Co-op News for August 7, 2018

B.C. solar power industry—including co-ops—still bright despite regulatory changes

B.C.’s solar power industry is looking on the bright side despite recent changes from BC Hydro designed to scale back growing surpluses of consumer-produced power.

Greg Dueck, a solar consultant with Peace Energy Co-op in Dawson Creek, in northeastern B.C., said net zero power usage is still the name of the game. Dueck said that BC Hydro’s changes don’t affect a consumer’s ability to generate their own power.

The co-op recently installed a 500-kilowatt municipal solar power system in Hudson’s Hope. In the Peace Region, the focus has switched to residential and commercial installations, Dueck said.

Link: B.C. solar industry looks on the bright side after regulatory changes

Car sharing comes to Squamish

The plan to bring car sharing to the town of Squamish has now become a reality. Starting Aug. 1, two Modo cars will be stationed in town for members to use. The two vehicles; a RAV4 and a Prius V, will be stationed at the Chieftain Centre and outside Municipal Hall. Members pay a small registration fee to the car-sharing co-op, which enables them to book shared vehicles through an app or by phone. They pay a small hourly fee for each use. Modo is a B.C.-based, member-owned car share operator. It was the first car share co-op in North America.

Link: Car-sharing comes to Squamish

Gabriola Tool Library gets a boost

In the Gulf Islands off the B.C. Coast, the Gabriola Tool Library Association is one step closer to helping Gabriola Island residents Reduce, Re-use and Recycle when they take on do-it-yourself projects and repairs.

The association just received a grant from Coastal Community Credit Union to help install electricity in a tool library building, and create a covered space for the public to meet and exchange advice.

The association drew on the support and advice of the tool libraries in Victoria and Vancouver to help develop the project. Close to 400 tools have been donated to date.

Link: Coastal Community Tool Library grant helps Gabriola build community (PDF)

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