Our Blog

Hydro Ottawa's newly approved five-year rate plan brings a 15.47% distribution rate hike, but it also brings a long-awaited wave of innovation. See how the newly launched GridFlex program marks Ottawa's first major step into Virtual Power Plants—giving residents a way to earn rewards, offset rate increases, and actively build a decentralized, sustainable energy future right from their living rooms.

If OREC has been a bit quiet lately, it’s because we’ve been incredibly busy behind the scenes. To power our annual growth and fulfill our members' ambitious AGM mandate, we’re scaling up. From partnering with a top-tier marketing agency to reviewing over 510 applications for two critical new full-time roles, here is a look at how we are powering up for OREC's next decade of impact.

One of Havila’s ships on the coastal route Cruise ships have a well-earned reputation for environmental impact — and for the eco-conscious traveller, the carbon, NOx, and SOx emissions can be hard to justify. But Norway is quietly rewriting that story, and a voyage along its historic coastal route offers a compelling glimpse of what sustainable sea travel might look like. The 9,260km journey from Bergen north to Kirkenes and back — almost two thirds of which is in the Arctic

Give the Gift of a Lifetime for Just $75! This year, let your gift power a greener future. For a limited time, get 25% off an OREC Lifetime Membership for a child, grandchild, or loved one. Offer ends December 31st!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.