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In 2002, a group of local folks in Dawson Creek, British Columbia began talking about the idea of a renewable energy co-operative powered by the abundant wind and sunshine in the region. Research into a European model lead to the creation of a for-profit community investment co-op (CIC) with capital raised from members for the co-op to invest on their behalf. The overall goal was to bring people together and keep ownership of projects local making it better for everyone.
In October 2023, the Peace Energy Co-op was incorporated as a CIC, the first of its kind in Western Canada with a market focus on the Peace River bioregion across northeastern BC and northwestern Alberta. Since its inception, the co-op has grown to 650 members each paying $100 to join then having the opportunity to invest in projects as they arise.
The co-op has an impressive list of completed projects and services including:
- Bear Mountain, BC’s first commercial wind facility, 102 megawatts near Dawson Creek;
- Hudson’s Hope Solar Initiative – transforming the community of Hudson’s Hope in northeastern BC into the province’s leading solar powered municipality;
- countless solar panel installations for homes, businesses, farms and ranches
- EV charging solutions for home, office or commercial buildings
- webinars and educational opportunities about renewable energy
Don Pettit is a founding member of Peace Energy Co-op and a passionate advocate for keeping things locally owned and operated with all benefits going to owners and the community. He says co-operatives are firmly rooted in the Peace Region with its history of farming and homesteading, food and seed co-ops.
It was terrific speaking with Don and learning how this co-op has been leading the energy transition for more than 25 years. Have a listen.
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