On March 22, Westlock County hosted an informative energy efficiency and renewable energy show at the Fawcett Community Hall, aiming to engage the community in sustainable practices. Patrick Jean, the municipal energy manager, emphasized the importance of community involvement in developing a three-year energy management program. “This event is a great way to showcase our initiatives and help residents enhance their energy efficiency,” he stated.
The show featured a variety of organizations that provided visual demonstrations and hands-on experiences related to energy-saving and renewable technologies. Dora L’Heureux, stakeholder relations manager from Fortis, answered questions about transitioning to alternative energy systems, specifically solar power. Fortis introduced an innovative outage alert system that sends text notifications regarding power outages and restorations, along with an online outage map for residents.
L’Heureux also shared valuable information on available grants for landowners and the necessary steps to consider when installing solar systems. Jordan Kruhlak from Glean, a solar brokerage, explained that solar systems could operate without battery storage, allowing homeowners to feed excess energy back into the grid while drawing power when needed.
Before committing to solar installations, L’Heureux advised landowners to collaborate with Fortis to assess whether local power lines can support solar integration. Evaluations include assessing the capability of existing infrastructure and the type of solar system proposed.
Glean offers support to homeowners in choosing the right solar system and vendor. “It’s crucial to evaluate your options carefully,” Kruhlak noted. “We can help determine the best fit for your energy needs.”
Attendees also learned about free energy assessments from Matt Ingvardsen, a registered energy advisor from Energy Werx Corporation. These assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of a home’s energy systems, including windows and insulation, enabling residents to implement effective energy-saving measures.
Joseph Henke from the Emissions-Neutral Building Information Exchange (Enbix) showcased visual models demonstrating various energy-efficient building practices. Enbix primarily assists commercial builders in adopting energy-saving solutions to maximize efficiency.
The Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta (EVAA) was present to inform attendees about the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs). Adam Eustace, the EVAA director, highlighted that EVs not only reduce fuel costs but also eliminate the need for oil changes, saving thousands in maintenance annually. He provided a cost comparison, noting that a Tesla Model 3 long-range AWD costs approximately $360 per year in electricity for a 15,000 km annual drive, while a BMW 330ix incurs about $1,993 in fuel costs.
Susan Courty from the Women in Renewable Energy organization discussed geothermal energy systems, including installation guidelines and ground depth considerations. The organization offers extensive resources on various renewable energy options, which can be found at www.womeninrenewableenergy.ca.
Looking ahead, Patrick Jean announced that more energy shows are planned throughout the county, with the next event scheduled for June. These initiatives aim to provide valuable information to residents of Westlock and the surrounding areas, fostering a community committed to energy efficiency and sustainability.
