Northwest Community Energy

The Northwest Community Energy website, launched by Northwest SEED and the Last Mile Electric Cooperative, provides an in-depth look at “what it takes” to pursue community energy projects in our region.

The benefits of clean energy are vast, and positively impact many aspects of society: our environment, economy, and security, to name a few. This website focuses not on the reasons, but on practical methods to pursue clean energy use, with the discussion framed around Community energy projects.

What is “Community Energy?” Community Energy includes renewable energy, conservation, and efficiency projects with substantial community ownership and involvement. These projects strive to retain locally the values of clean energy and thus have distinct advantages including greater economic benefit to local communities, increased local awareness and involvement in clean energy, and strengthened communities through collaborative efforts.

The website provides detailed information and guidance on technologies, resource assessment, siting considerations, interconnection, permitting, financing, ownership models, and more. Topics are organized by technology (wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and efficiency) with additional sections devoted to project management and utility considerations. While the site is not intended to serve as the sole manual to take any one project from start to finish, it does provide a deep and pragmatic framework for those considering involvement in community energy projects. Community members, landowners, government officials, utilities, advocates, and project developers will all find content relevant to their role.

Interested in strengthening your community through clean energy development? Start by exploring the Northwest Community Energy Website at www.nwcommunityenergy.org!