NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008OTP0232-001441 Sept. 24, 2008	Office of the Premier Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
COMMUNITIES AWARDED FUNDING TO EXPAND SOLAR PROJECTS

PENTICTON – Six communities have been awarded $20,000 to further develop solar hot water systems and other solar initiatives in an effort to conserve and promote clean energy throughout the province, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

 

            “These communities are demonstrating how solar technology can be a viable part of a community’s energy solution,” said Premier Campbell. “British Columbians embrace innovative and sustainable energy solutions, and with programs like SolarBC, the Province is demonstrating its commitment to becoming energy self-sufficient while tackling climate change.”

 

The communities selected are: the district of Saanich, the city of Kelowna, district of Tofino, district of North Vancouver and a partnership between the city of Dawson Creek and West Moberly First Nation. These communities were chosen through an RFP process and will receive $20,000.

 

“These communities are the first to be funded by our $5-million investment in the SolarBC program,” said Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld. “These communities will have the opportunity to become solar-friendly and be leaders in a sustainable energy future as recognized ‘Solar Communities’.”

 

On July 17, 2008, the Province announced a $5-million investment in the SolarBC program to support six solar hot water projects, including installations on residences, local government buildings, First Nations homes, social housing, schools and a Solar Communities project.

 

“These will be flagship solar communities who will provide leadership by their innovative deployment of solar technologies and will become role models for communities across B.C.,” said Nitya Harris, executive director of SolarBC.

           

Solar hot water systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about one tonne per year for a single family home using natural gas for water heating. The increased use of solar energy technology is part of a broader sustainable energy strategy that will help the Province reach its goal of curbing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020.

 

SolarBC supports the BC Energy Plan conservation target to acquire 50 per cent of BC Hydro’s resource needs through conservation by 2020. For more information on SolarBC, please visit www.solarbc.ca.

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Media contact:	Bridgitte Anderson Press Secretary Office of the Premier 604 307-7177	Jake Jacobs Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources 250 213-6934 (cell)
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