Program highlights energy options

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – “Community Wind: A New Business Model for Locally-Owned Renewable Energy Development in Maine” will be presented by Sue Jones of Community Energy Partners on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the UMPI auditorium. The event is sponsored by the St John Aroostook Resource Conservation & Development Council.
     “Community Wind,” a new economic development tool for many states in the U.S., combines energy generation with local ownership. You’re invited to come and learn about what it is and how it can be used to support and strengthen local communities such as those in Aroostook County. Learn how it is different from conventional wind development and how it can revitalize local communities. Case studies of different community wind projects from the U.S. will be featured and discussed, as well as some of the funding and financing mechanisms now being successfully used.
Hosted by the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the slideshow presentation will be held in the auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Refreshments will be available.
The slideshow will be presented by Jones, president of Community Energy Partners. Also known as CommEn, it is a consultancy located in southern Maine helping landowners, farmers and agricultural producers, small businesses and municipalities reduce high energy costs by installing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
In addition to “Community Wind,” Jones is working on a number of locally-owned energy projects in Maine, including biodiesel, biomass, anaerobic digestion and others. For more information, visit the Web site at www.communityenergypartners.com or contact the St. John Aroostook Resource Conservation & Development office at 764-4126 ext. 5.
The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.