A new policy approved at the OPALCO Board’s July 18 meeting opens the door for nonprofit organizations to collaborate with the co-op to create new opportunities for energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy production in San Juan County.

OPALCO’s current Energy Efficiency and Conservation program, funded by the Bonneville Power Administration, provides benefits to members in the way of rebates and incentives, but it is limited by a constraint that the member home or business must be heated with electricity. Policy 28 will serve to accelerate energy efficiency and conservation measures by inviting qualified participating nonprofits to seek grant funding for programs, incentives and education opportunities without that constraint.

“Our goal is to better serve our members and reduce our co-op energy load by making best use of the resources available in the region,” said OPALCO General Manager Randy Cornelius. “We have a real talent pool in San Juan County: smart, creative and experienced people who – we hope – will help us to develop new ideas and funding avenues for education, outreach and greater energy efficiency.”

OPALCO’s Member Owned Renewable Energy Program includes 113 local renewable generators, interconnected to OPALCO’s distribution system. Policy 28 will also open the door for more local renewable power through community solar and other grant-funded activities and incentives.

OPALCO is currently investigating whether any of their properties would be an appropriate site for a community solar installation. If so, a qualified nonprofit could install, maintain and manage a solar generator with many community members sharing in the investment – and energy credits produced.

To qualify, organizations must be an independent nonprofit entity under Washington State Law, be self-funding and governed by a board and advisors drawn from all of the ferry-served islands in OPALCO’s service area. OPALCO will contract with qualified nonprofits through a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the scope of work and standards.

Policy 28 and the MOU are available online at www.opalco.com. Interested nonprofits can also contact Bev Madan (bmadan@opalco.com) for more information.