Draw held today for leagues involved in solar program
Today the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL) selected the seven lucky community leagues who will get to participate in a new and innovative Solar and Energy Conservation Program.
The successful leagues are: Rossdale, Riverdale, West Jasper Sherwood, Ritchie, Alberta Avenue, North Glenora and Meadowlark.
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| Warren Saurer of the Solar Energy Society being interviewed by CTV at the launch of the EFCL Solar and Energy Conservation Program in June. Photo David Dodge |
Each of 15 community leagues filled out an application and submitted a cheque for $6000 to qualify to get in the draw for the program. Successful leagues get package that includes a small 1.2 kW solar system, a comprehensive energy and carbon audit and an LED monitor system to report energy production and to program community league programs inside the hall.
The EFCL was only able to raise enough money for seven leagues to participate in the program so a draw had to be held to select the qualifying leagues.
Being president of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues didn't matter today in this random draw since my own community league (Evansdale) was not successful in the draw to participate. Neither was McLeod, also from District B of the EFCL, the district I represent.
To summarize we had enough money (from our own funds, a $30,000 grant from the City and from leagues themselves) to involve seven community leagues in our Community League Solar and Energy Conservation Program.
Video of the draw held at the EFCL offices: July 4, 2012
Video of the draw held at the EFCL offices: July 4, 2012
The program was discussed over the last year or so, but it was just officially announced about one month ago and 15 leagues sent cheques for $6000 (ore more) to the EFCL to qualify for the draw that happened today. That is very rapid turn-around for leagues to not only display interest in a program but commit their hard-earned cash as well. We actually heard there are other leagues that would have joined the draw if they had more time.
Today in a draw witnessed by numerous community leagues, two city staffers and the EFCL staff seven leagues were chosen as successful candidates for the program.
The cheques will be returned to the leagues who were not successful. Based on this level of interest the EFCL may try to raised additional money to allow more leagues to participate in this innovative renewable and energy conservation program.
As president of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues I am thrilled at the level of interest and excitement in this program, but naturally I am disappointed that my own community league (Evansdale) was not successful in the draw. I have asked the energy conservation audit folks and the solar folks for independent quotes should we decide to participate in solar or energy conservation on our own. There is a remote possibility that the EFCL will try to raise more money to involve the other leagues who demonstrated serious interest in joining the program.
David Dodge
District B Rep and President EFCL
