British Columbians united in the drive for a sustainable future - BCSEA Monthly - March 2017

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Published on Thursday, 09 March 2017 18:00
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Energy Connections 2017 brings together public, industry, tech and policy all under one roof

Energy Connections broke new ground this year, tackling the difficult but inspiring topic of community empowerment. People from across BC, heralding from various different backgrounds and industries, united under one roof for a day of information, inspiration and engaging dialogue.

We'd like to thank all those who attended and the speakers and sponsors who made it happen. The day was filled with incredible communication and interconnection, with stories told of renewable empowerment from across BC. First Nations communities coming off-grid, whole communities leaving legacy fuels like gas and diesel behind, these stories served to inspire and demonstrate... that it's not only possible, but profitable to take the leap towards a sustainable way of life.

We learnt about sustainable energy generation, efficiency and conservation success stories, BC's energy policy landscape and what the future holds for BC's energy climate. We talked about Russian AI-bots and discussed the ramifications of a Trump presidency. Provincial politics were debated, as we analyzed the financial players in BC's far-reaching energy and resource sectors. Climate action was on the cards too, as we look towards an unstable future. Not with fear however, but a determination to be international leaders.

You can look forward to a full summary of the event next week, but in the meantime we would like to once again thank all those who made the day so successful. We look forward to seeing you at Energy Connections 2018!

Decentralized Energy Canada joins in the fight for a Clean Energy Future in BC

The BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA) is proud to welcome Decentralised Energy Canada (DEC) as a new member of the association.

With their stringent work at advancing alternative energy production and desire to diversify Canada’s energy portfolio, DEC is a natural partner for the BCSEA. Both organizations are determined to forward the transition to a low-carbon economy in BC, Alberta and beyond.

BCSEA looks forward to working closely alongside DEC in a collaborative and supportive partnership. Both organizations will support each other’s community, business and family initiatives that serve to educate Canadians on the benefits of renewable energy generation, conservation and efficiency.

Both BCSEA and DEC understand the importance of transitioning from legacy fuels like oil and gas, to the economically viable and valuable renewable energy sources of the future. This exciting collaborative partnership will add just more strength to the growing renewable energy movement in BC.

Click here to read more about BCSEA's exciting new partnership!

Kamloops' Sustainability Leaders Share Their Thoughts

When the team led by Kamloops resident and BCSEA local chapter volunteer James Gordon started working on the ‘Everyday Sustainable Energy Superheroes’ project, the expectation was that they would deliver a well-rounded exhibit of good sustainable deeds in the community. Pretty straightforward, right?

There were meetings, interviews, and revisions of ideas until the big day came: the exhibit opened on January 14th, 2017 at the Kamloops Art Gallery. The 11 interviews with people from the community who go above and beyond to live sustainably have been a surprise in more than one way. Click here to watch the videos!

They were meant to be inspirational, yet their thought-provoking nature is a statement in itself about the need to redesign our lives with sustainability in mind. Just listen to Mendel and Saul Rubinson talk about bees, shopping locally and using clotheslines. Or watch Charles Hays explain the steps of switching your mindset to live sustainably.

Opportunities to do so are everywhere is what you find yourself thinking as you watch the interviews. Michael Mehta, Donovan Cavers and Marcia Dick will help you see them; they live through them daily. The Gleaning Abundance Project will enrich your idea about a sustainable community in how they deal with produce abundance: through kind work donated by volunteers, which eventually becomes food for the needy. The circle of life redefined!

Click here to read more about BCSEA Kamloops' Sustainable Superheroes Interviews.

BCSEA Victoria drives forward with its Elections Debates

The Victoria Chapter is pulling out the stops to stage three debates on energy issues for the BC election in the Victoria region. The Victoria Chapter is preparing questions for these debates to cover some key sustainable energy issues, and there will also be questions from the floor.

We have settled on two all-candidates debates:

  • Esquimalt-Metchosin (Tuesday, April 18th in the evening)
  • Saanich North and the Islands (Monday, April 24th in the evening)

And we will hold a party policy debate in Victoria on Thursday, April 27th (evening) in which energy policy experts from each party will debate on the same topics as the candidates.

We are hoping to make these debates must-attend events and they should offer an exciting chance to see each party do their best to explain how they will handle controversial energy projects and lead BC toward a sustainable energy future.

Polling in February by Insights West indicates a close election, with many voters undecided and a fight brewing for the middle of the political spectrum. So don’t pass this one by! Your vote and your influence with your friends and family members could really count to set BC’s course for the next few years or longer.

Stay tuned for more details.

Meanwhile, it’s not too late to help us really make an even bigger splash: Your crowd source donation will help us to get the word out and fill the halls. Click here to read more about the debates and donate. Even $10 will go a long way!

From the Blog


The BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre is appealing a ruling of the BC utilities commission in late January that electricity rates designed to help low-income customers would be unlawful. The commission dismissed a major application by lawyers at BC PIAC for approval of a package of measures to assist the hundreds of thousands of BC men, women and children who are struggling to cope with the high and rising costs of electricity service from BC Hydro. The application was supported by BCSEA and Sierra Club BC. Read More

In the News

  • BC Hydro starts to explore incentives and programs to foster electrification. Read Article
  • The Government of Canada invests up to $7 million in electric vehicles in a bid to tackle climate change. Read Article
  • Alberta makes strides in renewables, announcing a $36 million rebate for solar panels on homes and businesses. Read Article
  • Corporations find that clean energy deals are a bigger priority than ever. Read Article
  • Federal government looks to help indigenous communities get off diesel. Read Article

BCSEA Featured Member

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Empower Energy Corp is empowering residents throughout western Canada with solar energy solutions.

The case for sustainability has never been stronger, the green energy sector is reshaping our communities, vehicles and how they see power as individuals.

In this fast-moving renewables revolution, home & business owners have preferred a complete installation choice, a synergistic approach to home improvement and electricity.

Their focus is in the design, installation and financial analysis for solar photovoltaic systems. With locations in Kelowna B.C. & Grande Prairie A.B., they understand the uniqueness that comes with your rooftop, from your region, and with your financial goals.
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