WHAT IS THE EMPOWERED ENERGY SOLUTIONS PROJECT?
The Empowered Energy Solutions project evolved from diverse conversations with the communities and residents of the Kispiox Valley, Anspayaxw, Sik E -Dakh, and the traditional unceded territory of Wilp Luutkudziiwus about their current energy use, energy costs and energy sustainability in the region. Through these discussions, we learned about the regional challenges related to energy costs, energy security and sustainability experienced at the community and household level.
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More specifically, a common thread emerged throughout the region – the amount being spent on electricity and, in some areas, diesel and other fossil fuels, were often crippling to communities and members. In fact, some community members and residents are confronted with the decision of paying a BC Hydro bill to keep the lights on or buying groceries.
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To get a fulsome understanding of the energy issues this region faces there were different categories of energy users selected to inform the research. The participants selected are a cross section of different energy users in the region based on what type of power they used (on BC Hydro grid or off grid) and scale (industrial use, residential or community usage). All participants live in a rural area and struggle with energy security and sustainability issues.
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The outcome of these conversations confirmed the need to invest in affordable, clean energy solutions for both heat and power in these communities. It was also confirmed that a regional energy plan was needed to guide and achieve this important, regional outcome.
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EMPOWERED ENERGY SOLUTIONS
Regional Energy Plan
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Click on the image to download the full Regional Energy Plan document.
OUTCOME
The outcome of these conversations confirmed the need to invest in affordable, clean energy solutions for both heat and power in these communities. It was also confirmed that a regional energy plan was needed to guide and achieve this important, regional outcome.
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As such, the main objectives of this project included building energy literacy and regional capacity in the clean energy sector. This involved working as a collective to help save communities and residents money on their energy costs, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving regional energy security.
GOALS OF THE PROJECT
The main goals of this project were to improve understanding about energy and build skills in the clean energy field in the local area. This means we all worked together to help people and towns save money on their energy bills, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and boost the area's energy security.
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As such, the main objectives of this project included building energy literacy and regional capacity in the clean energy sector. This involved working as a collective to help save communities and residents money on their energy costs, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving regional energy security.
With these project goals in mind, the following four phased approach was used to advance the project:
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Develop a regional energy use and emissions baseline
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Understand existing energy use (from both electricity and fossil fuels) in the communities
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Create a greenhouse gas emissions baseline from energy usage and quantify climate change impacts
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2. Identify energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades for homes and community buildings
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Identify various energy efficiency retrofits and potential upgrades, specific to various home and building types throughout the region
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3. Assess potential clean energy opportunities
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Complete an analysis of potential renewable energy technologies which may be suitable for development in the Kispiox Valley, Anspayaxw, Sik E Dakh and the Traditional Territory of Luutkudziiwus
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4. Complete the Empowered Energy Solutions Regional Energy Plan
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Draft the Regional Energy Plan to advance community specific actions and goals related to energy sustainability, energy cost savings and regional energy security.
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Each community and the collective region will have a strategy (or action plan), presented through individual case studies, that helps each participant in the project:
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Support a more sustainable energy future
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Enhance regional energy security and reliability
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Create opportunities for new and green employment and economic development initiatives.
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These strategies are intended to support project participants in achieving their energy goals and objectives, reducing energy costs, and providing more sustainable energy solutions appropriate for the region. SWCC has partnered with Urban Systems for this project.
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