Forum: solar energy grant progress

More people are seeing the light solar energy offers.

Members of the La Conner-based Skagit Valley Clean Energy Cooperative are hoping to see that number grow Saturday after a 10 a.m. forum at the La Conner Swinomish Library.

The program explores solar and energy storage and how they help build climate resilience and support community needs.

They will discuss their approved feasibility study for a grant to fund solarization and energy storage at the La Conner fire station and school campus.

If funded, both venues will serve as emergency shelters for La Conner area residents.

Town Councilmember Mary Wohleb, a SVCEC founder, said the co-op’s mission is to bring solar energy to La Conner and the Skagit Valley at an affordable rate.

“Three years ago,” Wohleb related to council at its Jan. 23 meeting, “(Resident) Terry Nelson inquired about what the Town could do to green things up a bit. The Skagit Valley Clean Energy Cooperative was born from that.”

Wohleb said that since its inception the co-op has taken on several partners throughout the Puget Sound region.

“La Conner has been out in front,” she noted. “Most importantly, we’re trying to help citizens lower their energy bills.”

SVCEC brochure information will be included with a local spring utility billing.

The Town’s Emergency Management Commission will address their work on emergency preparedness and strategic planning for disaster scenarios, also.