San Juan County was just selected to advance to the quarterfinalist round of the Georgetown University Energy Prize, a $5 million incentive competition to reduce energy consumption. San Juan County is among a very select group of only 52 small- and medium-sized cities and counties from across the country that have advanced to the Quarterfinalist round of the competition.

“We are truly off to an excellent start,” said San Juan County Councilman Bob Jarman.

Jarman is a member of the newly established Energy Leadership Team that includes leaders from the county, Town of Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands Conservation District, OPALCO, school districts, ports, industry and community organizations. The San Juan County Energy Plan, a key component of the competition, is being developed with the Energy Leadership Team and Islands Energy.

The plan will be county-wide and encompass municipal buildings and operations, school facilities and residential energy use. The goals are to significantly reduce energy use, promote renewable energy and keep electricity costs low for islanders. This effort is facilitated by the San Juan Islands Conservation District and sponsored by OPALCO.