Hearthmakers Hosts Free Green Energy Workshop in Picton

Have you ever fantasized about somehow making your hydro metre run backwards? About doing without hydro at all? At the very least, about finding ways to reduce that out-of-control energy bill?

On Saturday, September 27, Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative will be holding a public workshop designed to help homeowners get a little "greener" — and save money in the process. Entitled, "Green Energy, We Can All Do It", the workshop will discuss renewable technologies, how they work, and the benefits and costs. Guest speakers will explain how to get involved with Green Energy by implementing easy conservation steps around the home, such as using compact fluorescent light bulbs and solar hot water heating or by participating in the EnerGuide for Houses service.

Steve Lapp, a professional engineer in renewable energy, will speak on net metering and explain how he negotiated with Hydro One to obtain a contract to net meter his own home which is powered by solar panels and a wind turbine. Net metering means that he can feed the extra power he produces when the sun is out and the wind is blowing into the hydro grid, and can then draw power back from the grid when his own systems aren't producing enough electricity for his household.

Cam Mather, editor for Private Power Magazine, Canada's Newest Renewable Energy Resource Guide, will also be on hand to relate his family's experiences in living "off the grid" entirely. After living for over five years "free of the tyranny of the power grid", Cam is hoping to help others save time and expense by avoiding many of the mistakes he made.

An Energuide for Houses technician will explain how the EnerGuide for Houses evaluation system can help identify areas in every home where energy efficiencies can be realised, whether that's through sealing up air leaks or improving general insulation.

Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative is a community-based business that works to provide renewable energy and environmental services in the Southeastern Ontario region. The Hearthmakers energy workshop is being held in the meeting room of the Essroc Cement Administration Building on Highway #49, just east of Picton. It begins at 1pm and runs until 4pm. For further information please contact Hearthmakers or call Jennifer at 393-2331 or Bill at 476-8038.