Home2023-11-24T17:45:30-08:00

CLEAN ENERGY IN THE GULF ISLANDS!

Salish Sea Renewable Energy Co-operative

SSREC* is a member-run co-operative of Salish Sea residents and property owners in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada – Pender Island, Mayne Island, Galiano Island, Penelakut Island, Saturna Island, Salt Spring Island and Thetis Island.     *Affectionately pronounced “Shrek”

CLEAN ENERGY IN THE GULF ISLANDS!

Salish Sea Renewable Energy Co-operative (SSREC)

The SSREC is a member-run co-operative of Salish Sea residents and property owners in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada – Pender Island, Mayne Island, Galiano Island, Penelakut Island, Saturna Island, Salt Spring Island and Thetis Island.

The SSREC purchases and installs renewable (often solar-powered) energy systems for members and within the community.

Co-op Purposes

  • To promote, support, and/or facilitate the installation of low-carbon renewable energy systems on the Gulf Islands
  • To advocate for low-carbon renewable energy policy by governments and public agencies
  • To support training and education on the islands related to low-carbon renewable energy systems
  • In the last six years, SSREC has been instrumental in the installation of close to 110 solar arrays on roofs of residential and community buildings, and a few ground mounts, around the Southern Gulf Islands
  • We’ve installed close to 3000 panels with a total capacity exceeding 850 kW
  • These PV arrays generate close to 900,000 kWh of electricity a year, while preventing the emission of almost 300 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year over hydroelectricity

Co-op Purposes

  • To promote, support, and/or facilitate the installation of low-carbon renewable energy systems on the Gulf Islands
  • To advocate for low-carbon renewable energy policy by governments and public agencies
  • To support training and education on the islands related to low-carbon renewable energy systems

Latest News

Facebook Posts

Photos from Rural Islands Economic Partnership's post ... See MoreSee Less
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2024 Heatpump Rebates are available now! For more information on local rebates, local heat pump installations and service get in touch with us or one of our fine sponsors now!! https://transitionsaltspring.com/woodsmoke/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Nova Scotia launches community solar program. Nova Scotia is investing $5.2 million in 2024 through 2025 to help with the capital costs of building community solar gardens. https://renewableenergyworld.com/solar/community-solar/… ... See MoreSee Less
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Report: 2023 was a record year for solar + storage, but wind suffered. The U.S. now has 262 GW of clean energy on its grid and generates 16% of its electricity from wind and solar. https://renewableenergyworld.com/solar/utility-scale/… ... See MoreSee Less
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"March 8, 2024 INFORMATION RELEASE – BCUC Approves BC Hydro’s Residential Pricing Principles for Fiscal 2025 VANCOUVER – Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) approved BC Hydro’s pricing principles which set out how it will apply its general rate changes to residential rates in fiscal 2025.Effective April 1, 2024, BC Hydro will apply its previously approved general rate increase of 6.4% to its basic charge and step 1 energy charge, while its step 2 energy charge will remain unchanged.This decision is consistent with the previous BCUC finding that applying BC Hydro’s general rate increase to its basic charge and step 1 energy charge reduces the difference between step 1 and step 2 energy charges. These pricing principles have been approved for use in fiscal 2023, 2024, and now 2025.In its application, BC Hydro notes that any bill impact from applying these pricing principles will be offset by previously approved rate riders and the BC Electricity Affordability Credit, which is expected to provide an average credit of $100 to each residential customer. As a result, BC Hydro states that it expects all customers to have bill decreases beginning as early as April 1, 2024. For more information about the BCUC’s decision or BC Hydro’s application, please see the proceeding page."INFORMATION RELEASE – BCUC Approves BC Hydro’s Residential Pricing Principles for Fiscal 2025. To read the full release, visit https://ow.ly/TYJe50QP6XW ... See MoreSee Less
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On Thursday, March 7th at 2 PM the Library will be screening The Magnitude of all Things directed by local filmmaker Jennifer Abbott in collaboration with CFUW Salt Spring Island.---Jennifer is a Sundance and Genie award-winning film Director, writer, editor, producer, and sound designer, who specializes in social justice and environmental documentaries like The Corporation.--A Great Way to Commemorate International Women's Day! 🎉 ... See MoreSee Less
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Featured Video

You Can Be Net-Zero, Baby!

Current Initiatives

Ten Solar Power Myths

SSREC’s Tom Mommsen debunks ten myths about solar power, myths like “we don’t get enough sun”, or “it’s too expensive”, or “it’s too complicated”…

Advocating for Fair
Net-metering Policy

Tell the provincial government that BC Hydro should support installation of residential and community-scale solar systems

Community Presentations

Solar myths and solar truths. Why install solar? How much does it cost?

FEATURED ARTICLE

Community Solar in BC – A Short Primer

This article was first published in early 2017, and since then the community of Hudson’s Hope has been busy installing 500 kW solar PV on public buildings, and the Upper Nicola Band is embarking on a 15 MW solar project, while two independent utilities (Summerland, New Westminster) have seen the light and follow Nelson in installing community solar. On the negative side, BC Hydro’s standing offer programs have since been suspended, and BC Hydro is attacking the net-metering program with an application to the BC Utilities Commission to limit net-metering. Link: http://www.bcuc.com/ApplicationView.aspx?ApplicationId=629

Join the Coop!

Members are eligible to participate in upcoming group purchases of solar equipment and installation

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