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Guess What? Your Ontario Electricity Bill and Taxes are Going Up — Again!
Despite taxpayers footing a potential $10B bill for the Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER), electricity prices are still soaring by over 28% on average. OREC analyzes the latest OEB rate increases and why this unsustainable subsidy encourages consumption.
Dick Bakker
Nov 33 min read
Join OREC’s Board of Directors for 2025-26
Join OREC's Board of Directors!
We are seeking 1-2 volunteer Directors for the 2025-26 term to help lead Ontario's most successful community energy co-operative. If you have expertise in finance, engineering, or advocacy, and are passionate about community-owned renewables, we want to hear from you. Express your interest by Nov. 15th.
John Kirkwood
Oct 272 min read
The Battery Challenge: Why Ontario’s Best Idea for Local Energy Is Still Looking for a Home.
At OREC, we’ve pioneered solar rooftops and ground-level installations for years — now we’re stepping into new territory with a community-scale battery energy storage system. Despite broad recognition of its value, Ontario’s regulatory system still hasn’t cleared the path for one.
John Kirkwood
Oct 243 min read
Top 5 Sayings to Retire Before the Planet Does 😂
I’ve realized my vocabulary is still running on fumes. "Firing on all cylinders” once made sense — now it just sounds... burnt-out. Here are my top 5 carbon-clunkers to retire before the planet does.
John Kirkwood
Oct 232 min read
From Coast to Coast: Uniting Canada’s Community Energy Co-ops
Learn about the growth of the national association of renewable energy co‑ops across the country, its forums & projects, and how to get involved in shaping Canada’s community energy future.
Dennis O'Farrell
Oct 223 min read
Power to the People: Fixing Ontario’s Energy Market
Ontario’s energy system isn’t working. Planners cling to “big” projects while communities wait. At OREC, small, local renewable projects prove that residents can invest, earn a return, and help power their own future. It’s time Ontario embraced community energy — cleaner, smarter, and closer to home.
Opinion by Graham Findlay, OREC volunteer
Graham Findlay
Oct 213 min read
Investment Offering Update: Series 11 Almost Sold Out!
OREC’s 2025 capital raise is nearly complete! Thanks to our members’ support, we’ve close to meeting our target of $1.5 M. See where we stand and what’s next.
John Kirkwood
Sep 251 min read
CWCF Launches New User Portal: What OREC Members Need to Know
The Canadian Worker Co-op Federation (CWCF)—OREC’s partner for managing RRSPs, TFSAs, and other registered accounts—has launched a new...
John Kirkwood
Sep 252 min read
Taking OREC Online: What We Learned from Our First Ad Campaign
OREC’s recent Facebook and Instagram ad trial reached nearly 40,000 people at low cost, driving strong clicks to our website. While fewer visitors became members or investors than hoped, the campaign highlighted ways to improve landing pages and refine our approach. Next, we’ll expand to Google and YouTube ads to connect more Ontarians with local renewable energy.
Paul Haskins
Sep 232 min read
Building a Better OREC: What You Shared in Our 2025 Membership & Investment Survey
OREC is listening to our members - and even nonmembers - about what how we can improve for the better. At OREC, our mission is to build a...
John Kirkwood
Sep 222 min read
Could A Federal Rooftop Solar Program Transform Canada? You bet.
As an emergency physician, OREC member Dr. Nicolas Chagnon sees the health impacts of heat waves and wildfire smoke firsthand. He argues that rooftop solar—paired with battery storage—shouldn’t be a luxury for a few, but a nationwide strategy to cut costs, boost resilience, create jobs, advance Reconciliation, and help Canada meet its climate goals.
Nicolas Chagnon
Sep 193 min read
Advancing Community-Owned Renewable Energy in Ontario
OREC has made recommendations to the province for advancing community-owned renewable energy and storage. This post highlights ten key policy and regulatory changes needed in 2025 — from expanding net metering and community solar, to ensuring public and co-op participation in large-scale renewable projects.
Roger Peters
Aug 2710 min read
We're Ready — Are You? Invest in Green Energy Today
After nearly a year, OREC is back with our biggest investment opportunity yet. Help fund Eastern Ontario’s largest rooftop solar array—and more clean energy projects to come.
Marion Siekierski
Jul 152 min read
Shining Bright: Touring OREC's Flagship Solar Site with MP Bruce Fanjoy
OREC welcomed local MP Bruce Fanjoy to tour our flagship museum solar project, celebrating progress in community-owned renewable energy.
John Kirkwood
Jul 92 min read
📢 Amped Up for Impact: Welcome Josh Reinhart to OREC’s Board
Josh Reinhart is OREC"s newest Board Director We’re thrilled to announce that Josh Reinhart has joined OREC’s Board of...
John Kirkwood
Jul 82 min read
Ontario's Home Solar Rebate Program: “Don’t do it!” OREC member tells IESO's CEO their incentive is a bad choice for Ontario consumers
“Go solar and save” and “Get up to $5,000 back.” Sounds great, right? Consumers could be forgiven for thinking that the Home Renovation...
Aaron Kelly
Jul 82 min read
Does Ontario Support Renewable Energy Co-ops? A New National Index Exposes the Gaps
A new national report just launched by the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives (CECC) offers the first-ever snapshot of how...
John Kirkwood
Jun 242 min read
'Renewables on the Rise': Environment Journal, Summer 2025 — OREC Featured
The current issue of Environment Journal discusses the opportunity for more distributed energy through the IESO's upcoming Local Generation Program. That’s why OREC is taking an active seat at the table and engaging directly with policymakers and influencers.
John Kirkwood
Jun 172 min read
Hydro Ottawa’s rate plan falls short on community power innovation: Where are the DER solutions?
Hydro Ottawa’s new rate plan includes big spending—but little action on local clean energy. Despite calls to adopt a modern “DSO” model that uses solar, storage, and other community solutions to reduce costs, the utility offers few concrete plans. OREC is calling for transparency and real investment in distributed energy. Read our blog and take action to push for a smarter, more affordable grid.
John Kirkwood
May 313 min read
Public opinion powers up: Ontarians say Yes to renewables, No to U.S. Nuclear
A new poll shows 80% of Ontarians want to cancel OPG’s plan for U.S.-designed nuclear reactors—and 70% support shifting investments to cheaper wind and solar. The public is also strongly behind clean energy solutions like heat pump financing and an east-west electricity grid.
John Kirkwood
May 201 min read
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