Energy options for farmers and rural property owners will be presented during a two-day conference in Stettler on March 22 and 23.
“Energy Options Behind the Farm Gate: Plugging into the Grid” will be co-hosted by County of Stettler, County of Paintearth and the Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development at Stettler Community Hall.
“This conference will promote property owners’ rights and options to provide some of their own power and plugging into the grid,” said Harry Brook of the Ag-Info office in Stettler.
“If your have enough people doing this, you wouldn’t need to add new electricity systems.”
Over the two days, the event will cover various topics such as energy technologies, electricity and heat, consumer issues, service, contracts, warranty, financing, steps in developing small wind, resource and production estimating, heating technology and much more.
“This is ideal for livestock and crop producers, rural communities and agri-business,” said Brook.
Since early 2009, Alberta property owners have been encouraged to erect wind turbines under the new micro-generation legislation enacted by the provincial government where homeowners and businesses can connect renewable energy systems to Alberta’s electrical grid and earn some income.
A free workshop – Bring Your Own Bill – will be offered on March 22 at 4:15 p.m. with separate registration and homework required.
Formal activities both days run from 8:45 a.m. to about 4:15 p.m.
For information on participation fees and to register for the conference, phone the Ag-Info Registration Line at 1-800-387-6030.