Rethinking Lifestyle

I’m pretty impressed with the news coming out of Boulder, Colorado. They have decided to form their own municipal utility and end their relationship with Excel Energy. The motion carried by a two-thirds majority.

Why did they do this?

They wanted to be able to see the benefits of their energy conservation measures and household solar panels in their utility bills and their community rather than supporting the profits and dividends of the utility company. They wanted the freedom to make the transformations in their community that they want and need. They wanted to move away from centralized large-scale corporations still dependent on coal production.

Way to go Boulder!

Oh but we have Manitoba Hydro I hear you cry – clean energy!

Yes, generating energy from water is cleaner and more renewable than coal, but it is not without impact. The dams we build are often in the middle of nowhere and need a road through the backcountry to reach them for construction and servicing. These roads make a huge impact on the landscape and to wildlife, for many species fear crossing the open space of the road allowance and the road itself. The illusion of clean hydro- power generation does nothing to encourage energy conservation, especially with some of the lowest energy charges in Canada.

In one of the sunniest parts of Canada with an annual average of 306 days measurable sunshine each year (Environment Canada), we could be making more of solar power. We could be using solar power to heat our hot water (yes, even in -35C), or to offset the electricity we take from Hydro. All we need is a south facing roof on our house or garage.

Not that Hydro encourages that sort of behaviour. They have a scheme that supports solar hot water, but there is little to encourage use of solar power generation. Whereas BC and Ontario have schemes in place to pay customers for electricity fed into the grid from domestic systems.

One of the reasons behind Boulder’s move was the shift to home energy generation, and use of energy conserving measures (more efficient appliances and energy saving practices). With homeowners installing solar panels, the amount of electricity they bought declined, so the customer base reduced. But staff salaries and travel costs for maintenance worker increase each year, coal prices increase, systems need upgrading, and shareholder dividends must be maintained. Boulder was not impressed by plans to increase energy charges – they felt there was a better option.

It remains to be seen, whether the new municipal utility will deliver for Boulder, but it is starting from the right place, with the right intentions. And I am sure Hydro would like to say they have the best of intentions for Manitoba. I say, yes Hydro you are getting there with some of your energy smart options for the domestic and business user, but its time to do better and let the sun shine!