Environment: Shining the light on energy

Solar panels, green power, bio-diesel fuel and energy efficient appliances will take center stage at the community forum sponsored by Navigating Our Future, Saturday, Oct. 9 at Orcas Island High School from 1 to 5 p.m.

The Oct. 9 forum begins with a presentation by Eric Youngren of Rainshadow Solar. Youngren will set the event in motion with a discussion about energy, its consumption and the issues facing islanders. He’ll add a few highlights about alternative technologies and renewable energy programs in the San Juans.

Navigating Our Future has previously sponsored community forums on agriculture and water resources. Forum results can be viewed at www.navigatingourfuture.org.

In the arena of electricity, Youngren, who specializes in off-the-grid energy systems, said islanders now enjoy “cheap” costs compared to prices nationwide. But those prices are not expected to last. When Orcas Power and Light Cooperative’s contract runs out with Bonneville Power Administration, he said, local electrical rates are anticipated to jump as high as 30 percent.

Youngren said islanders are concerned about more than just the price of electrical rates — crude oil prices are soaring and global warming is on the rise. Alternative energies, renewable sources, efficient transportation and conservation are all important considerations for future power, he said.

“Conservation is really the key,” Youngren said. “It will have the greatest impact on our total consumption and it’s cost-effective now.”

The forum’s featured speakers also include Randy Cornelius, general manager of OPALCO; Mike Nelson of Northwest Solar Center in Seattle; Kyle Davies of San Juan Island Fire District 3; Frank Childers of the federal Energy Star program; and Steve Simpson of the Port of Friday Harbor.

Architect Mike Fowler, whose Seattle-based firm is a recognized national leader in sustainable home designs, concludes the presentations with a discussion about energy-efficient home construction and remodeling designs.

The day’s events start with a tour of solar power system on Orcas Island that supplies “green power” for OPALCO’s renewable energy program. Those interested in attending the pre-forum tour will meet at the Rainshadow Solar office, at West Sound Marina at 11 a.m.

Youngren said reducing the worldwide dependence on fossil fuels may seem like a Herculean task. Nevertheless, everyone can play a role by taking a few simple steps that don’t require a huge bankroll, he said.

“Efficiency is the most cost-effective step, and everyone can do that,” he said. “It can be as easy as cleaning out those dust bunnies under the refrigerator.”

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