Community
When it comes to renewable energy and energy efficiency, communities all over the country have taken the initiative to craft their energy future. These communities have developed programs, initiatives, and organizations to further their course.
“The more knowledge of renewable energy community groups and leaders have, the more likely the benefits will be retained by the community.” Northwest Community Energy
To learn more about what is happening in the Pacific Northwest, you can go to the websites listed below.
Northwest Community Energy supports community owned renewable energy projects. Their website provides useful information about community renewable energy project development.
Shoreline Solar Project describes what the Shoreline community in north Seattle is doing to promote the practical application of renewable energy; by identifying appropriate projects, collaborating with the stakeholders, and bringing together people and resources to successfully implement the projects.
Ashland, Oregon Renewable Energy Program is managed by the city's electric utility department. Each time a City's utility customer purchases a Green Tag, Bonneville Environmental Foundation will direct a portion of the purchase to local renewable energy projects. Funds generated by "Renewable Pioneers" will be used by the City to install local solar systems, and to teach Ashland students about solar energy. Purchase is tax-deductible and is paid separately from utility bill.
City of Ellensburg Community Solar Electric Project
is a collaboration between citizens, the City of Ellensburg, the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and Central Washington University to finance, install, and manage what will become 165 Kilowatts of solar modules along Interstate 90 in Ellensburg, Washington. Phase 1 consisting of 36KW, came online in November, 2006.
Chelan County PUD SNAP Program began in 2000. The Chelan County public utility destrict acts as intermediary between those who wish to produce locally made renewable energy (solar, wind or micro-hydro), and those who wish to support the development of local renewable energy.
Sustainable Ballard is currently running a block-by-block home energy audit. It is now seeking neighborhood home owners (2 - 4 on the same block) interested in receiving home energy audits. These audits are to help identify ways to make your house more efficient, carbon neutral and less expensive to heat. The audits are conducted as part of a training program for auditors attending South Seattle Community College, and involves an in-home inspection with a follow-up with data specific to each house, along with suggestions for energy saving changes.
Bainbridge Saving Energy Together project (SET) is a Sustainable Bainbridge project with the following goals:
1) Focus is on energy efficiency within homes.
2) Measure savings at the community level.
3) Empower people to feel a part of a community effort.
