News and Updates

Grand Opening The OMG 500 KW ground mount project started Commercial Operation. Together with our partners we have completed the construction of the OMG project. The  commercial operation date (COD) for the project was approved on July 28, 2019. You are invited  to the  Official Opening Celebration for OMG Solar on August 30, 2019 at 10 am at the OMG site 255 Tecumseh Street, Woodstock ON At the same time we are celebrating the completion of our Woodstock solar portfolio. With this latest project in commercial operation, the Oxford Community Energy Co-op and our partners are the largest renewable energy provider in Oxford County. To date the solar projects have produced 1,591,740 kWh Accuwright - 583,260 kWh  Uvalux - 485,290 kWh  Trigon - 308,560 kWh OMG - 214,630 kWh Together with the Gunn's Hill wind farm we produced over 173 million kWh of renewable energy on the 5 projects Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Miranda can be reached by phone (519-852-8609) or email miranda@oxford-cec.ca and you can call me anytime at (519-788-2598) or email helmut@oxford-cec.ca.  Sincerely,  Helmut Schneider  President  Oxford Community Energy Cooperative

April 20, 2018 

Norwich, ON - Local cooperative, the Oxford Community Energy Cooperative, in partnership with the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation and developer Prowind Inc., have announced the recipient of the annual Gunn’s Hill Community Fund, the Hodges Pond Re-Naturalization Project.

The Gunn’s Hill Limited Partnership (“Gunn’s Hill LP”) is a partnership between the Oxford Community Energy Cooperative (“OCEC”), the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (“SNGRDC”), and Prowind Inc. (“Prowind”). The Gunn’s Hill LP is the owner and operator of the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm located in Norwich, Ontario. The 18 MW wind farm completed its first full year of operation in November 2017 and continues to successfully generate enough energy to power 6,700 homes in Oxford County.

 As a reflection of the Gunn’s Hill LP’s commitment to the community, the Gunn’s Hill LP created an annual Community Fund of $25,000 that would be awarded to a local project that best represents the values of the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm, while ensuring positive benefits are received within the community.

Hodges Pond is an old mill pond located on Old Stage Road, near Highway 59 in Norwich, ON. The work on this site has been ongoing for the past fourteen years but has recently gained momentum through partnerships with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, Ducks Unlimited, Stewardship Oxford, Oxford County Trails Committee, and the County of Oxford. Together, along with the Gunn’s Hill LP, this project is ready to take its next leap forward.

“The success of the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm truly represents the accomplishments of the Gunn’s Hill LP partners and the local community,” says Prowind CEO, Frank Mascia. “At Prowind, we are proud to work with passionate community leaders to continue supporting projects that will create opportunities for growth and recreation in Oxford County through the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm Community Fund.”

Since 2001, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has ranked the water quality that flows from Hodges Pond into Cedar Creek in the lowest grade level. The first phase of re-naturalization was to re-establish the former cold-water stream. After years of engineering and environmental consultation, it was decided by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority that the most cost effective and timely option was to create a man-made bypass channel connecting Hodges Pond back to Cedar Creek. Work on this bypass channel started in 2017 and by the fall of that year, water was flowing freely into Cedar Creek for the first time in over 150 years.

This is a celebrated accomplishment for all residents of Oxford County, the revitalization of this ecosystem and water way will greatly impact the water quality within the County, as well as offer an excellent outdoor space for all residents to enjoy. The Gunn’s Hill Community Fund will be used to support trail development, bird nesting habitats and experiential learning opportunities.

The Gunn’s Hill LP is excited to be a part of this innovative project and plans to host public events for residents to participate in the restoration of the area through tree planting and habitat building, while also encouraging people to enjoy the natural space.

“As a partner we are thrilled to be able to host these community events and to invite our members and investors to participate,” expressed OCEC Executive Director, Miranda Fuller, “as a local cooperative we are passionate about being a leader in our community and support projects that benefit not just the residents of Oxford but the global community as well.”

This year the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm produced an impressive 62,890,000 kWh and avoided 2,754 tonnes of CO₂ emissions through clean energy generation. This is equivalent to 126,503 mature trees planted or 599 cars removed from the road. This Earth Day, we are celebrating the great accomplishments that we are all doing collectively to improve our environment and quality of life.

Matt Jamieson, President and CEO of the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation says, “Hodges Pond is a project that the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation is proud to support. It provides regeneration that is vital to the regional eco-system, as well as developing a natural landscape feature for surrounding communities to enjoy. We look forward to continuing our work with the Community Fund for years to come.”

About the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative: The Oxford Community Energy Co-operative Inc. is a renewable energy co-op based in Oxford County with its office located in Woodstock, Ontario. OCEC was developed to bring renewable energy investment opportunities to the residents of Oxford County. The local community currently owns 49% of the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm project and OCEC has recently opened this solar investment opportunity to its members. OCEC present membership is over 200 and they are striving to bring locally produced energy to the local community.

For more information, please visit www.oxford-cec.ca

Media Contact Information

Miranda Fuller, Executive Director

Oxford Community Energy Co-op

miranda@oxford-cec.ca

Phone: 519-852-8609

 

About Prowind Inc.: Prowind Inc. is a renewable energy developer and operator located in Ontario, Canada. Prowind provides the development, financing, permitting, design, and operation of renewable energy projects using wind, solar, and biomass technologies throughout the Americas. We strive to provide financial security and environmental sustainability through the development of locally-owned clean energy projects in partnership with community groups, local businesses, municipalities, and indigenous communities.

For more information, please visit www.prowind.com

Media Contact Information

Heather Shilton, Manager of Marketing & Communications

Prowind Inc.

hshilton@prowind.com

Phone: 905-528-1747

 

About Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation: Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) manages Six Nations’ economic interests in many renewable energy projects and economic development opportunities, on and around the Six Nations territory. Environmental sustainability is priority for SNGRDC as we continue to pursue meaningful green energy partnerships in Southern Ontario.

 

For more information, please visit www.sndevcorp.ca

Media Contact Information

Tyler Ferguson, Acting Director of Corporate Affairs    

Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation

tferguson@sndevcorp.ca

Phone: 519-753-1950

Photos courtesy of IREA 

The International Renewable Energy Academy returns to Oxford this April. The event starts with experiential learning and RETScreen training at York University. On April 5th, students will be travelling to Oxford County to view a number of demonstration projects which are the cornerstones of Oxford's movement towards achieving 100% RE. 

The Gunn's Hill Wind Farm will be highlighted as an innovator in community-led renewable energy. Our 18MW Wind Farm was made possible due to the commitment and support from our valued members and investors. This project powers over 7,000 homes in Oxford and is an important step towards achieving 100% renewable energy in Oxford. 

If you are interested in attending the International Renewable Energy Academy?Registration cost is $100, you will receive a two-day intensive RETScreen Expert training,  presentations from keynote speakers, Steven Strong, Glen Estill and Donna Cansfield and visits to demonstration projects. 

More information here 

By Gideon Forman, Climate Change & Transportation Policy Analyst

Photos by Emily Fister 

Miranda Fuller looks over the 10 turbines on Gunn's Hill Wind Farm in Southwestern Ontario's Oxford County, a lush region of farmland and small cities between London & Kitchener, "They're magical" she says. 

The project, which started running in late 2016 and now produces enough electricity to power some 6,700 local homes, is Ontario’s first community-sponsored wind farm. If the word “magical” is not wholly accurate — the turbines are no illusion, after all — it does capture some of Gunn’s Hill’s uniqueness. From many points of view, it’s an extraordinary undertaking.

Fuller, 25, grew up in the town of Ingersoll in Oxford County and, after studying environmental ethics at nearby Wilfrid Laurier University, became communications director at the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative, one of the organizations that gave Gunn’s Hill life. Other key partners were the Six Nations of the Grand River and project developer Prowind Canada Inc.

She tells me the co-op of just 180 members raised a staggering $9 million — much of it from investments of $1,000 to $10,000 by individuals living in the county. Ron Seftel, CEO of investor Bullfrog Power says, “Local folks put in a ton of work” to make Gunn’s Hill possible. Today, almost half its bonds and shares, 49 per cent, are in the hands of Oxford residents and businesses. Community-based yet wonderfully ambitious, it is the largest renewable energy co-op project to gain approval in Ontario. It’s also Canada’s first wind initiative to feature both co-op and Indigenous ownership.

Beyond its significant size — it will supply an impressive 15 per cent of Oxford’s 100 per cent renewable electricity goal — the project creates a bond between citizens and their power generation.

“Too often, people are cut off from their power supply,” Fuller says. “It’s important to see your energy source. Seeing the turbines helps you connect with the energy you’re using.” Living close to the windmills — and in some cases gaining employment from them — gives locals a stake in the system and makes them more likely to support pro-renewable public policy.

Gunn’s Hill also helps conserve agricultural land. Fuller introduces me to the Start family, who joined the co-op partly because they’ve run a farm for six generations and want to protect it from developers.

The family’s connection to their land is intimate. Among the acres of wheat and corn, there’s a newly planted butterfly habitat between solar arrays.

“You’re just a steward. You never own,” Susan Start explains. “You’re just a steward of the land. So that was just really important to us, even on a spiritual level.”

The wind turbines are underwritten by 20-year contracts; putting them on the Starts’ property means it can’t be paved for at least two decades.

“We’re very close to an urban centre that will feel development pressure. It does now and will even more in the future,” says Susan’s husband, David, referring to the growing City of Woodstock. “We’re at the junction of [super highways] 403 and 401, two main corridors. And I believe the turbines will actually help protect this land and our woodlot for future generations — for local food production.”

Gunn’s Hill is also attractive to the Starts because it’s a joint venture with Indigenous Peoples.

“Another big thing for us was the involvement of the Six Nations,” Susan says. “I just find that community and that culture…wise, grounded, in touch with [the Earth].”

The project wasn’t without obstacles. During its development, Fuller recalls, “Some locals didn’t support it. But since it was built, we’re not seeing much pushback.”

David Start adds, “I think fear of the unknown was a factor for a lot of people who were sort of sitting on the fence and not knowing what to think. Now [the turbines are] up and they see them I think generally they’re thinking, ‘It’s not such a big deal. It’s not what I was told it was going to be.’”

One piece of information that diminishes opposition is the fact that wind turbines offer residents income. “Local people’s investment in wind does ease contention,” Fuller says.

“I absolutely worry about climate change,” she adds. “Denying it would be foolish. Wind is one of the technologies that can help us get off fossil fuel. It helps us become energy independent.”

Fuller, now executive director at the co-op, doesn’t hesitate to offer advice to other municipalities contemplating local power projects: “Be prepared to be surprised by the community’s passion for renewables. Keep moving forward — the end is worth it. They’re magical, the wind turbines. They bring a lot of hope.”

Renewable energy is empowering communities across the country. Charged Up is the story of you — of all of us — on a mission for a cleaner, healthier, charged-up Canada.

Ontario's First Community Wind Farm by Gideon Forman 

photos courtesy of Prowind Canada 

The Oxford Community Energy Cooperative (“OCEC”), Prowind Inc. (“Prowind”) and Arntjen Solar North America (“Arntjen Solar”) are pleased to announce the achievement of commercial operation on their first community-owned solar project located in the City of Woodstock. This project is the first of four owned by the Oxford Community Solar One LP (the “LP”), which is a Limited Partnership comprised of the Oxford County Renewable Energy Partners Inc., OCEC, Prowind, and Arntjen Solar, that generate electricity under the Independent Electricity Systems Operator’s (“IESO”) Feed-in-Tariff Program.

The first project to be completed is the AccuWright project, a 250 kW rooftop installation that began construction in August 2017. Commercial operation of this project was achieved on November 7^th, 2017. All four solar projects are located in Woodstock, ON and will have a total installed capacity of 1.2 MW. They are expected to generate enough electricity to provide power to approximately 300 homes in Oxford County. Three of the four projects are located on rooftops while the fourth is ground-mounted. A fifth contract was recently awarded to the LP under the FIT 5 program for a 500 kW rooftop solar project also located in Woodstock, bringing the total installed capacity of the five projects to 1.7 MW.

“It is important to develop these projects within partnerships, one of the largest partners being the community themselves,” the outgoing President of OCEC, Rob Thompson shares. “It is partnerships with experienced and eager organizations that will bring Oxford County closer to achieving their goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. We will continue to develop these projects and bring opportunities to the communities to continue making a better energy future for tomorrow.” 

The completion of this first project and attainment of commercial operation is a milestone achievement for the LP. This is a demonstrative effort in community partnership and locally-owned renewable power generation. OCEC, a 51% owner in these projects, is raising equity through investments to fund their contribution. Residents of Oxford County and the surrounding area now hold ownership in these projects through share and bond subscriptions.

“Reaching commercial operation on the first of the Oxford Community Solar One LP projects is a true achievement for all of the partners involved in these projects” says Rochelle Rumney, Director of Project Planning at Prowind. “Oxford County is becoming a leader in the implementation of renewable energy technologies and we at Prowind are proud to contribute to this exciting movement of adopting community-owned clean energy.”

To commemorate this achievement there will be a ribbon cutting and “switch flipping” ceremony at the AccuWright location, which can be found at 35 Longworth Lane, Woodstock, ON. The AccuWright project will officially be energized at that time. This event is a free event for all interested individuals; there will also be brief words thanking the partners as well as light refreshments. For those interested in investing in these projects there are still bonds available for purchase and members of OCEC will be available to answer any questions regarding the project and potential investments. The event will be from 12:00 – 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 25, 2017, with the ribbon cutting to be held at 12:15pm.

Members of OCEC can purchase bonds in these projects and receive a competitive return on their investment. OCEC’s objective is to work in partnerships to bring renewable generation projects to Oxford County and surrounding areas. Their model allows local community members to benefit economically from projects and participate in the green energy movement that is building infrastructure to sustain future generations. Those interested in investing in these solar projects must be a member of OCEC. To join please fill out the membership application online (www.oxford-cec.ca) or contact Miranda Fuller (miranda@oxford-cec.ca) for more information.

About the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative: The Oxford Community Energy Co-operative Inc. is a renewable energy co-op based in Oxford County with its office located in Woodstock, Ontario. OCEC was developed to bring renewable energy investment opportunities to the residents of Oxford County. The local community currently owns 49% of the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm project and OCEC has recently opened this solar investment opportunity to its members. OCEC present membership is over 200 and they are striving to bring locally produced energy to the local community.

For more information, please visit www.oxford-cec.ca

Media Contact Information

Miranda Fuller, Executive Director

Oxford Community Energy Co-op

miranda@oxford-cec.ca

Phone: 519-852-8609

About Prowind Inc.: Prowind Inc. is a renewable energy developer and operator located in Ontario, Canada. Prowind provides the development, financing, permitting, design, and operation of renewable energy projects using wind, solar, and biomass technologies throughout the Americas. We strive to provide financial security and environmental sustainability through the development of locally-owned clean energy projects in partnership with community groups, indigenous communities, and industrial operations. Prowind Inc. (Americas) is closely tied to Prowind GmbH (Germany).

For more information, please visit www.prowind.com

Media Contact Information

Heather Shilton, Manager of Marketing & Communications

Prowind Inc.

905-528-1747

hshilton@prowind.com

About Arntjen Solar North America Inc.: Arntjen Solar North-America and Arntjen Clean Energy Solutions are part of the Arntjen Group Germany which was founded in 1978. Since connecting the first dual-axis tracker in 2008 Arntjen Solar supplied over 5,000 Solar-Trackers and installed multiple large roof top Solar-Systems throughout Ontario. Arntjen Clean Energy Solutions focuses on Clean Energy, ElectroMobilty and Conservation by delivering high-quality energy solutions to help our customers find new and better ways to minimize the dependency on fossil fuels. Arntjen Clean Energy Solutions is committed to building long-term relationships based on integrity, performance, value, and client satisfaction to support the communities we live in. We are proud to be a partner on these community solar projects in Oxford County. 

For more information, please visit www.arntjensolar.com/about-arntjen-solar-na/

Media Contact Information

Christine Waterman, Administrative & Marketing Assistant
Arntjen Solar North America Inc.

christine.waterman.na@arntjensolar.com

Phone: 519-913-2346

WOODSTOCK, ON – Prowind Canada Inc. (“Prowind”), the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative (“OCEC”), and Arntjen Solar North-America Inc. (“Arntjen Solar”) are pleased to announce the commencement of construction on four community-owned solar projects located in the City of Woodstock. The four solar projects are owned by the Oxford Community Solar One LP, which is a Limited Partnership comprised of Oxford Community Renewable Energy Partners Inc., Prowind, OCEC, and Arntjen Solar, and generate electricity under the Independent Electricity Systems Operator’s (“IESO”) Feed-in-Tariff Program.

Construction has begun on the first of the four solar projects which are all located in Woodstock, ON and will have a total installed capacity of 1.2 MW. The projects are expected to generate enough electricity to provide power to approximately 300 homes in the surrounding area. Three of the four projects are located on rooftops while the fourth is ground-mounted.   

Construction on the first of the four solar projects began in August 2017, and is scheduled to be completed in September 2017. The final solar project, the only ground-mounted project, is scheduled to be completed in August 2018, with the remaining two rooftop projects scheduled to be completed by late 2017. Commissioning of the projects is expected to occur shortly after the completion of construction, which will allow the projects to begin generating electricity for the surrounding community.

“This is an exciting time in Oxford County,” says Helmut Schneider, President of Prowind. “With the commencement of construction on the Solar One community projects, Oxford County is moving closer to their goal of being 100% powered by renewable energy by 2050, and Prowind is proud to contribute to the achievement of this goal.”

This is the second venture which includes both Prowind and OCEC, the first of which was the 18 MW Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm located in Norwich, ON. The Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm consists of ten Senvion MM92 wind turbines which generate enough electricity to power approximately 6700 homes in the surrounding area. The Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm is owned by the Gunn’s Hill LP, which is a Limited Partnership comprised of GHLP General Partner Inc., Prowind, OCEC, and the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation. 

Prowind builds renewable energy projects with community groups and other local partners in order to promote sustainable growth in rural communities. Prowind is an affiliate of Prowind GmbH based in Osnabrück, Germany. With a total built capacity of over 200 MW of wind, solar and biomass in operation, the Prowind group has established 29 community-sized renewable energy developments across Europe and North America. Prowind Canada continues to develop joint renewable energy projects with local community groups across Canada and the United States.  

OCEC has now opened this project to its membership for investment. Members of the Oxford Community Energy Cooperative will have the opportunity to purchase equity in the project and receive a competitive return on their investment. OCEC’s objective is to work in partnerships to bring renewable generation projects to Oxford County and surrounding areas and invite their members to invest and receive healthy returns. This model allows local community members to benefit economically from these projects and participate in the green energy movement that is building infrastructure to sustain future generations. Those interested in investing in the solar projects must be a member of the Oxford Community Energy Cooperative. To join please fill out the membership application online (www.oxford-cec.ca) or contact Miranda Fuller (miranda@oxford-cec.ca) for more information.

About Prowind Canada Inc.: Prowind Canada Inc. is a renewable energy developer and operator with a mandate to develop renewable energy generation across North America. Headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario, Prowind Canada develops, owns, and operates renewable energy developments in conjunction with local communities and indigenous groups to generate community-owned clean energy. Our success continues to grow as we develop our relationship with the agricultural community in order to pursue renewable energy developments in rural communities.  

For more information, please visit www.prowind.com

Media Contact Information

Heather Shilton, Manager of Communications

Prowind Canada Inc.

905-528-1747

hshilton@prowind.com

About the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative: The Oxford Community Energy Co-operative Inc. is a renewable energy co-op based in Oxford County with its office located in Woodstock, Ontario. OCEC was developed to bring renewable energy investment opportunities to the residents of Oxford County. The local community currently owns 49% of the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm project and OCEC has recently opened this solar investment opportunity to its members. OCEC present membership is over 190 and they are striving to bring locally produced energy to the local community.

For more information, please visit www.oxford-cec.ca

Media Contact Information

Miranda Fuller, Executive Director

Oxford Community Energy Co-op

miranda@oxford-cec.ca

Phone: 519-852-8609

About Arntjen Solar North America Inc.: Arntjen Solar North-America and Arntjen Clean Energy Solutions are part of the Arntjen Group Germany which was founded in 1978. Since connecting the first dual-axis tracker in 2008 Arntjen Solar supplied over 5,000 Solar-Trackers and installed multiple large roof top Solar-Systems throughout Ontario. Arntjen Clean Energy Solutions focuses on Clean Energy, ElectroMobilty and Conservation by delivering high-quality energy solutions to help our customers find new and better ways to minimize the dependency on fossil fuels. Arntjen Clean Energy Solutions is committed to building long-term relationships based on integrity, performance, value, and client satisfaction to support the communities we live in. We are proud to be a partner on these community solar projects in Oxford County. 

For more information, please visit www.arntjensolar.com/about-arntjen-solar-na/

Media Contact Information

Christine Waterman, Administrative & Marketing Assistant
Arntjen Solar North America Inc.

christine.waterman.na@arntjensolar.com

Phone: 519-913-2346

June 19 - 23, 2017 

The International Renewable Energy Academy (IREA) highlighted the Oxford Community Energy Cooperative and their community wind project as a demonstration of leadership in renewable generation. 

Academics and professionals from around the globe travelled to York University to participate in a five day immersive training course on community renewable power. 

Starting the week at York University,  IREA members completed the RETScreen training course and heard from innovative leaders in renewable energy and community power. Speakers included; Greg Leng, the creator of RETScreen and Donna Cansfield, former Minster of Energy and Natural Resources. 

On Wednesday June 21, participants toured the Silfab Manufacturing facility to view  the process of producing solar panels. IREA then arrived in Oxford for the experiential component of their training. They toured multiple renewable projects in Oxford including many solar installations in Woodstock. 

Thursday June 22, the academy visited the Gunn's Hill Wind Farm, the first project completed by the Oxford Community Energy Cooperative. Participants were overwhelmed with excitement at the opportunity to visit Ontario's first community-owned wind farm. Joined by our partners from Prowind Canada and supported by Six Nations of the Grand River, OCEC shared the story of Gunn's Hill with IREA members. 

The inaugural year for the academy was a tremendous success, OCEC is very proud to be a partner in learning with; 

Ontario's first community wind farm powers almost 7,000 homes 

By Gideon Forman, climatechange policy analyst at the David Suzuki Foundation

Miranda Fuller looks over the 10 turbines on Gunn's Hill Wind Farm in southern Ontario's Oxford County, a lush region of farmland and small cities between London and Kitchener. "They're magical!" she says.

The project, which started running late last year and now produces enough electricity to power some 6,700 local homes, is Ontario's first community-sponsored wind farm. If the word "magical" is not wholly accurate — the turbines are no illusion, after all — it does capture some of Gunn's Hill's uniqueness. From many points of view, it's an extraordinary undertaking.

Fuller, 24, grew up in Oxford and, after studying environmental ethics at nearby Wilfrid Laurier University, became communications director at the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative, one of the organizations that gave Gunn's Hill life. (Other key partners were the Six Nations of the Grand River and project developer Prowind Canada Inc.)

She tells me the co-op of just 180 members raised a staggering $9 million — much of it from investments of $1,000 to $10,000 by individuals living in the county. Ron Seftel, CEO of investor Bullfrog Power says, "Local folks put in a ton of work" to make Gunn's Hill possible. Today, almost half its bonds and shares, 49 per cent, are in the hands of Oxford residents and businesses. Community-based yet wonderfully ambitious, it is the largest renewable energy co-op project to gain approval in Ontario. It's also Canada's first wind initiative to feature both co-op and Indigenous ownership.

Beyond its significant size — it will supply an impressive 15 per cent of Oxford's 100 per cent renewable electricity goal — the project creates a bond between citizens and their power generation. "Too often, people are cut off from their power supply," Fuller says. "It's important to see your energy source. Seeing the turbines helps you connect with the energy you're using." Living close to the windmills — and in some cases gaining employment from them — gives locals a stake in the system and makes them more likely to support pro-renewable public policy.

Gunn's Hill also helps conserve agricultural land. Fuller tells the story of one landowner family that joined the co-op because they've run a farm for six generations and want to protect it from development for as long as possible. With 20-year contracts underwriting the turbines, putting them on property means it can't be paved for at least two decades, if not longer.

The project wasn't without obstacles. During its development, Fuller recalls, "Some locals didn't support it. But since it was built, we're not seeing much pushback. People fear what they don't know. So you need to give people factual information. There's been a shift in attitude since the project became operational." One piece of information that diminishes opposition is the fact that windmills offer residents income. "Local people's investment in winddoes ease contention," Fuller says.

In a phone interview with the David Suzuki Foundation, Fuller explains why windspeaks to her personally. "I absolutely worry about climate change. Denying it would be foolish. Windis one of the technologies that can help us get off fossil fuel. It helps us become energy-independent."

She doesn't hesitate to offer advice to other municipalities contemplating local power projects: "Be prepared to be surprised by the community's passion for renewables. Keep moving forward — the end is worth it. They're magical, the wind turbines. They bring a lot of hope."

link to article click here 

Thanks to the incredible work of our partners, members, investors and supporters the Gunn's Hill Wind Farm has reached Commercial Operation as of November 14, 2016. The Gunn's Hill Wind Farm is a milestone achievement for OCEC and would not have been possible without the right partners. We would like to thank Prowind Canada and Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation for their assistance and support in making this project a possibility. 

Moving forward OCEC is excited to bring new investment opportunities in renewable generation to the residents of Oxford and continue to be your local renewable energy co-op in 2017. 

On behalf of the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative and our President Helmut Schneider, I extend our congratulations to Mayor Molnar on his participation and support in the excellent video.  His supporting comments regarding economic development in Oxford County and the positive impact for the community of Tillsonburg show excellent, progressive community leadership.  It is refreshing to see a Mayor who states the facts surrounding an issue and supports initiatives taken by industry that benefit their community.  The Oxford Community Energy Co-operative very much appreciates his permission to link the Renewable Energy video to our website.  We feel that collective positive energy regarding the topic of renewables is supportive to what communities in Oxford County and Canada are thinking and wanting.

 

 https://www.siemens.ca/WEB/PORTAL/EN/ABOUTUS/TRUSTED-PARTNER/Pages/Tillsonburg.aspx