Submitted by Orcas Power and Light Cooperative.

OPALCO is planning now for what our energy future will be like in the next 25 years. OPALCO wants co-op members to get involved!

OPALCO is hosting a series of community meetings about renewable energy and our shared energy future. These conversations are critical to understanding the needs, priorities and preferences of OPALCO members as we plan for San Juan County’s energy future.

The energy future of the region is uncertain – demand is going up as we move away from carbon-based fuels and switch to more efficient electricity. Regional energy supply is maxxed out. Locally, we may face times when there simply isn’t enough power to go around. Should we be investing in utility-scale projects to secure our energy future?

OPALCO will be prepared to talk about the realities and challenges of local, renewable generation, planning for energy needs going up, what rooftop solar can realistically contribute, tradeoffs, conservation, climate change and permitting challenges. The OPALCO team wants to hear from members! There will be a short presentation followed by member comments and Q&A.

Here is the schedule of community meetings:

San Juan: Monday, Sept. 15, 4 p.m. at the San Juan Island Grange.

Orcas: Tuesday, Sept. 16, 4 p.m. at the Orcas Center Madrona Room.

Lopez: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 4 p.m. at the Lopez Island Library.

Email communications@opalco.com if you have questions or can’t attend one of the meetings and would like to make a comment.