Oxford Community Energy Co-op News and Updates

Woodstock Solar Projects Complete

Helmut Schneider — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 21:08:23 GMT

Grand Opening

The OMG 500 KW ground mount project started Commercial Operation.

Together with our partners we have completed the construction of the OMG project. The commercial operation date (COD) for the project was approved on July 28, 2019.

You are invited

to the

Official Opening Celebration for OMG Solar

on August 30, 2019 at 10 am

at the OMG site

255 Tecumseh Street, Woodstock ON

At the same time we are celebrating the completion of our Woodstock solar portfolio. With this latest project in commercial operation, the Oxford Community Energy Co-op and our partners are the largest renewable energy provider in Oxford County.

To date the solar projects have produced 1,591,740 kWh

Accuwright - 583,260 kWh

Uvalux - 485,290 kWh

Trigon - 308,560 kWh

OMG - 214,630 kWh

Together with the Gunn's Hill wind farm we produced over 173 million kWh of renewable energy on the 5 projects

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Miranda can be reached by phone (519-852-8609) or email miranda@oxford-cec.ca and you can call me anytime at (519-788-2598) or email helmut@oxford-cec.ca.

Sincerely,

Helmut Schneider

President

Oxford Community Energy Cooperative

Gunn’s Hill Limited Partnership announces recipient of Community Fund on Earth Day 2018

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 15:31:58 GMT

April 20, 2018

Norwich, ON - Local cooperative, the Oxford Community Energy Cooperative, in partnership with the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation and developer Prowind Inc., have announced the recipient of the annual Gunn’s Hill Community Fund, the Hodges Pond Re-Naturalization Project.

The Gunn’s Hill Limited Partnership (“Gunn’s Hill LP”) is a partnership between the Oxford Community Energy Cooperative (“OCEC”), the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (“SNGRDC”), and Prowind Inc. (“Prowind”). The Gunn’s Hill LP is the owner and operator of the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm located in Norwich, Ontario. The 18 MW wind farm completed its first full year of operation in November 2017 and continues to successfully generate enough energy to power 6,700 homes in Oxford County.

As a reflection of the Gunn’s Hill LP’s commitment to the community, the Gunn’s Hill LP created an annual Community Fund of $25,000 that would be awarded to a local project that best represents the values of the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm, while ensuring positive benefits are received within the community.

Hodges Pond is an old mill pond located on Old Stage Road, near Highway 59 in Norwich, ON. The work on this site has been ongoing for the past fourteen years but has recently gained momentum through partnerships with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, Ducks Unlimited, Stewardship Oxford, Oxford County Trails Committee, and the County of Oxford. Together, along with the Gunn’s Hill LP, this project is ready to take its next leap forward.

“The success of the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm truly represents the accomplishments of the Gunn’s Hill LP partners and the local community,” says Prowind CEO, Frank Mascia. “At Prowind, we are proud to work with passionate community leaders to continue supporting projects that will create opportunities for growth and recreation in Oxford County through the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm Community Fund.”

Since 2001, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has ranked the water quality that flows from Hodges Pond into Cedar Creek in the lowest grade level. The first phase of re-naturalization was to re-establish the former cold-water stream. After years of engineering and environmental consultation, it was decided by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority that the most cost effective and timely option was to create a man-made bypass channel connecting Hodges Pond back to Cedar Creek. Work on this bypass channel started in 2017 and by the fall of that year, water was flowing freely into Cedar Creek for the first time in over 150 years.

This is a celebrated accomplishment for all residents of Oxford County, the revitalization of this ecosystem and water way will greatly impact the water quality within the County, as well as offer an excellent outdoor space for all residents to enjoy. The Gunn’s Hill Community Fund will be used to support trail development, bird nesting habitats and experiential learning opportunities.

The Gunn’s Hill LP is excited to be a part of this innovative project and plans to host public events for residents to participate in the restoration of the area through tree planting and habitat building, while also encouraging people to enjoy the natural space.

“As a partner we are thrilled to be able to host these community events and to invite our members and investors to participate,” expressed OCEC Executive Director, Miranda Fuller, “as a local cooperative we are passionate about being a leader in our community and support projects that benefit not just the residents of Oxford but the global community as well.”

This year the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm produced an impressive 62,890,000 kWh and avoided 2,754 tonnes of CO₂ emissions through clean energy generation. This is equivalent to 126,503 mature trees planted or 599 cars removed from the road. This Earth Day, we are celebrating the great accomplishments that we are all doing collectively to improve our environment and quality of life.

Matt Jamieson, President and CEO of the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation says, “Hodges Pond is a project that the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation is proud to support. It provides regeneration that is vital to the regional eco-system, as well as developing a natural landscape feature for surrounding communities to enjoy. We look forward to continuing our work with the Community Fund for years to come.”

About the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative: The Oxford Community Energy Co-operative Inc. is a renewable energy co-op based in Oxford County with its office located in Woodstock, Ontario. OCEC was developed to bring renewable energy investment opportunities to the residents of Oxford County. The local community currently owns 49% of the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm project and OCEC has recently opened this solar investment opportunity to its members. OCEC present membership is over 200 and they are striving to bring locally produced energy to the local community.

For more information, please visit www.oxford-cec.ca

Media Contact Information

Miranda Fuller, Executive Director

Oxford Community Energy Co-op

miranda@oxford-cec.ca

Phone: 519-852-8609

About Prowind Inc.: Prowind Inc. is a renewable energy developer and operator located in Ontario, Canada. Prowind provides the development, financing, permitting, design, and operation of renewable energy projects using wind, solar, and biomass technologies throughout the Americas. We strive to provide financial security and environmental sustainability through the development of locally-owned clean energy projects in partnership with community groups, local businesses, municipalities, and indigenous communities.

For more information, please visit www.prowind.com

Media Contact Information

Heather Shilton, Manager of Marketing & Communications

Prowind Inc.

hshilton@prowind.com

Phone: 905-528-1747

About Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation: Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) manages Six Nations’ economic interests in many renewable energy projects and economic development opportunities, on and around the Six Nations territory. Environmental sustainability is priority for SNGRDC as we continue to pursue meaningful green energy partnerships in Southern Ontario.

For more information, please visit www.sndevcorp.ca

Media Contact Information

Tyler Ferguson, Acting Director of Corporate Affairs

Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation

tferguson@sndevcorp.ca

Phone: 519-753-1950

IREA Returns to Oxford

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 21:40:10 GMT

Photos courtesy of IREA

The International Renewable Energy Academy returns to Oxford this April. The event starts with experiential learning and RETScreen training at York University. On April 5th, students will be travelling to Oxford County to view a number of demonstration projects which are the cornerstones of Oxford's movement towards achieving 100% RE.

The Gunn's Hill Wind Farm will be highlighted as an innovator in community-led renewable energy. Our 18MW Wind Farm was made possible due to the commitment and support from our valued members and investors. This project powers over 7,000 homes in Oxford and is an important step towards achieving 100% renewable energy in Oxford.

If you are interested in attending the International Renewable Energy Academy?Registration cost is $100, you will receive a two-day intensive RETScreen Expert training, presentations from keynote speakers, Steven Strong, Glen Estill and Donna Cansfield and visits to demonstration projects.

More information here

Ontario's First Wind Community Powers almost 7,000 homes

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 22:19:50 GMT

By Gideon Forman, Climate Change & Transportation Policy Analyst

Photos by Emily Fister

Miranda Fuller looks over the 10 turbines on Gunn's Hill Wind Farm in Southwestern Ontario's Oxford County, a lush region of farmland and small cities between London & Kitchener, "They're magical" she says.

The project, which started running in late 2016 and now produces enough electricity to power some 6,700 local homes, is Ontario’s first community-sponsored wind farm. If the word “magical” is not wholly accurate — the turbines are no illusion, after all — it does capture some of Gunn’s Hill’s uniqueness. From many points of view, it’s an extraordinary undertaking.

Fuller, 25, grew up in the town of Ingersoll in Oxford County and, after studying environmental ethics at nearby Wilfrid Laurier University, became communications director at the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative, one of the organizations that gave Gunn’s Hill life. Other key partners were the Six Nations of the Grand River and project developer Prowind Canada Inc.

She tells me the co-op of just 180 members raised a staggering $9 million — much of it from investments of $1,000 to $10,000 by individuals living in the county. Ron Seftel, CEO of investor Bullfrog Power says, “Local folks put in a ton of work” to make Gunn’s Hill possible. Today, almost half its bonds and shares, 49 per cent, are in the hands of Oxford residents and businesses. Community-based yet wonderfully ambitious, it is the largest renewable energy co-op project to gain approval in Ontario. It’s also Canada’s first wind initiative to feature both co-op and Indigenous ownership.

Beyond its significant size — it will supply an impressive 15 per cent of Oxford’s 100 per cent renewable electricity goal — the project creates a bond between citizens and their power generation.

“Too often, people are cut off from their power supply,” Fuller says. “It’s important to see your energy source. Seeing the turbines helps you connect with the energy you’re using.” Living close to the windmills — and in some cases gaining employment from them — gives locals a stake in the system and makes them more likely to support pro-renewable public policy.

Gunn’s Hill also helps conserve agricultural land. Fuller introduces me to the Start family, who joined the co-op partly because they’ve run a farm for six generations and want to protect it from developers.

The family’s connection to their land is intimate. Among the acres of wheat and corn, there’s a newly planted butterfly habitat between solar arrays.

“You’re just a steward. You never own,” Susan Start explains. “You’re just a steward of the land. So that was just really important to us, even on a spiritual level.”

The wind turbines are underwritten by 20-year contracts; putting them on the Starts’ property means it can’t be paved for at least two decades.

“We’re very close to an urban centre that will feel development pressure. It does now and will even more in the future,” says Susan’s husband, David, referring to the growing City of Woodstock. “We’re at the junction of [super highways] 403 and 401, two main corridors. And I believe the turbines will actually help protect this land and our woodlot for future generations — for local food production.”

Gunn’s Hill is also attractive to the Starts because it’s a joint venture with Indigenous Peoples.

“Another big thing for us was the involvement of the Six Nations,” Susan says. “I just find that community and that culture…wise, grounded, in touch with [the Earth].”

The project wasn’t without obstacles. During its development, Fuller recalls, “Some locals didn’t support it. But since it was built, we’re not seeing much pushback.”

David Start adds, “I think fear of the unknown was a factor for a lot of people who were sort of sitting on the fence and not knowing what to think. Now [the turbines are] up and they see them I think generally they’re thinking, ‘It’s not such a big deal. It’s not what I was told it was going to be.’”

One piece of information that diminishes opposition is the fact that wind turbines offer residents income. “Local people’s investment in wind does ease contention,” Fuller says.

“I absolutely worry about climate change,” she adds. “Denying it would be foolish. Wind is one of the technologies that can help us get off fossil fuel. It helps us become energy independent.”

Fuller, now executive director at the co-op, doesn’t hesitate to offer advice to other municipalities contemplating local power projects: “Be prepared to be surprised by the community’s passion for renewables. Keep moving forward — the end is worth it. They’re magical, the wind turbines. They bring a lot of hope.”

Renewable energy is empowering communities across the country. Charged Up is the story of you — of all of us — on a mission for a cleaner, healthier, charged-up Canada.

Ontario's First Community Wind Farm by Gideon Forman

The Oxford Community Solar One LP Announces the Achievement of Commercial Operation on its First Completed Community-Owned Solar Project

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 18:01:17 GMT

photos courtesy of Prowind Canada

The Oxford Community Energy Cooperative (“OCEC”), Prowind Inc. (“Prowind”) and Arntjen Solar North America (“Arntjen Solar”) are pleased to announce the achievement of commercial operation on their first community-owned solar project located in the City of Woodstock. This project is the first of four owned by the Oxford Community Solar One LP (the “LP”), which is a Limited Partnership comprised of the Oxford County Renewable Energy Partners Inc., OCEC, Prowind, and Arntjen Solar, that generate electricity under the Independent Electricity Systems Operator’s (“IESO”) Feed-in-Tariff Program.

The first project to be completed is the AccuWright project, a 250 kW rooftop installation that began construction in August 2017. Commercial operation of this project was achieved on November 7^th, 2017. All four solar projects are located in Woodstock, ON and will have a total installed capacity of 1.2 MW. They are expected to generate enough electricity to provide power to approximately 300 homes in Oxford County. Three of the four projects are located on rooftops while the fourth is ground-mounted. A fifth contract was recently awarded to the LP under the FIT 5 program for a 500 kW rooftop solar project also located in Woodstock, bringing the total installed capacity of the five projects to 1.7 MW.

“It is important to develop these projects within partnerships, one of the largest partners being the community themselves,” the outgoing President of OCEC, Rob Thompson shares. “It is partnerships with experienced and eager organizations that will bring Oxford County closer to achieving their goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. We will continue to develop these projects and bring opportunities to the communities to continue making a better energy future for tomorrow.”

The completion of this first project and attainment of commercial operation is a milestone achievement for the LP. This is a demonstrative effort in community partnership and locally-owned renewable power generation. OCEC, a 51% owner in these projects, is raising equity through investments to fund their contribution. Residents of Oxford County and the surrounding area now hold ownership in these projects through share and bond subscriptions.

“Reaching commercial operation on the first of the Oxford Community Solar One LP projects is a true achievement for all of the partners involved in these projects” says Rochelle Rumney, Director of Project Planning at Prowind. “Oxford County is becoming a leader in the implementation of renewable energy technologies and we at Prowind are proud to contribute to this exciting movement of adopting community-owned clean energy.”

To commemorate this achievement there will be a ribbon cutting and “switch flipping” ceremony at the AccuWright location, which can be found at 35 Longworth Lane, Woodstock, ON. The AccuWright project will officially be energized at that time. This event is a free event for all interested individuals; there will also be brief words thanking the partners as well as light refreshments. For those interested in investing in these projects there are still bonds available for purchase and members of OCEC will be available to answer any questions regarding the project and potential investments. The event will be from 12:00 – 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 25, 2017, with the ribbon cutting to be held at 12:15pm.

Members of OCEC can purchase bonds in these projects and receive a competitive return on their investment. OCEC’s objective is to work in partnerships to bring renewable generation projects to Oxford County and surrounding areas. Their model allows local community members to benefit economically from projects and participate in the green energy movement that is building infrastructure to sustain future generations. Those interested in investing in these solar projects must be a member of OCEC. To join please fill out the membership application online (www.oxford-cec.ca) or contact Miranda Fuller (miranda@oxford-cec.ca) for more information.

For more information, please visit www.oxford-cec.ca

Media Contact Information

Miranda Fuller, Executive Director

Oxford Community Energy Co-op

miranda@oxford-cec.ca

Phone: 519-852-8609

About Prowind Inc.: Prowind Inc. is a renewable energy developer and operator located in Ontario, Canada. Prowind provides the development, financing, permitting, design, and operation of renewable energy projects using wind, solar, and biomass technologies throughout the Americas. We strive to provide financial security and environmental sustainability through the development of locally-owned clean energy projects in partnership with community groups, indigenous communities, and industrial operations. Prowind Inc. (Americas) is closely tied to Prowind GmbH (Germany).

For more information, please visit www.prowind.com

Media Contact Information

Heather Shilton, Manager of Marketing & Communications

Prowind Inc.

905-528-1747

hshilton@prowind.com

About Arntjen Solar North America Inc.: Arntjen Solar North-America and Arntjen Clean Energy Solutions are part of the Arntjen Group Germany which was founded in 1978. Since connecting the first dual-axis tracker in 2008 Arntjen Solar supplied over 5,000 Solar-Trackers and installed multiple large roof top Solar-Systems throughout Ontario. Arntjen Clean Energy Solutions focuses on Clean Energy, ElectroMobilty and Conservation by delivering high-quality energy solutions to help our customers find new and better ways to minimize the dependency on fossil fuels. Arntjen Clean Energy Solutions is committed to building long-term relationships based on integrity, performance, value, and client satisfaction to support the communities we live in. We are proud to be a partner on these community solar projects in Oxford County.

For more information, please visit www.arntjensolar.com/about-arntjen-solar-na/

Media Contact Information

Christine Waterman, Administrative & Marketing Assistant
Arntjen Solar North America Inc.

christine.waterman.na@arntjensolar.com

Phone: 519-913-2346

Oxford Community Solar One LP Announces Commencement of Construction on Four Community-Owned Solar Projects

Fri, 08 Sep 2017 15:00:00 GMT

WOODSTOCK, ON – Prowind Canada Inc. (“Prowind”), the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative (“OCEC”), and Arntjen Solar North-America Inc. (“Arntjen Solar”) are pleased to announce the commencement of construction on four community-owned solar projects located in the City of Woodstock. The four solar projects are owned by the Oxford Community Solar One LP, which is a Limited Partnership comprised of Oxford Community Renewable Energy Partners Inc., Prowind, OCEC, and Arntjen Solar, and generate electricity under the Independent Electricity Systems Operator’s (“IESO”) Feed-in-Tariff Program.

Construction has begun on the first of the four solar projects which are all located in Woodstock, ON and will have a total installed capacity of 1.2 MW. The projects are expected to generate enough electricity to provide power to approximately 300 homes in the surrounding area. Three of the four projects are located on rooftops while the fourth is ground-mounted.

Construction on the first of the four solar projects began in August 2017, and is scheduled to be completed in September 2017. The final solar project, the only ground-mounted project, is scheduled to be completed in August 2018, with the remaining two rooftop projects scheduled to be completed by late 2017. Commissioning of the projects is expected to occur shortly after the completion of construction, which will allow the projects to begin generating electricity for the surrounding community.

“This is an exciting time in Oxford County,” says Helmut Schneider, President of Prowind. “With the commencement of construction on the Solar One community projects, Oxford County is moving closer to their goal of being 100% powered by renewable energy by 2050, and Prowind is proud to contribute to the achievement of this goal.”

This is the second venture which includes both Prowind and OCEC, the first of which was the 18 MW Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm located in Norwich, ON. The Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm consists of ten Senvion MM92 wind turbines which generate enough electricity to power approximately 6700 homes in the surrounding area. The Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm is owned by the Gunn’s Hill LP, which is a Limited Partnership comprised of GHLP General Partner Inc., Prowind, OCEC, and the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation.

Prowind builds renewable energy projects with community groups and other local partners in order to promote sustainable growth in rural communities. Prowind is an affiliate of Prowind GmbH based in Osnabrück, Germany. With a total built capacity of over 200 MW of wind, solar and biomass in operation, the Prowind group has established 29 community-sized renewable energy developments across Europe and North America. Prowind Canada continues to develop joint renewable energy projects with local community groups across Canada and the United States.

OCEC has now opened this project to its membership for investment. Members of the Oxford Community Energy Cooperative will have the opportunity to purchase equity in the project and receive a competitive return on their investment. OCEC’s objective is to work in partnerships to bring renewable generation projects to Oxford County and surrounding areas and invite their members to invest and receive healthy returns. This model allows local community members to benefit economically from these projects and participate in the green energy movement that is building infrastructure to sustain future generations. Those interested in investing in the solar projects must be a member of the Oxford Community Energy Cooperative. To join please fill out the membership application online (www.oxford-cec.ca) or contact Miranda Fuller (miranda@oxford-cec.ca) for more information.

About Prowind Canada Inc.: Prowind Canada Inc. is a renewable energy developer and operator with a mandate to develop renewable energy generation across North America. Headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario, Prowind Canada develops, owns, and operates renewable energy developments in conjunction with local communities and indigenous groups to generate community-owned clean energy. Our success continues to grow as we develop our relationship with the agricultural community in order to pursue renewable energy developments in rural communities.

For more information, please visit www.prowind.com

Media Contact Information

Heather Shilton, Manager of Communications

Prowind Canada Inc.

905-528-1747

hshilton@prowind.com

About the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative: The Oxford Community Energy Co-operative Inc. is a renewable energy co-op based in Oxford County with its office located in Woodstock, Ontario. OCEC was developed to bring renewable energy investment opportunities to the residents of Oxford County. The local community currently owns 49% of the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm project and OCEC has recently opened this solar investment opportunity to its members. OCEC present membership is over 190 and they are striving to bring locally produced energy to the local community.

For more information, please visit www.oxford-cec.ca

Media Contact Information

Miranda Fuller, Executive Director

Oxford Community Energy Co-op

miranda@oxford-cec.ca

Phone: 519-852-8609

For more information, please visit www.arntjensolar.com/about-arntjen-solar-na/

Media Contact Information

Christine Waterman, Administrative & Marketing Assistant
Arntjen Solar North America Inc.

christine.waterman.na@arntjensolar.com

Phone: 519-913-2346

OCEC Hosts International Renewable Energy Academy

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:06:55 GMT

June 19 - 23, 2017

The International Renewable Energy Academy (IREA) highlighted the Oxford Community Energy Cooperative and their community wind project as a demonstration of leadership in renewable generation.

Academics and professionals from around the globe travelled to York University to participate in a five day immersive training course on community renewable power.

Starting the week at York University, IREA members completed the RETScreen training course and heard from innovative leaders in renewable energy and community power. Speakers included; Greg Leng, the creator of RETScreen and Donna Cansfield, former Minster of Energy and Natural Resources.

On Wednesday June 21, participants toured the Silfab Manufacturing facility to view the process of producing solar panels. IREA then arrived in Oxford for the experiential component of their training. They toured multiple renewable projects in Oxford including many solar installations in Woodstock.

Thursday June 22, the academy visited the Gunn's Hill Wind Farm, the first project completed by the Oxford Community Energy Cooperative. Participants were overwhelmed with excitement at the opportunity to visit Ontario's first community-owned wind farm. Joined by our partners from Prowind Canada and supported by Six Nations of the Grand River, OCEC shared the story of Gunn's Hill with IREA members.

The inaugural year for the academy was a tremendous success, OCEC is very proud to be a partner in learning with;

For more information on the International Renewable Energy Academy, click here

David Suzuki Article on OCEC

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 20:09:38 GMT

Ontario's first community wind farm powers almost 7,000 homes

By Gideon Forman, climatechange policy analyst at the David Suzuki Foundation

Miranda Fuller looks over the 10 turbines on Gunn's Hill Wind Farm in southern Ontario's Oxford County, a lush region of farmland and small cities between London and Kitchener. "They're magical!" she says.

The project, which started running late last year and now produces enough electricity to power some 6,700 local homes, is Ontario's first community-sponsored wind farm. If the word "magical" is not wholly accurate — the turbines are no illusion, after all — it does capture some of Gunn's Hill's uniqueness. From many points of view, it's an extraordinary undertaking.

Fuller, 24, grew up in Oxford and, after studying environmental ethics at nearby Wilfrid Laurier University, became communications director at the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative, one of the organizations that gave Gunn's Hill life. (Other key partners were the Six Nations of the Grand River and project developer Prowind Canada Inc.)

She tells me the co-op of just 180 members raised a staggering $9 million — much of it from investments of $1,000 to $10,000 by individuals living in the county. Ron Seftel, CEO of investor Bullfrog Power says, "Local folks put in a ton of work" to make Gunn's Hill possible. Today, almost half its bonds and shares, 49 per cent, are in the hands of Oxford residents and businesses. Community-based yet wonderfully ambitious, it is the largest renewable energy co-op project to gain approval in Ontario. It's also Canada's first wind initiative to feature both co-op and Indigenous ownership.

Beyond its significant size — it will supply an impressive 15 per cent of Oxford's 100 per cent renewable electricity goal — the project creates a bond between citizens and their power generation. "Too often, people are cut off from their power supply," Fuller says. "It's important to see your energy source. Seeing the turbines helps you connect with the energy you're using." Living close to the windmills — and in some cases gaining employment from them — gives locals a stake in the system and makes them more likely to support pro-renewable public policy.

Gunn's Hill also helps conserve agricultural land. Fuller tells the story of one landowner family that joined the co-op because they've run a farm for six generations and want to protect it from development for as long as possible. With 20-year contracts underwriting the turbines, putting them on property means it can't be paved for at least two decades, if not longer.

The project wasn't without obstacles. During its development, Fuller recalls, "Some locals didn't support it. But since it was built, we're not seeing much pushback. People fear what they don't know. So you need to give people factual information. There's been a shift in attitude since the project became operational." One piece of information that diminishes opposition is the fact that windmills offer residents income. "Local people's investment in winddoes ease contention," Fuller says.

In a phone interview with the David Suzuki Foundation, Fuller explains why windspeaks to her personally. "I absolutely worry about climate change. Denying it would be foolish. Windis one of the technologies that can help us get off fossil fuel. It helps us become energy-independent."

She doesn't hesitate to offer advice to other municipalities contemplating local power projects: "Be prepared to be surprised by the community's passion for renewables. Keep moving forward — the end is worth it. They're magical, the wind turbines. They bring a lot of hope."

link to article click here

Gunn's Hill Wind Farm - Commercial Operation Achieved

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 17:14:37 GMT

Thanks to the incredible work of our partners, members, investors and supporters the Gunn's Hill Wind Farm has reached Commercial Operation as of November 14, 2016. The Gunn's Hill Wind Farm is a milestone achievement for OCEC and would not have been possible without the right partners. We would like to thank Prowind Canada and Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation for their assistance and support in making this project a possibility.

Moving forward OCEC is excited to bring new investment opportunities in renewable generation to the residents of Oxford and continue to be your local renewable energy co-op in 2017.

Oxford County in the News

Helmut Schneider — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 22:44:38 GMT

On behalf of the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative and our President Helmut Schneider, I extend our congratulations to Mayor Molnar on his participation and support in the excellent video. His supporting comments regarding economic development in Oxford County and the positive impact for the community of Tillsonburg show excellent, progressive community leadership. It is refreshing to see a Mayor who states the facts surrounding an issue and supports initiatives taken by industry that benefit their community. The Oxford Community Energy Co-operative very much appreciates his permission to link the Renewable Energy video to our website. We feel that collective positive energy regarding the topic of renewables is supportive to what communities in Oxford County and Canada are thinking and wanting.

https://www.siemens.ca/WEB/PORTAL/EN/ABOUTUS/TRUSTED-PARTNER/Pages/Tillsonburg.aspx

Gunn's Hill Wind Farm construction under way - REA appeal dismissed!

Christine Koenig — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 14:03:06 GMT

The OCEC is very happy to let their members, investors and supporters know that the appeal to the Renewable Energy Approval for the Gunn's Hill Wind Farm has been dismissed. Construction has started and the turbines will be up and running in summer 2016.

For more information click here to download our latest press release on this.

FIT 4.0 applications submitted

Christine Koenig — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 17:31:19 GMT

OCEC is proud to announce that a total of 3.68 MW of solar projects across Oxford County have been submitted under the current FIT 4.0 procurement window. The capital expenditure for these projects, should they all be awarded contracts, is anticipated to be in the range of $10 -11 million.

We expect to learn from the IESO if and how many of our project applications are successful in summer or 2016 latest.

Woodstock Hydro's Green Energy Doors Open a great success

Christine Koenig — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 17:04:07 GMT

On October 3rd 2015 Woodstock Hydro, Arntjen Solar, Ecamion, Fanshawe College, Ryerson University, Oxford Community Energy Co-op, Oxford County and the City of Woodstock met with close to 200 guests, politicians and media during a ‘Passport Station Tour’ theme to learn about sustainable energy development in Woodstock Ontario.

Watch the video of the event or read what the media had to say or view more

p hotos in the SNAPD.

Former Bank of Canada Governour Mark Carney on economic challenges posed by climate change

Christine Koenig — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 22:10:40 GMT

Here's a link to the full speech Mark Carney gave in London on September 29th at an insurers' meeting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=25&v=V5c-eqNxeSQ

"For Carney's audience at a Lloyd's of London black tie dinner, the issue is not a matter of left or right politics, but a matter of profit and loss.

Insurance companies often pay the bills when storms and flooding do their damage. Climate change is likely to make those insurable crises worse.

But perhaps more important, against those potential losses, insurance companies hold trillions of dollars in assets invested in all kinds of stocks and bonds. And Carney said those assets were threatened. Carney warned that oil, gas and coal companies may be worth far less than their current book value would suggest.

That's because a big part of their assets includes fossil fuel resources discovered but not yet extracted. Fears about climate change could render the vast majority of reserves "stranded," said Carney. In other words, the reserves would be left in the ground and unextractable.

The other part of Carney's warning was the danger that climate change would mean the entire global economy would become less productive, shrinking the future value of certain investment holdings.

"In the fullness of time, climate change will threaten financial resilience and longer-term prosperity," Carney said in his speech. "While there is still time to act, the window of opportunity is finite and shrinking."

writes CBC reporter Don Pittis about Carney's speech

Sharing the Wind in Canada

Christine Koenig — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 18:30:00 GMT

OCEC's Director Christine Koenig was invited by the World Wind Energy Association to provide insights into community wind projects in Canada at the international HUSUM WIND tradeshow and congress on September 15th in Germany. She was further invited to join the panel discussion on the effects of tenders on the ability of renewable energy co-operatives and SMEs to participate in the wind energy developments of the future.

Christine's presentation "Sharing the Wind in Canada" can be downloaded here!

A link to the event and a summary is provided below:

http://www.wwindea.org/community-power-husum-wind/

Community Wind Projects in Canada

Christine Koenig — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 17:24:55 GMT

Follow the link below to get a snap shot of how other Canadian communities are harvesting the benefits from wind energy:

http://ourpower.ca/2015-06-11-wind-energy-blows-close-to-home-for-these-communities/

Woodstock Chamber hosts Passive House workshop

Christine Koenig — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 18:39:35 GMT

The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce hosts a one day workshop that explores the basic concepts behind the Passive House standard. Participants will learn how the world’s leading energy efficient building standard sets a new bar for health, comfort, quality, and affordability in the construction sector. They can discover how others are successfully meeting the standard and reaping the rewards. The seminar will help to understand why jurisdictions at home and abroad are setting the standard as the minimum requirement.

For more infiormation and registration to thi sgreat opportunity please visit:

Passive House Breakfast & Workshop

Annual Report from the President

Helmut Schneider — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 23:00:46 GMT

Dear members and shareholders,  I would like to welcome you all to the first Annual General Meeting of the Oxford Community Energy Co-op

Good morning and welcome to Oxford Center, the location of our key project, the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm. Thank you for being with us today

Today’s meeting will show you how we serve the needs of members and shareholders by building this great Co-op and creating an exceptional trust relationship through strong financial and operating discipline in everything we do. We take our responsibility to serve our members, our investors and our community seriously and this commitment drives our actions every day.

Review of Performance

2014 was an important year, during which the Oxford Community Energy co-op passed a number of important milestones:

Your co-op was formed on September 19^th 2013 with seven incorporating directors as a ‘For profit renewable energy co-operative with share capital’. The incorporating directors where John Andrews, Harry French, Rochelle Rumney, Gary Zavitz, Juan Anderson, Christine Koenig and Helmut Schneider.

The OCEC board of directors set five specific goals for their first year of operation.

1. To build a strong and determined governing board of nine directors
2. To recruit a minimum of 50 members from the local community
3. To engage in an effective partnership with Prowind who had a very attractive renewable energy project. To do so we wanted to draft and sign a Limited Partnership agreement that provided appealing benefits for our members and investors
4. To write an Offering Statement that provided relevant and transparent information for our investors which allows them to make an informed decision to become confident share and bondholders.
5. To raise a minimum of 1.2 million dollars in equity from within the community of Oxford County to prove that this community supports this renewable energy project.

In addition to all the logistical milestones such as incorporating the Co-op, writing the Co-op by-laws, securing a business address, creating a company logo, developing marketing material, securing the operating capital and building business relationships, we have achieved every one of our goals on your behalf.

The Limited Partnership Agreement was signed and released on January 15 2014. It is the agreement that governs our relationship as a limited partner with Prowind for the duration of this project. It is very important for the success of this Co-op to have a strong and mutually trusting relationship with our General Partner. Prowind embraces and supports the community ownership model and we continue to strengthen this important partnership. The LP agreement OCEC negotiated on your behalf provides for a very attractive return on your investment that is backed by a 20 year provincial power purchase agreement.

In the early spring of 2014 your board of directors worked diligently on the Offering Statement – a 200 plus page document that was submitted to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario on April 22 2014 and receipted by FSCO on May 14 of the same year.

Currently the Oxford Community Energy Co-op has 133 members, over 50 of which live in Oxford County. Of our 87 investors 35 are residents of Oxford County with an investment total of $ 2 066 000 from the members of this great community. Our current total equity investment is $ 4 696 000 which represents a Gunn’s Hill project ownership of 27% - well beyond the minimum required ownership of 10% to be counted a community project but also about 4 million shy of our ownership potential of 49%.

Raising almost $ 5 million in equity for this project is a significant achievement for this team and it clearly demonstrates the focus and determination of your board of directors.

The Oxford Community Energy Co-op has become a household name in the Ontario Renewable Energy Community during the past year and many observe our success with interest and anticipation. We are setting a standard for effective cooperation in the development of a midsize project using a partnership model. In January OCEC was awarded the “Community Project of the Year” Award by the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association and it was a great honor for your board of directors to receive this recognition at the 5^th annual Power Prosperity Gala in Toronto.

It's inspiring and I believe transformative for a team to achieve these results. Waves of energy like this come in cycles and they create windows of opportunity where vision and leadership are rewarded. We are determined to use this energy to set new, aspiring goals for the next year ahead.

Outlook

The board of directors has a clear vision of the challenges for this coming year.

We want to continue to strengthen our team with the addition of 4 new directors 3 of which are residents of Oxford County. It became clear to us that the optics of having a majority of local director on our board will be a benefit for OCEC. Recognizing that, we were careful not to compromise the need for high quality and capable directors to represent you on this board over the desire to build a more local board. I am convinced that the candidates you find on the slate of directors will be able to continue to provide the same capable governance that last year’s board demonstrated. Clearly, the outgoing directors will leave a void that is not easily filled by a new director. In order to support the transition of knowledge and experience all outgoing directors have received a request by OCEC to maintain a volunteer advisory position to the board. Harry French, John Andrews and Juan Anderson where able to commit to this request. In addition we accepted the offer from Hans Eckart who is a member of this Co-op and a chartered management accountant, to become an advisor to this board as well. The OCEC board is grateful for the generosity of these members to commit their time and experience to the board.

Our equity position in the Gunn’s Hill project can increase to 49% in combination with a 10% ownership of our Six Nations Limited Partner. This means that we want to raise at a minimum an additional 2.3 million dollars in shares and bonds. We have a well-developed plan on how to work towards this goal before the financial close of this project but we also need you, our members to participate in this effort. If you are not an investor yet we would urge you to make this important decision now. The calculated returns in this project are unique and not easily achievable especially in an environment that is not subject to the volatility of the market and with a 20-year secure contract. If you are an investor you may want to consider increasing your investment before this opportunity closes and all of you know friends, neighbors and family members that would also be able to benefit from this investment opportunity.

At a maximum OCEC can still raise up to 4 million in additional equity which would provide a full community project ownership of 49% and we have not given up on that goal. In that case Prowind would reduce their ownership to 41% to allow Six Nations to participate as a Limited Partner.

The next big milestone we are waiting for is the Notice from the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) that the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm has been given REA approval. We have been waiting for this announcement since August 2014 but were made aware that the Ontario elections last year would delay the approval process. All questions from the ministry have been addressed and we received confirmation in February that no further questions are outstanding. We are expecting the REA in the near future. We will apply for the ‘Notice to Proceed’ from the IESO (previously OPA) immediately after REA approval and expect that it will be granted within 15 business days. We anticipate that the REA decision will be appealed and that we will have to go through an Environmental Review Tribunal process. We will of course continue to offer open dialog to any community members that are concerned about the Project as we have done before.

The most exciting goal is of course the start and completion of construction. We are still hopeful that the majority of the construction will be completed in 2015 so that we can combine our next AGM with a site visit of the Gunn’s Hill Wind farm.

Acknowledgements

Your board of directors has agreed to continue to work as a volunteer board for the time being until we can ensure that director remunerations will not in any way impact the investor returns. In the financial report you will recognize that this board has always been very budget conscious. Using a virtual office as a mailing address, creating almost all of our marketing material ourselves and the pro bono work of your directors are examples of this cost down attitude.

I also want to recognize the work of the outgoing directors. This is the team that made this Co-op what it is today and I will give special attention to this point later in the program

The challenges are there in the coming year. This is a reality. Another reality is that OCEC is positioned to meet those challenges head on. Today, the Oxford Community Energy Co-op is a very good Co-operative and tomorrow we can be a truly great organization. That’s why I am optimistic about where we are and where we are going.

Thank you very much

Closing Remarks

I want to thank all the members that made their way to this first Annual General meeting. The new board of directors wants to thank you for the trust you are putting in us and we will make sure to do our absolute best to honor this trust by governing this Co-op on your behalf

Woodstock video - Sustainable Energy Expo

Helmut Schneider — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 16:39:42 GMT

Please see the recently published YouTube video coverage of the Woodstock Sustainable Energy Expo event.

We would like to thank Adam Nyp and Joe Daponte for their work and creative thinking on this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVk9d51zyFA

The event was a great success from the perspective of attendance, presentations and quality of questions. Those in attendance really seemed to be engaged and determined to learn about conservation and renewable energy technologies.

A special thanks to Dr. Jose Etcheverry for sharing his passion and enthusiasm for a more sustainable energy future in Ontario.

Please see Woodstock Hydro's

We hope to continue with more public outreach events this year and will be sure to keep you informed as these programs take shape.

Here are a few links related to media coverage of the events:

http://www.1047.ca/news/local-news/sustainable-energy-roundtable/

http://www.1047.ca/news/local-news/sustainable-energy-expo/

http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2015/01/22/back-to-the-future-is-the-theme-at-woodstocks-sustainable-energy-expo

https://twitter.com/1047HeartFM/status/558581692437635072

OCEC wins Community Project of the Year award!

Christine Koenig — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 20:54:11 GMT

On January 29th, at the annual Powering Prosperity Gala hosted by OSEA the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative was awarded the prestigious Community Project of the Year price! Helmut Schneider, OCEC's President, accepted the award presented by Nicole Risse, OSEA's Director of Finance & Operations. Shortly before the awards ceremony the ~ 300 gala guests were shown the OCEC video produced by turbine supplier Senvion and responded with a spontaneous applause at the end of the video.

Alongside awarded with OCEC was SolarShare one of Ontario's first and largest non-for-profit solar energy co-operatives.

Notice of Proposed Change

Christine Koenig — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:07:43 GMT

Hello Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Stakeholders,

A Notice of Proposed Change has been issued for the Gunn's Hill Wind Farm.

The purpose of this Notice is to inform the public and Project stakeholders of a technical change to the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Approval (REA) Reports. This Notice is published in the Woodstock Sentinel-Review and the Turtle Island News, mailed to all landowners adjacent to and within 550 m of the Project location, mailed/emailed to all Project stakeholders and posted on Prowind’s website.

The Notice summarizes the option for an alternative access road construction method. The option to use cement stabilized roads has now been added to the Project scope. This option does not change any of the locations of the access roads and only allows for the construction method to change, if it is decided to be the best option at this site. There are no new environmental impacts as a result of this change.

The original access road construction method was the traditional gravel road option, which involved a geotextile membrane covered with a base of “Grade B” gravel and finished with a layer of “Grade A” gravel. The cement stabilization option includes use of a highly compacted mixture of soil, cement, and water for access road construction, and finished with a thin layer of gravel.

A Modification Document outlining all the details of the new access road construction option is available on the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm project webpage. This document outlines the construction details and notes the locations of any changes to the REA documents as a result of this change. This Modification Document was sent to MTCS and MNRF for their review and to seek additional comments to their original approval letter. Neither agency had additional comments to add to their original approval letter. Their comments are included in the Modification Document.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Prowind Canada at info@prowind.ca or 905 528 1747.

Sincerely,

the OCEC team

And the winner of the FutureOxford competition is

Christine Koenig — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 18:56:59 GMT

Holly Powell's grade 3 social studies class from Laurie Hawkins Public School in Ingersoll. You can view their vision of a sustainable Oxford in 2030 here in this wonderful video the kids produced:

Oxford 2030 video

The contest was initiated by FutureOxford a nominated steering committee with the mandate to help develop Oxford County's Community Sustainability Plan by coordinating and collecting the input from the County's residents.

MIT scientists review studies on health effects of wind turbines

Christine Koenig — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 18:37:14 GMT

Abstract

Objective: This review examines the literature related to health effects of wind turbines.

Methods: We reviewed literature related to sound measurements near turbines, epidemiological and experimental studies, and factors associated with annoyance.

Results: (1) Infrasound sound near wind turbines does not exceed audibility thresholds. (2) Epidemiological studies have shown associations between living near wind turbines and annoyance. (3) Infrasound and low-frequency sound do not present unique health risks. (4) Annoyance seems more strongly related to individual characteristics than noise from turbines.

Discussion: Further areas of inquiry include enhanced noise characterization, analysis of predicted noise values contrasted with measured levels postinstallation, longitudinal assessments of health pre- and postinstallation, experimental studies in which subjects are “blinded” to the presence or absence of infrasound, and enhanced measurement techniques to evaluate annoyance.

The full article can be found here:

Wind Turbines and Health: A Critical Review of the Scientific Literature

Great coverage for OCEC in the news!

Christine Koenig — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 20:02:37 GMT

Please follow the link to read recent coverage of Renewable Energy Co-ops in the Brantford Expositor

http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2014/12/18/renewable-energy-co-ops-springing-up-everywhere

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!

Christine

Ontario study confirms: Wind farms have no impact on property values

Christine Koenig — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 15:48:20 GMT

A study conducted in Melancthon Township, ON, including the analysis of more than 7,000 home and farm sales that occurred between 2002 and 2010 came to the conclusion that the 130 wind turbines installed in the vicinity of those properties had no effect on the value and sales prices achieved.

While this may come as a surprise to some, for those that have followed the research on property values near wind farms it is only confirmation of what studies in other jurisdictions have found over and over again.

You can read the full article on this topic published in the Toronto Star on December 7th here:

Wind turbines have little impact on property values, study concludes

The full original study can be obtained here:

The Effects of Wind Turbines on Property Values in Ontario: Does Public Perception Match Empirical Evidence?

Understanding our energy options will help to build consent!

Christine Koenig — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 17:09:37 GMT

A great analysis and wake-up call by Kris Stevens, Executive Director of the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association, recently published in the Corporate Knights magazine. Follow the link below:

http://www.corporateknights.com/channels/utilities-energy/ontario-power-authority/

Canadian study confirms: No health effects by wind turbines

Christine Koenig — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 16:33:20 GMT

What has been shown elsewhere many times has finally been reproduced at taxpayers costs of $ 2.1 million by a Health Canada study. The long awaited study was launched in 2012 and once more confirms that there are no effects on human health caused by wind turbines.

What the study also (again) shows is that there is an annoyance effect and that Ontarians seem to be about 3-times more annoyed by wind turbines than people living in other jurisdictions. Interestingly this annoyance effect is correlated with the activity level of anti-wind activists, meaning it is the activity of the anti-wind activists that makes us prone to be more annoyed by wind turbines.

Interesting, eh?

To get the full study follow the link here:

Health Canada Wind Study

OCEC in the news!

Christine Koenig — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 20:03:42 GMT

CTV London interviewed OCEC's President Helmut Schneider on October 4th.

You can view the short documentary they made and which aired on the news the same day here:

http://london.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=460125

Members are the best advocates for renewable energy and green investments!

Christine Koenig — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 15:21:52 GMT

Read here what OCEC member and investor Glen Estill recently had to say about us in his wind blog:

http://wind-blog.com/?p=590#more-590

Our members are our best advocates! We appreciate every word of mouth and social network activity unfolded by them to spread the word about OCEC and our goals and projects.

Thank you!

October 4th, OCEC members' BBQ - mark your calendar!

Christine Koenig — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:37:21 GMT

On October 4th we will have a members' BBQ in Oxford Centre to mark the end of our successful fundraising campaign, the OCEC's first anniversary, and the Ontario wide Green Energy Doors Open celebration of clean and renewable energy in the province.

Please stay tuned to receive more details on the event!

OCEC on fundraising tour in the County!

Christine Koenig — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 17:48:02 GMT

We are preparing for a series of three investor information events in Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, and Woodstock on September 3rd, 4th, and 9th.

Please stay tuned and follow the events sites to learn more about when and where these events will take place and to register online.

If you have questions or recommendations for us please contact me!

Christine

647-497-5480

Christine@oxford-cec.ca

Members' visit to Senvion's blade manufacturing plant in Welland

Christine Koenig — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 22:28:52 GMT

Thanks to Senvion Canada OCEC members enjoyed a highly interesting and educating tour of the blade manufacturing plant in Welland Ontario on Thursday July 10th. It is here where the blades for our wind farm's MM92 turbines will be produced. Currently ~ 120 and later around 200 (when a second mould for a lager turbine model will be implemented) employed staff are working at the plant 24/6.

Senvion's CEO Helmut Herold and plant manager Dan Dragoman personally guided a very curious group of 20 OCEC members through the plant and were always ready and happy to answer the many question we had. We were impressed by the cleanliness and lack of odours in the facility and, of course, by the sheer size of these enormous ~ 45m long blades as they are being crafted layer by layer in the huge hall. Present ramp up production rates are 2 blades per week, the target for full capacity production is 4 blades per week. Much of the production process involves diligent manual work that is frequently quality controlled by the staff in the onsite quality control lab. The plant's yard is steadily filling up with new blades ready to be shipped. While concluding our tour outside the building in the sun and marvelling at the sight of the neatly stacked white blades the growing excitement amongst the OCEC members could be felt. Soon "our" blades would be produced here and shipped to Oxford County. The project has become very tangible now.

Wind news from the other Oxford

Christine Koenig — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 20:03:01 GMT

Oxfordshire, UK

The Westmill Windfarm in Oxfordshire, UK is owned by the Westmill Wind Farm Co-op and is attracting visitors. A charitable organization set up to educate about renewable energy provides guided tours around the windfarm and an adjacent solar farm. To read more follow the link below:

http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/news/11235463.Wind_farm_generates_visitor_interest/

Three Senvion MM92 turbines operational at Oxley Wind Farm

Christine Koenig — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 17:26:08 GMT

The 6 MW Oxley Wind Farm in Harrow, ON, is operational since early this year and has three Senvion MM92 turbines installed, the same model that will be going up for our Gunn's Hill Windfarm!

To learn more about this project follow the link below:

http://blackburnnews.com/windsor/windsor-news/2014/03/02/oxley-wind-farm-operational/

Offering Statement receipted!

Christine Koenig — Tue, 20 May 2014 19:14:48 GMT

OCEC is happy to announce that our Offering Statement has been receipted on May 14, 2014 and that we are now able to offer Class A Preferences Shares and Bonds to all interested investors. The details of this securities offering can be found in our investment summary document which can be downloaded form the invest in us page.

OCEC members can log-in to the members' site and will find the electronic investment package under member & investors.

OCEC Investor Information Night in Woodstock

Christine Koenig — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:21:46 GMT

OCEC has conducted a first information event on April 16, 2014 in Woodstock, ON, to inform interested members and investor about the upcoming investment opportunity. The event was well attended, and lively and interesting discussions followed the presentations by the directors and a representative of Senvion, the project's turbine supplier.

Additional investor information events are planned for the coming weeks and the investment window will open as soon as the Offering Statement, which has been recently submitted is receipted by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.

OCEC will be offering preference shares as long term investment opportunity as well as bonds with a 10 year maturity date and 5.5% simple interest rate.

Preference share are expected to yield annual dividends in a range of ~10% average over 20 years.

If you are an interested investor please email for more detailed information or call us:

christine@oxford-cec.ca

647-497-5480

Turbine agreement signed!

Christine Koenig — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 15:24:57 GMT

OCEC is happy to inform members and followers that an agreement for the procurement and maintenance of the Gunn's HiIl Wind Farm turbines has been signed between Prowind Canada and Senvion SE (formerly REpower/Suzlon).

The ten MM92 turbines will together have a capacity of 18 MW, enough to power ~6,500 homes in Oxford. The towers will have a hight of 100 meter and will be located in the Township of Norwich, just south of Woodstock, Ontario.

The turbine blades will be sourced from Senvion’s own blade production facility in Welland, Ontario that currently employs about 130 people. The turbine towers will also be manufactured in Ontario. The delivery of the turbines is planned for 2015.

Gunn's Hill Windfarm Renewable Energy Approval - we are one step closer!

Christine Koenig — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 19:06:15 GMT

We are pleased to announce that the Gunn’s Hill Windfarm Renewable Energy Approval application has been deemed complete by the Ministry of the Environment. The application is now in the technical review phase and has been posted to the Environmental Registry. The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) is accepting comments on this application until March 24, 2014. These comments will be considered in the decision-making process for the project. Please visit the Environmental Registry’s website (www.ebr.gov.on.ca) for the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm project (Registry #012-1069) if you wish to make a comment directly to the MOE with respect to this proposal.

The final REA documents are available for download on Prowind's website (http://www.prowind.ca/?page=projects-gunns-hill) for your review. Additionally, several supplemental reports can be found there that were submitted to the MOE during the completeness review process.

If you have any comments to provide to Prowind Canada directly or questions about the project, please email Prowind at info@prowind.ca or call them at 905-528-1747.

Alternatively contact the co-op team: 647-497-5480!

LP-Agreement between Prowind Canada and Oxford Community Energy Co-op signed!

Christine Koenig — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 20:26:09 GMT

Limited Partnership Agreement signed!

It is with great enthusiasm, renewed energy, and a little pride that we announce the achievement of this important milestone.
After many rounds of intense discussions amongst our Directors and with the Prowind management we have finally achieved good solutions for all aspects that were or could have become points of concern for the Co-op and our partner Prowind Canada. We are very confident that our Limited Partnership Agreement is fair and mutually beneficial and that the Limited Partners in the future will value the diligence and depth of understanding that went into its design.

New challenges ahead

Having reached this agreement means that we are now challenged with the task of raising the funds to finance our equity part in the Gunn's Hill Windfarm Project. Our target is set at 49% of the project's equity, which translates into ~ $ 9 Million the Co-op has to raise over the coming months.

But we are in the fortunate position that many of our supporters and members have signalled their interest in making substantial investment contributions. Our Offering Statement will be available in the near future and will very precisely layout the minimum and maximum allowed investment per investor, the exact nature of the shares offered, how they will be redeemed and the dividends we expect to pay on those shares, as well as any risks associated with an investment.

You can help us better understand what your investment needs are, if you let us know what level and what kind (e.g. shares, bonds) of investment you are looking for.

Members can log into their member's profile and indicate their investment interest there.

Your contact for questions regarding membership and investments is

Christine Koenig

647.497.5480

Everyone wins with Community Owned Renewable Energy

Helmut Schneider — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 22:30:00 GMT

Whenever a renewable energy project is planned and implemented in partnership with the local community we create a significant win / win solution.

Increasingly, Renewable Energy Co-ops build this partnership between developers of renewable energy projects and members of the respective community, a model that makes environmental and economic sense.

The local economy wins because revenues are distributed within the community throughout the life of the project, and with community ownership the likelihood for local contractors to be included in the competitive process during the construction and maintenance phase of the project significantly increase. Infrastructure work, excavation, construction, electrical connection and equipment rental are more likely to be awarded to contractors that are located in the community because their work practices and reliability are known by the community.

The environment wins when a community chooses renewable energy over the alternative of fossil fuel burning energy production. It is significantly easier for a community to make that choice when the community owns the project in partnership with the developer. Local Hydro Companies have been successfully leading the energy reduction effort which is only possible with the support of all members of the Oxford County Community and that same community spirit can put Oxford County on the map as a model for environmental change. Community ownership in the energy production from Wind, Solar and Bio fuels can support the County in this effort.

The Renewable Energy Project Developer wins because they receive first hand feedback from the local community about the community’s needs, its concerns and solution suggestions on how to address those needs. The information flow is fast tracked in both directions and many misunderstandings can be either avoided altogether or addressed quickly.

Most importantly the Community wins when its members can attain ownership in these renewable energy projects. Owners educate themselves about the product they consider investing in. Gaining a broader knowledge about the environmental impact of centralized conventional energy production and the opportunity curb these negative impacts with the implementation renewable energy projects is an important first step.

Owners monitor the development of their investment and ensure that the community interest is maintained and concerns are addressed. The partnership of member-owned Renewable Energy Cooperatives in these projects ensure that the community’s interests are represented throughout the project life.

Cooperatives can and will play a significant role in negotiating and administering annual funding from developers that support community initiatives such as playgrounds, community center improvements, or nature trails in the project areas.