Archive for the ‘MORE’ Topic
Friday, March 2nd, 2012
it is an exciting time for small scale wind power in San Juan County. Two very different wind turbine systems have recently connected to the OPALCO grid. The first is the somewhat traditional looking 120’ turbine on Lopez manufactured by Xzeres. This 10kW system is expected to produce over 12,000 kWh per year. The second installation is the two turbine, futuristic looking Earth Ball system on Orcas. These turbines are manufactured by Home Energy America and are rated at 2.5kW each. The expected yearly output for each Earth Ball is 3000kWh.
Both owner-members have signed up for the MORE (Member Owned Renewable Energy) program and will be receiving a production incentive funded by the voluntary contributions of other Co-op members who support local renewable energy generation. If you want to support the MORE program, check the box on your paper bill or call in to let us know at 376-3500.
The OPALCO Energy Services staff will be monitoring these new wind systems along with their owners for performance numbers. We will report back in six months with the data.
Posted in MORE, Renewable Energy
Wednesday, August 24th, 2011
OPALCO staff had a great time talking (and playing Plinko) with you at the Fair – thanks for stopping by to visit. In case you missed it, here’s a glimpse of the fun:
- Members learned how to save energy in their homes by playing the very popular Plinko game crafted by co-op members and employee Elisa and Nate Howard. Prizes included school pencil cases with a cool multi- color highlighter and organic cotton backpacks stocked with home energy efficiency items.
- You could ride a stationary bike to learn how much effort it takes to light an incandescent bulb vs. a CFL or make a smoothie.
- If you signed up for one of OPALCO’s programs (MORE, PAL, Sharing the Load blog or Home Snapshot Energy Assessment), you were entered into the daily draw for a basket of energy efficiency tools and goodies.
- You could talk with members of the MORE (member owned renewable energy) committee and learn how YOU can support local renewable power generated by your island neighbors and fellow co-op members.
- You could check out the Nissan LEAF (Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car) – on display in front of the main entrance and learn more about how electric cars work.
- And, the ever popular safety board display was a hit. Lineman conducted safety demonstrations and well as discussed current projects.
There was a great response of participants and OPALCO thanks you for doing your part. Working together through energy efficiency we can make a difference in managing our load and keeping rates lower!
Posted in Electric Vehicles, Energy Efficiency & Conservation, General, MORE, Renewable Energy
Thursday, July 28th, 2011
OPALCO’s Energy Services staff will be on hand to talk with members at two big events in the next month: at the Orcas Island Eco-Fest and Solar Science Fair on Saturday, August 6th at the Funhouse and, of course, at the San Juan County Fair in Friday Harbor from August 18-20th.
At the Eco-Fest, you can learn about OPALCO’s MORE (Member Owned Renewable Energy) program and how you can participate in producing and/or supporting local renewable power like solar energy; and OPALCO’s Nissan Leaf all electric car will be on site for a closer look.
The County Fair is all “Razzle-Dazzle” this year and OPALCO’s booth (look for us in the SW corner of the big exhibition building) will feature energy superhero information and action with games and great give-aways for those who take the “energy superhero challenge.” See you at the Fair!
Posted in Electric Vehicles, Energy Efficiency & Conservation, General, MORE, Renewable Energy
Tuesday, November 30th, 2010
Portable electric generators can offer great benefits when outages affect your home but can also create hazards when installed or used improperly. Have a licensed electrician install your generator to protect the safety of your household and the OPALCO line crew. Click here for guidelines for safely connecting and operating portable generators.
The next meeting of the MORE Steering Committee is Wednesday, December 8th at 8:30 am in the Friday Harbor OPALCO office. Agenda includes a discussion of refine Policy 14 and the marketing of the new MORE program. Minutes and agenda are posted on the MORE page.
Posted in General, MORE
Thursday, November 4th, 2010
The next meeting of the MORE Steering Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, November 10th at 10:45 am in the Parlor Room of the Orcas Hotel. Minutes from the 10/27/10 meeting are posted on the MORE page.
Posted in MORE
Monday, October 25th, 2010
The next meeting of the MORE Steering Committee is Wednesday, October 27th at 1:30 pm at the Lopez Fire Hall (2228 Fisherman Bay Rd). Steering Committee members are asked to bring their ideas for renaming the program. Minutes from the 10-13-10 meeting are now posted on the MORE Page.
Posted in MORE
Tuesday, October 12th, 2010
The next meeting of the MORE Steering Committee is Wednesday, October 13th in the conference room at Ravenhill Construction (689 Airport Center) starting at 8:30 am. The public is invited. The minutes from the last meeting, agenda for this meeting and a full archive of MORE documents are available on the MORE page.
Posted in MORE
Friday, September 17th, 2010
The minutes of the 9/15/10 meeting of the MORE Steering Committee are now posted, as is the agenda for the next meeting and DRAFT MORE guidelines for review at that meeting. Next meeting is Wednesday, September 29th, 10:30 am – 12:15 pm at Russell’s Landing on Orcas Island.
Posted in MORE
Monday, September 13th, 2010
The next meeting of the MORE Steering Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15th, 1:30 pm at the Lopez Island Library. The public is welcome to attend. Minutes from the 9/1/10 are now posted on the MORE page.
Posted in MORE
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
The MORE Steering Committee met on 8/18/10 and minutes are now posted on the MORE page. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 1st at 8:30 am at the Masonic Lodge in Friday Harbor (15 Second St.). The public is welcome.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by OPALCO’s booth at the County Fair last week. We had some great conversations and enlightened a lot of members about our energy services programs and rebates.
Posted in General, MORE
