation followed a keynote speech by Chris Bentley, Ontario's Minister of Energy.

The awards were presented by Kristopher Stevens, the Executive Director of OSEA.

The 2011 award winners are:

Community Power Leader
Award winner: Mike Brigham, President of TREC Solar Share

International Community Power Leader
Award winner: Stefan Gsänger, World Wind Energy Association, Secretary General, since WWEA's foundation in 2001

Urban Community Power Leader
Award winner: Farrah Khan, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

Aboriginal Community Power Leader
Award winner: Byron LeClair, Director of Community Development, Pic River First Nation

Rural Community Power Leader
Award Winner: Don McCabe, Vice-President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The Community Power Conference 2011 is Ontario's single largest annual gathering of Community Power producers, proponents and supporters. Together with the Power Networking Centre trade show, the conference attracts industry regulators, commercial and Community Power generators, farmers and First Nation and Métis delegations.

For more information, contact: Nicole Risse at nicole@ontario-sea.org or (416) 977-4441 ext. 5205

The Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA), works to initiate, facilitate and support the work of local sustainable energy organizations through membership services and province wide capacity-building and non-partisan policy work. It promotes the benefits of Community Power and renewable energy through advocacy, public outreach and capacity building.

Link: http://huffstrategy.com/MediaManager/release/Ontario-Sustainable-Energy-Association/15-11-11/Minister-of-Energy-delivers-keynote-for-Community-Power-Awards/2384.html

For More Solar Energy, Occupy Rooftops

2011-11-19T07:31:00.000-08:00

Occupy Wall Street protesters may have been kicked out of Zuccotti Park, but the movement has inspired efforts around the country to fight back against economic injustice. One such effort is planned for this weekend, when communities who want to increase the prevalence of solar power can Occupy Rooftops.

The organization behind Occupy Rooftops, Solar Mosaic, is trying to revolutionize how communities fund solar. The idea of Sunday’s event is to show that “anyone, anywhere can start a community solar project to create jobs and clean energy in their community,” says Lisa Curtis, Solar Mosaic’s communications manager. Solar Mosaic helps communities fund solar projects, which are often unaffordable for organizations on tight budgets, by appealing for crowdsourced investments of $100. For Occupy Rooftops, the group has recruited partners including climate campaigners 350.org, solar provider Sungevity, and environmental powerhouses like the Sierra Club.
Read the full article here.

OSEA's Community Power 2011

2011-11-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a report from the OSEA Community Power Conference 2012 that I attended on November 15th, 2012.

Moving Community Power forward: Setting the Agenda for 2012

This was a closed working session by invitation only. The morning started with key note speaker John Restakis, executive director of B.C. Co-operative Association and author of Humanizing the Economy: Co-operatives in the Age of Capital.

The presentation was absolutely inspiring and gave us as pause to reflect on the following themes: community mobilization, public accountability going beyond simply the production of energy.
Restakis who is the director of the B.C. renewable Energy Co-operative talked about the co-operative city (of which Vancouver hopes to me one). Check out this essential document:

http://www.bcca.coop/sites/bcca.coop/files/The_Co-operative_City_June_11.pdf

The cooperative city BCCA co-op and how municipalities can team up with the community.

Restakis talked about the relationship to municipality. I was excited by his ideas of a co-op as a structural mechanism to deliver a larger frame of reference-that is, including political bodies like municipalities.
In Italy (Amelia, Umbria) the AGACC Co-op consists of members who are municipalities. They have combined to create a region-wide association. Orders of cooperation become larger and larger when cities know how to work together.

Co-ops extend responsibility for sustainable energy. In promoting a sustainable city, co-ops bring an educational component (a key co-op mission)beyond simply the production of energy.

Beyond Capital: Co-ops add value to the city. It's social capital, enhancing the community connection, community mobilization and public accountability.
Co-ops promote community interaction and reciprocity.
The concern is that there is a growing sense of isolation, disconnection and disengagement-both on the personal and social front.
Co-ops demand that people work together around social goals, regenerate reciprocity, co-ops build community. Link it to the recreation and building of community. Basically, if the city wants to build sustainablity that is going to last, it has to think about how it is going to engage its citizens. It has to think about systems that can outlast political agendas. How do you build in the institutional supports that will carry through? is the question Restakis asks.
We need community base and infrastructure with deep community roots.

Groups participating in the conference were asked for their vision for renewable energy in 2018.
One group suggested we look at the German example where Community Power (CP)is institutionalized. That means prioritizing CP, facilitating its financing, making CP product RRSP eligible and so on.Other suggestions included getting connected as neighbourhood hubs/energy hubs and tying Community Power in with local food movement.
After this we heard from Judith Lipp (ED of TREC) and JJ McMurtry of York University on the topic of Measuring the Co-op Difference (sshrc/cura funded).

CP groups include co-ops, educational institutions, municipalities, First Nations. We were asked for our input into the social advantage and market advantage of community owned versus commercially owned projects as well as the disadvantages of each.
Some advantages of community owned include localized economic development, less 'nimbyism' while with the commercial projects more jobs, capacity building, purchasing power, security.
Co-ops have a much higher survival rate- built in democratic process.
Some challenges: for CP the regulatory process in daunting, FSCO,CIA,OPA)

We heard in one group that Infrastructure Ontario for non profit organizations has funding available.

Afternoon session:
Community power public offerings and community power project finance.
We heard from various co-op directors including Andrew Clarke from Agris Solar Co-op (100% owned by farmers). Sparksolar runs and manages the co-op.
Also Mark Labbe from Options for Green Energy who is helping to facilitate Halls Pond solar co-operative (a 7.5MW system with a $26 million capital cost, 8 million community bonds and 600-8000 members).
Labbe talked about his work with Guelph Solar Community co-operative ( 20-40 members). We heard from Mark Powell: Waterpower Projects 15% Renewable Energy Co-op, Radicle Consulting and St Agatha Wind Project with LIFE in Kitchener Waterloo.
We learned about early stage financing, what investors like to see, how lenders think and the financial challenges for a CP project.
According to the OPA, there is only 1000W-2,000W available on the grid.

Putting more wind in offshore project’s sails

2011-11-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

Putting more wind in offshore project’s sails
Lisa Grace Marr. From the Spec.com. Tue Nov 15 2011

Several large Hamilton companies such as McKeil Marine and Bermingham Foundation Solutions have joined a larger Lake Ontario consortium to encourage the development of offshore wind power projects.

The consortium is called LOON — Lake Ontario Offshore Network — and includes a group of regional manufacturers and suppliers with the qualifications and skills specific to building large offshore wind power projects.

The aim of LOON is to put pressure on the provincial government to withdraw its moratorium on offshore wind projects, a move it made in February, suggesting that more scientific research is required.

The Ministry of Energy issued a statement suggesting it would be monitoring a freshwater project in Sweden and a pilot project in Ohio before lifting the ban.

It caused a tailspin for several green energy companies including Windstream Energy which had the only feed-in-tariff contract for a project to build 100 three-megawatt turbines in the Wolfe Island area outside Kingston. Each would stand 100 metres tall.

An economic impact study for Windstream last December said the total project investment would be $1.36 billion, of which $700 million would remain in Ontario. It would also generate about 1,900 jobs during the five-year construction phase and 175 operational jobs over 20 years.

Randi Rahamim, a spokesperson for Windstream, said the time has come to gather forces to get the government to lift the moratorium.

“New York, Ohio and other places in Ontario are also looking at building these offshore projects. These are beginning to move quickly and it’s whoever is first wins. This is to get the experience and the expertise to do these and turn around and sell that expertise to New York and Ohio. Ontario desperately needs jobs.”

Paulo Pessoa, VP business development, projects, at McKeil, said the company worked in 2008 and 2009 with Windstream, transporting equipment to Wolfe Island for a land wind power project.

He said the new larger project would likely mean employment for about 45 to 60 employees over three years to transport goods to the construction site.

“Offshore wind energy has lots of potential as an industry,” said Pessoa. “Everybody was disappointed about the moratorium on the project. We could realize so many jobs out of this.”

Pessoa said if the government lifts the moratorium; it could be several years before the project could start due to the need for studies on the environment and other factors.

“We need to work together and stick together. (The wind turbine project is) not going to be around other people, it’s not going to be an eyesore, it’s in the middle of the lake.”

Rahamim said the economic impact of the project would be significant for Hamilton in the number of jobs created and in generated revenue.

Other local members of the consortium include steel fabricators Walters Inc. for its underwater welding of towers, McKeil for transporting towers and cranes, Bermingham for foundation drillings, the Hamilton Port Authority for assembly and trans-shipment space and Samuel, Son & Co. as steel providers.

Rahamim said Windstream has requested a meeting with the premier to discuss the issue, hopefully before the end of the year.

HHEAT Community Meeting in Milton!

2011-11-17T12:29:00.000-08:00

The Hamilton Halton Energy Awareness Team hosted its second introductory community power workshop at Landscape Ontario, Milton on Wednesday 16th November, 2011.

There was a high level of interest among local people as they came out, enjoyed the presentation and had many specific questions for HHEAT's Technical Specialist: Jeff Harti.

Of the top concerns for the night were the FIT and MicroFIT program review and predictions, questions about the content for the 2012 Workshops, solar logistics, requests for more information and follow-up meetings.

The next Halton 'Building Community Power Co-operatively" Workshop will be held on Wednesday 30th November, 2011 at the Burlington Central Library from 6.00-8.30pm in conjunction with local hub Burlington Green. For more information please contact Anuja at here.anujar@gmail.com or call 647-880-4656.

Boys and Girls Club of London, On

2011-11-17T07:05:00.001-08:00

Check out this video and see how this co-operative got a 138 KW project on their roof top.

FIT and MicroFIT Review Deadline

2011-11-14T17:18:00.000-08:00

Ontario is moving forward with its commitment to review the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Program. The review will consider a range of issues, including but not limited to:

· FIT price reduction
· ensuring the long-term sustainability of clean energy procurement
· continuing to build on the success of Ontario-based manufacturing
· consideration of new technologies and fuel sources
· local consultations and the renewable approval process (REA).
As a result of this review, new prices and rules for FIT contracts will be carefully developed to balance the interests of ratepayers with the need to encourage investments in new clean energy in Ontario. Ontarians can provide feedback by answering an online survey or making a written submission at www.Ontario.ca/FITreview until December 14, 2011.

The microFIT Program review was announced on October 31. Consultations will continue until December 14, 2011. During this period, microFIT applications will continue to be accepted and time-stamped, but they will not be processed until the new version of the Rules and pricing schedule are available.

Rule change for new microFIT applications

The OPA has made a rule change that applies to all microFIT applications submitted on or after December 8, 2010. Applicants will need to obtain an offer to connect from their local distribution company before the OPA issues a microFIT conditional offer of contract. As a reminder, if you have submitted a microFIT application, it is very important for you to speak to your local distribution company about connecting your project to the grid before proceeding with your project.

Community Power Roadmap to Success: OSEA Workshop Nov 9th 2011

2011-11-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

Join us for a hands-on experiential workshop where we walk you through a prospect for a project that will give you the basic tools required to get a community solar power project started in your own community.

No previous experience required other than a desire to be part of Ontario's renewable future.

Experts will guide you through an interactive discussion.

http://ontario-sea.org/Page.asp?PageID=924&ContentID=3359

When:Wednesday, November 9, 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Where:Central Branch - Hamilton Public Library
55 York Boulevard

Building Community Power Co-operatively!

2011-10-29T11:11:00.001-07:00

The Hamilton Halton Energy Awareness Team (HHEAT) presents:

Building Community Power Co-operatively!

In this introductory workshop you will learn about the benefits of renewable energy (solar, wind, bio-energy and hydro).

You will also be introduced to the idea of Community Power (locally-controlled, decentralized energy systems) and begin exploring the potential for local, community-owned renewable energy co-operatives.

Find out how you can invest in renewable energy as collective investors.

Date: Wednesday 16TH NOVEMBER, 2011.

Location: Landscape Ontario, 7856 5th Line South (between Steeles Ave. and 401), Milton

Time: 7.00 - 9.30pm

For more information contact Anuja at 647-880-4656 or here.anujar@gmail.com

SOLAR TOURS!

2011-10-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

What: A neighbourhood Solar Tour of three Milton properties.

Who: Anyone who is interested in renewable energy and solar power!

Where: Three different residential solar installations across Milton, starting point will be the northwestern corner of Derry Road and Ontario St. N.

When: 1.00pm-4.00pm on Sunday 6th November, 2011.

Cost: FREE!

Contact: here.anujar@gmail.com or 647-880-4656, Halton Environmental Network

Frequently asked questions about green energy in Ontario.

2011-10-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

Published Sept. 20, 2011

By Tim Weis

Ontario has taken the laudable step of closing down its entire fleet of coal-fired power plants — a move supported across partisan lines. This, however, is but one of the many changes that is coming to Ontario's electricity system.

Tim Weis, director of renewable energy & energy efficiency, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the role that renewable energy could play in the future of electricity generation in Ontario.

Learn more

Link

http://www.pembina.org/pub/2272

Renewable is Doable!

2011-10-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Latest Updates

August 2010

Green energy key to avoiding steep nuclear costs in Ontario: report

Ontario's Green Energy Plan 2.0 shows value of investing in green energy

Renewable is Doable's latest report outlines how Ontario could save money by replacing the retiring Pickering nuclear station with green energy options such as wind power, solar and biogas.

Last summer, Ontario suspended its purchase of two new replacement reactors when their cost reportedly topped $26 billion — $20 billion more than expected in 2007.

This report, Ontario's Green Energy Plan 2.0, shows that a mix of green energy technologies and conservation acquired through the government's Green Energy Act would be 12 to 48 per cent cheaper than buying new reactors to replace the aging Pickering nuclear station, which is set to close in 2020 due to high maintenance costs.

Read the media release.

Download the report .

Link:

http://www.renewableisdoable.com/

HHEAT at the Dundas Town Hall

2011-10-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Close to 40 people came out to the "Building Community Power Co-operatively" workshop on Tuesday night. Jeff Harti gave a presentation that inspired many ideas, questions and interest in pursuing the co-op model for generating locally generated energy and decentralising energy production in Ontario.

Again, like in the previous meets, participants requested more examples of how co-ops actually work.
Their wish shall be fulfilled at upcoming workshops slated to take place in the new year.

In the mean time, keep checking this blog for workshops pertaining to community power.

Environment Hamilton is partnering with OSEA to deliver a workshop called
Community Power Roadmap to Success

When:Wednesday, November 9, 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Where:Central Branch - Hamilton Public Library

55 York Boulevard

This is a hands-on experiential workshop where you will be walked through a prospect for a project that will give you the basic tools required to get a community solar power project started in your own community.
No previous experience required other than a desire to be part of Ontario's renewable future.

Experts will guide you through an interactive discussion.

http://ontario-sea.org/Page.asp?PageID=924&ContentID=3359

Liberals re-elected-GEA lives on in Ontario.

2011-10-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

Liberals re-elected in Ontario: Green Energy Act and feed-in-tariff program live on

Happy to report that the re-election of the Ontario Liberal government last night means the province’s landmark Green Energy Act, which gave birth to the continent’s first comprehensive Euro-style feed-in-tariff program, has survived its first major challenge. The opposition Progressive Conservative party vowed to scrap the FIT program if elected and neuter the green energy legislation that has brought billions of dollars of investment to Ontario, thousands of jobs, and a new economic pathway for a province that needs to reinvent itself for the 21st century.

The election outcome means the admittedly far-from-perfect FIT will remain and the legislation protected, at least for a few years — enough time for these ambitious initiatives to prove their worth to Ontarians. In many ways, the fact Premier Dalton McGuinty’s Liberals were left 1 seat short of a majority government is a good thing, as it forces the government to consider and take seriously some legitimate concerns with how the FIT has rolled out and the lack of attention paid to energy conservation initiatives. The New Democratic Party of Ontario, which won 17 seats, are generally supportive of both the GEA and the FIT, but the fact they hold the balance of power could — and should — nudge the Liberal government to improve its approach.

1. The NDP has been rightly critical of the Liberals for their lack of attention to energy conservation programs, so perhaps now they can light a fire under the Liberals, which have done some important things on conservation but recently have only paid lip-service to it, despite the fact it’s the best and most permanent way — from both a cost and environmental perspective — to create jobs and reduce the province’s dependence on fossil fuels.

2. Expect the NDP to also force the government’s hand on the nuclear file — specifically plans to build two new reactors at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. Can we afford it? Does it make sense? Would the money be better spent on deep energy conservation efforts and programs to help low-income Ontarians deal with the energy transition taking place in this province?

3. The NDP’s idea of putting all the power back in the hands of a re-constituted Ontario Hydro is flawed beyond belief, but certainly one can envision a new role for Ontario Power Generation. Why not let OPG develop renewables such as wind, particularly in the far north, in a way that still respects the need for independent power developers and the partly competitive market we currently have? It won’t be easy, but certainly the question should be asked. Letting OPG put some flesh in the game could also change the dialogue with the Power Workers’ Union, which has bashed the McGuinty green energy plan partly — if not mostly — because it threatens the jobs of its unionized workers at coal and nuclear plants.

4. I would hope the Liberals, backed by the NDP, also put pressure on Hydro One, which many believe has purposely dragged its feet when it comes to upgrading transmission and distribution to accommodate green energy projects, in hopes the PCs would win the election last night. Sorry folks — your wish didn’t come true. Time to deliver on what your shareholder has asked you to do. And if Hydro One can’t do it, perhaps the government should consider the idea of permitting merchant lines in Ontario, allowing private-sector transmission developers to enter the game to fill a vacuum left behind by our public utility.

5. Finally, the NDP did seem to emphasize a need to listen to the concerns of municipalities more closely. The Liberals were too dismissive of local concerns when the GEA and FIT were launched, declaring they would have no tolerance for NIMBYism. Well, obviously that wasn’t an issue when it came to natural gas power plant protests, so the Libs have exposed themselves as hypocritical on this file. Some of those protesting wind farms in rural Ontario are extreme, and they will never be pleased. But many have more legitimate and addressable concerns that need to be heard and, when possible and reasonable, acted on. The government needs to show more goodwill in this area, otherwise it will never get the rural buy-in that it desperately needs for Ontario’s green-energy future to remain bright.

Anyway, these are just some of my initial thoughts. Please consider this an open thread. I’m interested in hearing other views out there.

Community Power Fund

2011-10-17T09:57:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Community Power Fund
The Community Power Fund (CP Fund) was established in 2007 to support project development activities of Ontario-based community organizations pursuing local renewable energy projects, through the provision of a number of financing instruments to support community power, including grants, loans and investment equity.

These instruments include the Community Power Fund grant program, the Community Energy Partnerships Program, and Community Power Capital. For more information, please visit the CP Financing page.

Corporate Structure
The Fund is incorporated as a non-profit, co-operative corporation. The Community Power Fund is governed by a 10 member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for hiring and managing the CPF Executive Director, selecting the Technical Evaluation Committee members, and making the final approval decisions on the applications received.

The Fund was founded by the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) and three of its founding and current Directors are Directors of OSEA. Each of the Fund Directors has a three-year term. Directors wishing to continue beyond that term must be approved by the Board.

OSEA'S Community Power Services Group!

2011-10-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

The Community Power Services Group (CPSG) is OSEA's service wing. We assist community groups and individuals in developing their own renewable energy projects.

We understand that community-based organizations and individual residents may not have the financial or human resources to perform all the feasibility, design & development activities involved in building a renewable power project. Therefore, in addition to our wide range ofservices, we start by helping our clients to secure grant funding to cover project development costs. The main funder of community power projects in Ontario is the Community Energy Partnership Program (CEPP).

Our team and our network are determined to provide the capacity needed for your renewable energy project to become a success! Please feel free to view our community projects to get a better idea of our experience and focus.

For more information on our services please take a look at our brochures:

Community groups should examine this brochure:
Community Power Services Group: Helping people and the planet profit by generating renewable energy ()
- Community groups are typically co-operatives, not-for-profits, charities, or any association of individuals interested in launching a project.

Individual community members should examine this brochure:
COMING SOON
- Individuals typically include farmers, small buisness owners, landowners or any other resident of Ontario.

Community Power Finance Forum - Judith Lipp

2011-10-13T09:56:00.001-07:00

Solar PV rapidly becoming the cheapest option to generate electricity

2011-10-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

By Kees Van Der Leun
For a long time, the holy grail of solar photovoltaics (PV) has been "grid parity," the point at which it would be as cheap to generate one's own solar electricity as it is to buy electricity from the grid. And that is indeed an important market milestone, being achieved now in many places around the world. But recently it has become clear that PV is set to go beyond grid parity and become the cheapest way to generate electricity.

Whenever I say this I encounter incredulity, even vehement opposition, from friends and foes of renewable energy alike. Apparently, knowledge of the rapid developments of the last few years has not been widely disseminated. But it's happening, right under our noses! It is essential to understand this so that we can leverage it to rapidly switch to a global energy system fully based on renewable energy.

Solar cells.A hundred solar cells, good for 380 watts of solar PV power.Photo: Ariane van DijkWorking on solar PV energy at Ecofys since 1986, I have seen steady progression: efficiency goes up, cost goes down. But it was only on a 2004 visit to Q-Cells' solar cell factory in Thalheim, Germany, that it dawned on me that PV could become very cheap indeed. They gave me a stack of 100 silicon solar cells, each capable of producing 3.8 watts of power in full sunshine. I still have it in the office; it's only an inch high!

That's when I realized how little silicon was needed to supply the annual electricity consumption of an average European family (4,000 kWh). Under European solar radiation, it would take 1,400 cells, totaling less than 30 pounds of silicon.

Of course, you need to cover the cells with some glass and add a frame, a support structure, some cables, and an inverter. But the fact that 30 pounds of silicon, an amount that costs $700 to produce, is enough to generate a lifetime of household electricity baffled me. Over 25 years, the family would pay at least $25,000 for the same 100,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity from fossil fuels -- and its generation cost alone would total over $6,000!

At a very large scale, the cost of manufacturing anything drops to just above the cost of its base materials. As scale goes up, per-unit costs come down. This is known as a "learning curve" -- the price per unit of capacity comes down by x percent for every doubling of cumulatively installed capacity. For solar PV modules, the learning rate has been exceptionally high, averaging 22 percent for the past two decades. The cost of the "balance of system," i.e., all other components needed, follows this trend line closely. So this is what we see happening now in PV:

Chart.

Building Community Power Co-operatively

2011-10-11T09:49:00.001-07:00

Next HHEAT meetings for Hamilton (these two meetings are the same as the one at Laidlaw):

Tuesday, October 18th-Dundas Town Hall 7-9pm
60 Main St, Dundas

Wednesday November 2nd- Beasley Community Centre
145 Wilson St, Hamilton
7-9pm

Ontario's Path to Green Prosperity

2011-10-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Just 20 years ago, nearly all of Germany’s electricity was generated by coal, oil and nuclear power. Today, renewables such as wind and solar provide more than 20 per cent of the nation’s power. Clean energy production has become a major source of jobs and investment. It has been a real success story for the economy and the environment.

Ontario is now embarking on a similar path. It is building a global reputation as an emerging clean energy leader in North America. To drive this change, Ontario is using a feed-in-tariff program (providing price incentives for green energy) that is very similar to the one we have used in Germany. This program has been the key to our success, and should produce similar results in Ontario.

Germany’s feed-in tariff (FiT) was introduced in 1991 by a conservative federal government. (So it is surprising to hear some Canadian politicians describe this as a “left-wing” or “liberal” idea.) That conservative government understood that coal and nuclear power posed serious health and environmental threats, and that clean energy was likely to drive the economy of the future. The FiT included two parts: an obligation for electric utilities to purchase renewable electricity from independent producers, and a tariff that set a premium price to be paid to producers of this electricity.

Early experience led to refinements in Germany’s pioneering feed-in tariff — many of which I brought in as environment minister (from 1998 to 2005). These included a 20-year price guarantee, which was critical to attract investment in this start-up technology, with uncertain future prices. Also, purchase prices came to be based on production cost — which meant different prices for wind, solar, biomass and geothermal power. These prices were designed to decline annually (for new facilities), based on expected cost reductions for clean energy production — an approach known as “tariff degression.”

In addition to boosting renewables to 20.8 per cent of Germany’s power supply by mid-2011, the FiT is credited with helping to create an estimated 370,000 new jobs. According to one study, employment in Germany’s green energy sector is projected to surpass employment in its automotive sector by 2020. The FiT has helped make Germany a leader in the fast-growing global market for clean energy technology — which saw a record $243 billion in new investment in 2010, of which German firms secured $41 billion (second only to China).

The feed-in tariff has proven to be among the most effective policy tools for accelerating the deployment of renewable energy, and has now been adopted by more than 46 jurisdictions worldwide — including Ontario.

Ontario’s feed-in tariff, adopted as part of the 2009 Green Energy and Green Economy Act, is North America’s first comprehensive pricing program for boosting renewable energy. Ontario’s approach seems well-designed, and is modelled on the lessons learned from Germany.

It starts by paying a premium price to producers of clean energy, including farmers and homeowners. This guaranteed price is necessary to kick-start investment in this new technology, as we learned in Germany; but as efficiencies of scale reduce production costs (as with most new technologies) this price premium can decline, and clean energy can eventually compete on equal footing in the market. Accordingly, Ontario’s program will reduce the price for renewable power over time, as it becomes more cost-competitive.

Since the Green Energy Act came in, renewable power production has increased rapidly; it now provides 5 per cent of Ontario’s electricity capacity, and is projected to reach 13 per cent by 2018. That’s enough to power 1.9 million homes. Moreover, Ontario’s feed-in tariff has already attracted more than $26 billion in private sector investment, and generated an estimated 20,000 new jobs. Those figures are consistent with the kinds of results we have seen in Germany.

Just as Germany’s feed-in tariff will enable our nation to break its ties with nuclear power by 2022, so Ontario’s FiT is making possible the province’s plan to phase out coal-burning power plants by 2014. Turning off Ontario’s coal-fired power plants is the largest greenhouse gas reduction initiative in North America: one that will also save thousands of lives and billions in health-care costs.

The world is shifting to a clean energy future. The places that move first in this direction will reap the economic rewards, as we have seen in Germany. Ontario is on the right path. Now it must stay the course.

Jürgen Trittin was Germany’s minister for the environment from 1998 to 2005.

Source: The Star

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1064092--ontario-s-path-to-green-prosperity

An opportunity to invest in Community Power!

2011-10-04T11:05:00.001-07:00

As an Ontario resident who cares about the development of solar in this

province, we are pleased to let you know about an exciting new offer to invest in local community solar projects.This is a great opportunity to get involved in a community project for a lower financial commitment. Homeowners with their own solar panels can also take their commitment further and join our members in further supporting renewable energy.

TREC has launched the SolarShare Co-operative to allow allOntarians to participate in the province's burgeoning new energy sector. TREC/SolarShare is a new co-op that currently owns 18 solar PV installationsacross Ontario. All sites are generating power and revenue from solar electricity fed-into the grid. SolarShare offers the public a simple way toparticipate in Ontario's solar energy economy and benefit directly from the province's Green Energy Act and Feed-in Tariff program.

You can become a SolarShare member and purchase a community solar bond thatwill earn you a 5% return. Bond sales are currently limited to one per member. In the next few months, multiple bonds will be available and will be eligible for filing in an RRSP/ RESP or TFSA self directed account.Details of Community Solar Bonds:· 1 vote per member in the SolarShare Co-op· $1,000 bond available per co-op member (temporarily)· 5% annual return· 5-year term. For more information about how to join the co-op and invest, visit www.solarbonds.ca or say hello at invest@solarbonds.ca

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8AR0skyZIs

FTR Living Green with Green Venture

2011-10-04T06:15:00.001-07:00

A blow to wind advocates

2011-09-30T08:28:00.001-07:00

Hamilton City Council Joins Call For Moratorium on Industrial Wind Development HAMILTON, ON, Sept. 30, 2011 /CNW/ -

Wind Concerns Ontario is celebrating Hamilton City Council becoming the seventy-eighth and largest municipal government to date to successfully pass a motion of moratorium calling on the Government of Ontario to halt industrial wind development until proper health studies have been completed and local democracy is restored.

"Hamilton has joined a movement of municipal governments who recognize the deep flaws that plague Ontario's Green Energy Act and we're pleased to see a municipality with the size and clout of Hamilton join in this call for science and democracy to govern Ontario's energy future," said John Laforet, President of Wind Concerns Ontario.

Hamilton is home to NDP, Liberal and PC MPPs who are facing re-election six days from now. "PC Party Leader and Niagara West Glanbrook (which includes part of Hamilton) MPP Tim Hudak has been clear his party stands with Hamilton City Council and seventy seven other municipal councils who represent more than 2.5 million Ontarians, NDP Leader and Hamilton Centre MPP Andrea Horwath needs to be equally clear, as does Dalton McGuinty." Laforet added.

Wind Concerns Ontario has called on all parties to support a province-wide moratorium on further industrial wind development while independent health and environmental studies are completed to inform minimum setback regulations, for the restoration of local democratic planning authority, an end to the feed-in-tariff program and the cancellation of the Samsung deal.

Wind Concerns Ontario is a grassroots coalition of fifty eight community organizations in thirty five districts and counties in Ontario and has members residing in sixty-seven of Ontario's one-hundred and seven electoral districts. For further information: John Laforet President - Wind Concerns Ontario 647 724 0600 john.laforet@laforet.ca

"Investing in Renewable Energy is Kick-ass."

2011-09-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

Hamilton region's first HHEAT 'Building Community Power Co-operatively' took place yesterday, September 28th.Jeff Harti gave an excellent presentation that included an overview of energy generation in Ontario today and into the future, the different types of renewable energy that the Ontario government is focused on through the Green Economy Green Energy Act (and the Feed in Tariff).Many good questions arose and going through the completed surveys of the evenings presentation that we collected after the event the following concerns.thoughts/ideas were included:Requests to learn more about co-ops, with actual real life examples of renewable energy co-ops- such as the Solar Share Mississauga (Water View) example.Some of the main reasons that people were interested in becoming part of a local co-op were expressed as follows:Wanting to see a reduction in "CO2 emissions." Concern for a stable future energy source, home not being suited for the FIT but wanting to benefit from investing in solar, democratic, proactive, clean, local resilience, "spirit of community,ownership and opportunity to profit as a community," ethical, fair, just, local were all terms that were used.As one attendee put it, "Renewable energy is kick-ass. Investing in renewable energy is kick-ass." I think that says it all!

Green Energy Field Day

2011-09-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Green Venture for inviting us out to their open house where we were able to promote the HHEAT project. This was part of Ontario Sustainable Energy Association's (OSEA) Green Energy Field Day on Spetember 24th, 2011.EcoHouse opened it's door to the public and showed off their newly installed MicroFIT solar PV system. Interested persons saw how a project went from conception to completion. OSEA launched it's first province wide Green Energy Field Day www.wattsnext.ca/green_field_day.php Local businesses, farms, schools, companies and organizations had the opportunity to showcase their green energy project. Participating locations included Toronto, Cobden, Reaboro and Mississauga, with scheduled events ranging from biogas facility tours to a photovoltaic design and installation course. Thanks to Environment Hamilton's super volunteer Stu C for helping to promote the project!

Building Community Power Co-operatively

2011-09-27T14:32:00.001-07:00

Learn about Renewable Energy and its connection to Community PowerYou will be introduced to the co-op model of investing in renewable energy as a group.Wednesday September 28th-Laidlaw Memorial United Church155 Ottawa St at Cannon in Hamilton 7-9pmCall 905 549 0900 or email Beatrice hheat@environmenthamilton.org

HHEAT Community Meeting in Oakville!

2011-09-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

HHEAT Community Meeting in Oakville!

On Tuesday 20th September, the HHEAT community meeting at the Clearview Church , Oakville was a success!
With people from diverse backgrounds from farm owners to church members, engineers and solar developers, they all came out to engage and participate in an evening of vibrant discussion and networking.
Thank you to all those who came out and we look forward to helping to provide you with the tools and resources to facilitate the formation of your community co-operative!
Please keep visiting the blog for more details and the latest updates on community meetings within your region.

Analysis of Ontario Political Platforms

2011-09-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Analysis of Ontario political platforms

Published Sept. 20, 2011

By Tim Weis, Cherise Burda, Sachi Gibson

The Pembina Institute's detailed platform analysis compares the commitments the Ontario Liberal, NDP and Progressive Conservative parties have made on a range of sustainable energy priorities.

The analysis looks at where the parties stand on issues such as investing in renewable power generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating incentives for energy conservation and expanding transit systems. The results identify clear leaders in building the province's clean energy economy.

Download

For the full report please go to the following link for download:

http://www.pembina.org/pub/2268

Why Community Power Makes Sense

2011-09-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a piece that I found on the internet about community power in New Jersey but I think it's relevant to those of us trying to get RE co-ops off the ground.Read the whole article here:http://syntoniccorp.com/news/why-community-solar-makes-sense-for-new-jersey/While a bill that would enable a community, church or neighborhood group to form a local renewable energy collaborative (LREC) for the purpose of hosting a community-owned solar system is bogged down in the legislature, the residents of several New Jersey developments have taken it upon themselves to create their own solar communities.The two community solar models are somewhat different: the bill in the legislature enables the sharing of solar energy produced by a large communal solar installation, while the private initiative involves residents banding together to take advantage of economies of scale in the cost of installing solar on their individual residences.But the outcome is the same: homeowners are able to install solar at a reduced cost, as well as to reap the benefits that solar brings in terms of reduced electricity bills, federal tax benefits and a new income stream from the sale of SRECs, or solar renewable energy certificates, a state financial incentive.The increased production of solar energy, meanwhile, benefits society by reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and by contributing to the development of a robust renewable energy sector that promotes prosperity and national security.The community solar concept originated in California, but we’re making an effort to bring it to New Jersey. Community solar have been installed at four residential developments in New Jersey, and plans are underway at several more.........While most homeowners initially consider solar out of concern for the environment, it is the 15 to 20 percent return on investment that usually ends up being the deciding factor. In fact, solar is such a good deal in New Jersey that homeowners, once they get a handle on the numbers, can hardly believe they’re for real.As an example, let’s take Somerset Run, an age-restricted community in the Somerset section of Franklin Township, recently completed a community solar project of 10 homes collectively representing 80 kilowatts of generating capacity that is expected to produce nearly 100,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.The typical solar system in the Somerset Run community solar project will be paid back in less than five years through a 30 percent federal tax credit, an annual savings on electricity costs of about $2,000 and an annual income from the sale of SRECs of about $5,000.Solar becomes even more affordable when you consider the fact that homeowners are able to finance most of the upfront cost through loans, and that solar systems in New Jersey are exempt from sales and property taxes (although a solar system adds to a home’s value, it will not increase the tax assessment).....

Green Energy Act Creates Opportunities for Energy Collaboratives

2011-09-11T15:12:00.001-07:00

The Official Ontario Green Energy Act creates opportunities for individuals to collectively invest in renewable energy through initiatives like its Community Solar Bonds

2011-09-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

The year 2012 is the INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF CO-OPERATIVES!

United Nations to launch the International Year of Cooperatives at the UN General Assembly Hall on Monday, 31 October 2011 in New York.

Welcome to the official website on the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC). Here you will find information on events planned throughout the year, as well as suggestions on how to get involved and participate.

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives,highlighting the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development, in particular recognizing their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration.

The United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/64/136 encourages all member States, the United Nations and all relevant stakeholders to take advantage of the IYC to promote cooperatives and raise awareness of their contribution to social and economic development and promote the formation and growth of cooperatives. The resolution A/RES/64/136 - Proclamation of 2012 as International Year of Cooperatives is available in all UN six official languages: English | Français | Español | Русский | عربي | 汉语

The United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/65/184 Invites all Member States to consider taking action towards establishing national mechanisms, such as national committees, to prepare for, observe andfollow up on the International Year of Cooperatives, in particular for the purpose of planning, stimulating and harmonizing the activities of the governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations concerned with the preparations for and observance of the Year.

Goals of the International Year of Cooperatives

Increase public awareness about cooperatives and their contributions to socio-economic development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Promote the formation and growth of cooperatives

Encourage Governments to establish policies, laws and regulations conducive to the formation, growth and stability of cooperatives

For more information visit:

http://social.un.org/coopsyear/

Welcome!

2011-09-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

There's a whole lot of talk going on about renewable energy. Solar, wind, bio-energy, hydro. You might be wondering,"How do I fit in?"

The Hamilton Halton Energy Awareness Team (HHEAT) answers your questions.

HHEAT works within Halton and Hamilton to raise awareness about the benefits of renewable energy. HHEAT also facilitates the formation of neighbourhood networks to explore the potential for local, community-owned, renewable energy co-operatives.

Follow this blog and get the latest updates on how you can be involved in the 'community power for all' movement.