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Wind power in a blossoming landscape

Renewable
Energies

We believe in the power of shared values and team efforts. Community energy is the embodiment of this ideal. Planning, building, and sharing locally produced green energy and it’s revenues is a highly satisfying experience for those that have ventured down this path.

Collectively owned renewable energy infrastructure is literally (em)powering communities across the world. Existing and budding community energy projects face multiple challenges, that can be overwhelming at times, but nevertheless can be overcome together!

9 topics

35 questions

we provide  answers.

    • What local energy needs, economic benefits, or social goals is this project addressing?

    • How do we ensure that community members are genuinely involved in project design and decision-making?

    • Are we creating mechanisms for inclusive ownership and fair distribution of benefits (e.g., dividends, bill savings, reinvestment)?

    • How do we build long-term trust and governance structures that reflect community priorities?

    • Do we have access to suitable land or rooftop areas with community or municipal support?

    • How do we navigate permitting, zoning, and environmental assessments while respecting Indigenous and local rights?

    • Is the project size appropriate for grid connection capacity and community energy goals?

    • Can we leverage brownfield sites or dual-use land (e.g., agrivoltaics) to enhance land-use acceptability?

    • Which technologies (solar PV, wind, biomass, battery storage, demand response) best fit our local context and energy mix?

    • How do we ensure grid connection feasibility and minimize curtailment risk?

    • Should we pursue grid-tied, microgrid, or hybrid solutions?

    • Are there options for smart metering, virtual net metering, or blockchain-based energy trading within the community?

    • What mix of equity (community shares, co-op members, impact investors), grants, and debt is best for our structure?

    • Are we eligible for green bonds, ESG-aligned funds, or government loan guarantees (e.g., Canada Infrastructure Bank, CMHC retrofit funds)?

    • How do we ensure financial sustainability while keeping energy affordable for members?

    • Should the community own 100%, or do we partner with a private developer (e.g., co-ownership, split-asset model)?

    • Will revenue come from power purchase agreements (PPAs), net metering, retail electricity sales, or ancillary services?

    • How do we hedge against volatile electricity markets or shifting feed-in tariffs?

    • Are we exposed to technology or maintenance risks—how do we structure long-term service contracts?

    • Can we offer energy-as-a-service or bundled offerings (e.g., solar + EV charging, or heat pumps)?

    • What provincial/federal programs and incentives are available for community energy (e.g., Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, NRCan, FCM grants)?

    • Do local utility rules allow for community net metering, virtual aggregation, or local energy markets?

    • How do interconnection and transmission rules affect our viability and timeline?

    • Are we aligned with evolving ESG, Indigenous consultation, and climate resilience requirements?

    • Do we have access to experienced technical and legal partners (e.g., EPCs, community energy advisors, co-op developers)?

    • How do we build local capacity in governance, finance, and technical knowledge to sustain the project post-build?

    • Can we partner with municipalities, First Nations, housing co-ops, or school boards to scale impact?

    • Are there opportunities to join broader networks (e.g., CoEnergy Ontario, BC Community Energy Association, REScoop, CEA)?

    • How do we measure and communicate environmental and social impact (GHG reductions, energy access, job creation)?

    • Are we capturing co-benefits like local economic development, energy literacy, or climate resilience?

    • Can we certify under recognized frameworks (e.g., B Corp, 100% Renewable Municipalities, SDGs)?

    • Is our project structure replicable in other communities or sectors (e.g., housing co-ops, schools, municipalities)?

    • Can we build a development pipeline to attract long-term funding and institutional partners?

    • Should we create a regional energy cooperative or umbrella organization to scale?

    • What tools (digital platforms, toolkits, legal templates) can support easier replication?

References

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