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Dear friends and supporters
There’s lots of news before we take a break for the summer:
- The 2016 Community Energy Conference
- The 2016 Solar Scholarship
- Community solar in the region
First, the conference:
It was a great success. We sold all available tickets and had great feedback from those who took the time to fill in their evaluation forms. There were lots of positive comments on everything from David Denning’s introduction, to the keynote speakers, workshop presenters, volunteers, the KinderCare, the social, and even the food!
None of this would have been possible without our incredible volunteers, granting agencies, sponsors and donors. A heartfelt thanks to the CRD, BC Hydro, the Glasswaters Foundation, SunWind Solar, Saltspring Solar, Bearfoot Renewables, Green City Builders, Viridian Energy Cooperative, Power to the People, Small Planet Energy, Windsor Plywood, Country Grocer, Chorus Frog Farm, Harbour Air, Moonstruck Organic Cheese, Mouat’s, Salt Spring Inn, Salt Spring Books and Andrea Palframan. Thanks also to I-SEA and Transition Salt Spring for partnering with us.
Many people have suggested stretching any future conference over two days because there were “too many good presentations happening at the same time.” We will be repeating some of the popular presentations over the fall/winter season so stay tuned.
The 2016 Solar Scholarship
As you know, the energy savings from the 84 solar panels atop the high school gym roof are generating energy savings on the school’s BC Hydro bill. Each year those savings become scholarships for one or more GISS students interested in pursuing a career in environmental science or related field. This year’s fund is worth $$2,692 - directly reflecting the amount of electricity the array generated in 2015.
Two lucky GISS students have been awarded a scholarship of $1346 each but shhh - they won’t find out until Graduation Day!
Community Solar in the Region
Did you know that the 2016 Community Energy Conference was also the lead up to the first Community Solar Summit, held at GISS on Sunday April 24? Realizing the unique opportunity to work with members of community solar advocates from a dozen coastal communities, CEG hosted a lunch meeting and strategy session facilitated by RoundTable Consulting.
Community solar experts, 21 of them, met and founded a broader community solar group that will be the change for local renewable energy in our region and beyond. Details are in development, but boy have we grown the movement! We are looking forward to great progress with short and long term goals.
Stay tuned for more on this important topic.
Have a great summer!
Salt Spring Community Energy Group
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