Spotlight on a local Co-op: CED Co-op

Spotlight on a local Co-op: CED Co-op

Since its inception, Community Energy Development (CED) Co-op has generated over 2,500,000 kWh of renewable energy, avoiding over 1,000,000 kg of CO2 emissions to date. Through its first bond offering, CED Co-op has raised $9.6 million from over 600 members to finance 27 solar projects all over Ontario. CED Co-op is currently offering investment in a new 5-year bond, at a rate of 6.13%.

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Spotlight on a local Co-op: ZooShare

Spotlight on a local Co-op: ZooShare

Zooshare is developing North America’s first zoo-based biogas plant near the Toronto Zoo. The biogas plant will recycle manure (“zoo poo”) and local grocery store waste into renewable power for the Ontario grid. How does “waste” become energy? As the manure and food waste decompose, methane is released and is used to run a generator. This process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 10,000 tonnes of C02 each year and creates a by-product of nutrient-rich fertilizer (which would otherwise be destined for a landfill). It’s a win-win for everyone, especially the 600+ members of this community-power project who have purchased $3 million worth of ZooShare bonds. The project is expected to be up and running by early 2017.

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Spotlight on a local Co-op: OREC

Spotlight on a local Co-op: OREC

Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-op (OREC) was one of the first renewable energy co-ops in Ontario. Founded in 2010, OREC partners with Ottawa-area communities, using local roofs and land for community-owned renewable power. OREC currently operates 13 solar projects installed on school rooftops, private barns/warehouses and other facilities, with over 43,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases (CO2 equivalent) avoided to date. So far, over 500 local community members have invested more than $5 million in OREC’s projects, receiving dividend payments on their shares over 20 years.

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Community Power represents more bang for the renewable energy buck

Community Power represents more bang for the renewable energy buck

It’s popular in Ontario to blame green energy for rising electricity bills. The truth is much more complicated, with the prices paid to kick-start a transition to green energy in this province playing a much smaller role in driving cost increases than enormously expensive nuclear reactor rebuilds and the billions spent on repairing our aging power transmission system.

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