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Looking for an Impactful Investment in Canada? Meet OREC
Discover how OREC empowers Canadians to make impactful, ethical investments in local solar energy projects — with stable returns and real environmental benefits.

John Kirkwood
3 days ago2 min read
12 views
0 comments


Localizing Renewable Energy: An interview with OREC's Dick Bakker
Our Board Director, Dick Bakker, sat down for a virtual interview with 360 Energy spanning the founding and mission of OREC, the current and future role of community-owned renewable energy projects, and the intricacies of electricity regulations in Ontario.

Dick Bakker
Apr 152 min read
9 views
0 comments


IESO Responds to OREC's Submission on Ottawa Electricity Planning
OREC's advocacy is shaping Ottawa’s energy future! Read the IESO’s response to our push for local, sustainable energy solutions.

John Kirkwood
Apr 81 min read
41 views
1 comment


Letter to Minister of Energy requesting permission for Community Net Metering (2022)
Allowing shared solar credits across meters could cut costs for co-ops & condos. Let’s fix Ontario’s net metering regulations.

Dick Bakker
Apr 82 min read
20 views
0 comments


Our Feedback: Ontario's proposed Integrated Energy Resource Plan
OREC advocates for community-led renewable energy, proposing policy changes to enable local, resilient energy solutions

Roger Peters
Apr 317 min read
38 views
0 comments


Why is Ontario Afraid of Small (but Powerful) Electricity Solutions?
Ontario's new energy program offers $10K for solar & batteries—but bans net-metering. A win for the grid, but a loss for homeowners. Why?

Dick Bakker
Apr 32 min read
31 views
0 comments


Keeping the Lights On: Why Ottawa Needs More Community Energy
Another power outage hit Ottawa’s last week, leaving 1000s of homes in the dark—community energy can keep the lights on when needed most.

John Kirkwood
Mar 282 min read
26 views
1 comment


Why join OREC? What's in it for ME?? (Okay, and the planet :)
In 2010, OREC started when a few citizens gathered around an Ottawa kitchen table with a big idea: community-powered renewable energy....

John Kirkwood
Mar 142 min read
23 views
0 comments


'Empowering Ontario communities with renewable energy' – OREC presents at CACOR Live
John Kirkwood and Dick Bakker presented to CACOR Live on 'Empowering Ontario communities with renewable energy'

John Kirkwood
Mar 132 min read
74 views
0 comments


"Who lives near me that recently installed a heat pump?" – Learn from others in OREx community eXchange!
Learn how to use OREx - our forum to help you find & learn about EVs, installing heat pumps, solar & more from members near you

John Kirkwood
Mar 71 min read
123 views
0 comments


Virtual Power Plants cut costs & boost resilience—why not in Ontario?
VPPs are helping communities keep the lights on and save - why not in Ontario?

Dick Bakker
Dec 20, 20243 min read
5 views
0 comments


Can solar + batteries operate our Disaster Recovery Centres for free?
Adding battery storage systems to Ontario's electricity system enables communities to be more resilient to power disruptions.

Dick Bakker
Dec 9, 20243 min read
86 views
0 comments


Why do we need Community Solar in Ontario?
Community solar directly benefits the communities that install them. What is Community Solar? Community Solar is a gateway for homeowners...

Roger Peters
Dec 9, 20243 min read
41 views
0 comments


OREC Acquires Four Solar Rooftop Projects
OREC acquires four solar FIT projects totaling 570 kW DC in Ottawa and Muskoka. That's enough to power 55 homes with clean electricity.

John Kirkwood
Dec 4, 20241 min read
119 views
0 comments


Give the gift of green energy—a lifetime membership in OREC!
This year, let your gift power a greener future. Give your child, grandchild, or loved one the gift of an OREC membership!

John Kirkwood
Dec 4, 20241 min read
91 views
0 comments


Don't flush that! Register for talk by OREC partner, the Museum of Science & Technology
Toilet talk: The science behind what happens after you flush The following post is about an event on Nov. 14th, 2024 at our partner, the...

John Kirkwood
Nov 12, 20243 min read
63 views
0 comments


OREC Speaker Series: Save on your electricity bill using Ultra Low Overnight (ULO) rates!
Source: Hydro Ottawa Hey Ontario residents, did you know you can dramatically reduce your electricity bill? At an OREC event on November...

John Kirkwood
Nov 12, 20241 min read
146 views
0 comments


Guess what? Your Ontario electricity bill is going up.
Ontario electricity bills are rising—again. Find out why costs are increasing and what solutions could make power more affordable. ⚡

John Kirkwood
Nov 11, 20241 min read
380 views
2 comments


Seeking candidates for OREC 2025 Board Directors!
Are you passionate about renewable energy and community-driven initiatives? The Ottawa Renewable Energy Cooperative (OREC) is looking for...

John Kirkwood
Nov 1, 20241 min read
121 views
0 comments


When Ontario’s Minister of Energy & Electrification asks you for advice…
Dear Minister,
It was a pleasure to meet with you at the AMO Annual Conference where you asked me for our recommendations on DER...

John Kirkwood
Sep 10, 20245 min read
10 views
0 comments
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