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On this page are various
things which in the opinion of many it would be good for local energy cooperatives to be involved
with, re: demonstrating leadership in the community.
Add your suggestions
to this list by emailing
energy@localenergymatters.info
+ Vigorous support for Volunteer Fire Departments... (ie: benefit programs
for all volunteers such as credit on electric bill for active VFD
participation.) +
Leadership in 'energy efficiency retrofitting' of member homes &
businesses (ie: implement 'efficiency credit' sliding scale for
electricity consumption which (like carbon-credit trading) rewards those
who keep energy consumption to a minimum; implement public awareness
campaigns which instruct members about practical 'how tos' of minimizing
energy consumption while maximizing quality of life; implement 'retrofit
assistance' programs which enable members to implement what they learn.
+ Leadership to make our
energy cooperative self-sufficient (ie: use local resources such as
bio-fuel, natural gas, etc., to enable a segue to sustainable technologies
and renewable fuels such as solar, wind and geothermal with the
overarching goal to generate our own power for our own membership, locally
and sustainably).
+ Leadership in ecology and
environment (ie: what is really the best way to control vegetation on
power easements? How about taking all electric line underground...???).
+ Some sort of 'member
arbitration committee' to address disputed electric service charges and
determine appropriate relief in 'hardship' cases.
+ Conduct comprehensive
residential energy audits such as this one offered by SERG:
PDF + Take a
leadership role in the installation of state-of-the-art
communications technology.
+ Take a leadership role in bulk purchase of
technology for consumer installation to enable
NET METERING. |
The
Sustainable Energy Resource Group (SERG) works with
Town Energy Committees in New Hampshire and in Vermont to plan for
and implement sustainable energy management systems. Their newly formed
(and rapidly growing)
SERG ENERGY ALLIANCE is a consortium of energy efficiency and
renewables dealers who cooperate to provide discounts on products and
services such as infrared scans and blower door tests, foam and cellulose
insulation, weather stripping, low-flow showerheads, ventilation
equipment, compact fluorescent lights, wood stoves, solar hot water and PV
panels, biodiesel fuel, and more to enable the easiest possible and most
widespread access to and adoption of ecologically sound, environmentally
healthy, cost-effective technologies and practices for energy
efficiency... all of which role-models the type of behavior
incumbent upon and worthy of every energy cooperative, everywhere.
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