Orcas Power & Light Cooperative

Earlier this year, a volunteer group of OPALCO members built a new green power program in support of local renewable energy—electricity generated by our fellow co-op members and interconnected to OPALCO’s distribution system. OPALCO members contribute to the MORE (Member Owned Renewable Energy) Program with voluntary donations on their monthly bills to fund incentive payments… READ MORE »

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative has partnered with Islanders Bank to bring energy efficiency tools and savings to islanders in San Juan County. OPALCO members can schedule a Home Snapshot Energy Assessment, get an expert report on their home’s systems and efficiency and then fund the home improvement projects through Islanders Bank. According to the Northwest Power… READ MORE »

OPALCO’s Nissan LEAF (Leading Environmentally-friendly Affordable Family car) has arrived on Orcas. OPALCO staff will drive the 100% battery-powered, zero-emission electric vehicle around the islands for co-op business. The LEAF can reach a top speed of 90 miles per hour and go up to 100 miles between charges. The OPALCO Board supported the purchase of the 100%… READ MORE »

OPALCO reported 1,181,291 kWh of implemented energy savings for 2010 to Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), who administers and funds OPALCO’s conservation program. This includes residential and commercial savings and equates to about $82,690 given an average rate of $.07/kWh (including residential and commercial rates). “The typical residential member uses about 1000 kWh/month” said Anne Bertino, Assistant Energy Services Manager…. READ MORE »

For five days in November, San Juan County experienced a cold snap—with an average daily temperature of only 25 degrees—and OPALCO members are going to notice the difference on their power bills that go out at the end of the month. “When temperatures drop below 50 degrees,” explained OPALCO System Engineer Joel Mietzner, “we see electrical usage go… READ MORE »

OPALCO handed out two big checks on Lopez last week: $43,675 to the Lopez School District for their HVAC project and $37,567 to the Lopez Village Market for energy efficiency measures installed in the new store. OPALCO has a full menu of energy efficiency rebates available to commercial and residential members. OPALCO partners with Bonneville Power Administration’s Conservation… READ MORE »

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative invites all members to attend the annual Ambassador’s Legislative Kick-Off meetings. There are meetings scheduled on Orcas, San Juan and Lopez Islands: Eastsound: Thursday, October 7th 4:30 – 6:30 pm, OPALCO Office Friday Harbor: Friday, October 8th 8:30 – 10:30 am, Earthbox Conference Room Lopez: Friday, October 8th 1:30 – 3:30… READ MORE »

New: Home Snapshot Energy Assessments OPALCO has a new program to help you save money on your electric bill: Home Snapshot Energy Assessments. Under the direction of Anne Bertino, Assistant Manager of Energy Services and a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified home inspector, OPALCO members can schedule a comprehensive energy assessment of their home with… READ MORE »

An independent steering committee made up of OPALCO members has begun to meet with the mission of developing a proposal for a new green power program that would provide financial incentives for renewable generation and, potentially, fund energy efficiency and conservation measures beyond what OPALCO can offer through Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) conservation program. Why is OPALCO rebuilding… READ MORE »

The first meeting of the OPALCO MORE (Member Owned Renewable Energy) Steering Committee is scheduled for July 8th, 2010, from 10:30 – 12:30 at the Orcas Ferry Landing. The meeting will take place in the county’s meeting room below the Russell’s Landing Store (10 Killebrew Lake Rd). The doors will be open at 10:00 am. OPALCO extended an… READ MORE »