We're excited to welcome Shelby Wright, Casella Waste Systems Eastern Region Manager of Engagement, to our Program Committee!

Shelby Wright - Casella Waste Systems, LLC

Shelby is a passionate environmentalist that “talks trash” for a living. As the Eastern Region Manager of Engagement for Casella Waste Systems, LLC, she oversees governmental affairs, public relations, and community education and outreach initiatives for the Vermont-based waste management company in Maine.

Prior to joining Casella in January 2021, she was the Director of Community Services at Coastal Resources of Maine, a recycling and solid waste processing facility in Hampden, ME from 2018 – 2020. There she managed all aspects of public affairs for the plant as well as governmental affairs, business development, commercial contracts, and commodity marketing.

From 2015 to 2018, she was Director of Communications and Development for Maine Resource Recovery Association (MRRA.) At MRRA, she led education and outreach initiatives, organized events including the annual Maine Recycling and Solid Waste Conference and Trade Show, and headed up governmental affairs for the statewide recycling and solid waste industry non-profit.

Shelby has served the Town of Hampden, ME as a Councilor at Large since 2011 and has just completed her last term wherein she presided as Mayor during 2021.

She currently serves on the ME Climate Council Industrial Innovation Task Force and is the lead organizer for Maine Recycles Week.

Welcome to the team, Shelby! 

E2Tech gained five new Board Members, who were announced during our Holiday Mixer and Annual Meeting at Foundation Brewing December 1st! 

We’re looking forward to welcoming them to their first Board meeting in January, and introducing them to our member network at future events! 

Pips Veazey - UMaine Gateway 

Dr. Alice “Pips” Veazey is the inaugural director of the Portland Gateway. She joins UMaine from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she was the principal investigator and project director of the Alaska National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NSF EPSCoR).

Veazey received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bates College, and holds a master’s degree in oceanography and Ph.D. in team science leadership, both from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Her research focuses on fostering the development of large interdisciplinary initiatives. Over the past decade, she has led numerous teams of students, educators, scientists, decision makers and community partners to increase research competitiveness, promote economic development efforts and expand statewide workforce programs.

Russ Abell, PG, LSP - Sanborn Head

Russ has been a member of E2Tech’s Membership and Marketing Committee before being elected to the Board. 

He has more than 20 years of experience in hydrogeology, contaminant fate and transport, remediation, environmental compliance, and due diligence work.

Russ is a graduate of Amherst College and earned a master’s degree in geoscience from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In line with his specialization in legal matters, Russ serves on the Marketing Committee of E2 Tech, is an active member of the Licensed Site Professional Association, the American Bar Association Section of Energy and Environment, and the Environmental Law Institute.

Vanessa Berry - ecomaine 

From the classroom to the compost pile, Vanessa joined the ecomaine team in August of 2018 to provide education and resources to member communities and residents as an Environmental Educator. As an ecomaine educator, her role changes every day. From giving tours, to conducting trash audits with students, her main goal is to encourage others to follow the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, then Recycle! Vanessa received her B.S. in Elementary Education at the University of Maine at Farmington in 2015, and found her passion for the environment as a work-study student in UMF’s Sustainable Campus Coalition. She has previously served as an Energy Efficiency Coordinator with AmeriCorps, organized a Green Team at Chelsea Elementary School, and worked one-on-one with students as an Ed. Tech in an Autism and Behavior Program.

Dale Knapp - BRI Environmental 

Dale has also been a dedicated member of E2Tech’s Membership and Marketing Committee before being elected to the Board. 

Dale is the company Principal of BRI Environmental based in Portland, Maine. Dale has over 20 years of professional experience in natural sciences, permitting, and management. He is a regionally recognized natural resource consultant, and carries the following professional certifications: Certified Soil Scientist, Licensed Site Evaluator, Certified Environmental Professional, Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, and Professional Wetland Scientist. Energy projects have been a focus of Dale's professional practice and he has played a key role in the development and permitting of 17 operational wind projects, over 100 grid scale solar projects, and 15 high voltage transmission lines in New England alone.

Carrie Gilbert - Daymark EA

Carrie works closely with policymakers, regulators, renewable energy developers, and large C&I customers engaged in renewable energy markets. She is an expert on state and regional renewable energy policy and economics and she provides strategic and technical advice to clients pursuing decarbonization and sustainability goals. Carrie has appeared as an expert before FERC and before state regulatory agencies in Arkansas, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.

Welcome to the Board Pips, Russ, Vanessa, Dale and Carrie! 

You can read more about all our Board Members on our website: 

E2Tech - Our Board

As E2Tech nears its 20th anniversary, we can’t help but think back to the roots of the organization, and how E2Tech developed into the catalyst it is today. 

One can't discuss the history of E2Tech without acknowledging the long time commitment of founding president, John Ferland. In our most recent Board retreat, John shared some remarks on his time and growth with the organization, along with inspiration for its future, as he wraps up his service on the board. 

For John, a planned two year commitment to E2Tech, back when it was the Environmental Business Council of Maine, became a seven year stint as part-time executive director and later several terms as a board member. He mentioned E2Tech’s Forums and programming, and how they’ve become a cornerstone of our organization, influencing public policy and helping grow Maine's cleantech industry, as particular highlights. 

John also thanked the past and current members of the board who he believes “represent the best leadership and capacity for vision and action that our industry sector has to offer”. Now president of fast-growing startup Ocean Renewable Power Co, John says that he would not be where he is today, professionally, without the “intellectual strength” the organization has brought to the renewable energy sector. 

E2Tech hasn’t always been the stable, well-oiled machine it is today. A strong executive committee, a board of highly qualified leaders, and a legacy of executive directors has led to its success. John went on to outline some challenges and opportunities for the future of E2Tech: 

In light of the pandemic era, “it seems that just about every organization under the sun has entered the market for video conference programming...so the need to focus our efforts and remain true to the organization’s vision, mission and priorities remains as imperative as ever."  In a new hybrid work environment of Zoom calls and remote work, E2Tech will need to continue to come up with new innovative ideas to engage through online forums, while also sticking true to our mission. 

John ended his speech on the opportunities that lay ahead:

“We have entered a new election cycle. This is yet another opportunity to share the E2Tech brand with the marketplace as we facilitate and moderate programs among candidates and ideas... There is an unprecedented amount of public funding entering the market focusing on clean energy’s role in infrastructure improvement, technical training and job creation, and investment in underserved communities. The need is greater than ever to not only explain these opportunities to members, but to also assist the agencies in identifying needs and priorities for investment.” 

Staying true to our mission, while finding new and contemporary ways to overcome challenges, will always be the focus of the future here at E2Tech. Most importantly though, continuing to be a reliable resource for growing Maine’s energy & environmental sector. 

A big thank you to John Ferland for his work to grow E2Tech into the organization that it is today, and all best wishes for the future!

Did you see this great coverage of our forum on building a clean energy workforce, in Mainebiz? Take a look: https://www.mainebiz.biz/article/maines-clean-energy-companies-see-plenty-of-demand-but-need-workers

BlueWave Solar, based in Boston, has joined the E2Tech network! 

BlueWave’s motto; “Solar the way it should be”, goes along seamlessly with our Maine State slogan “The way life should be”. 

As a certified B Corp organization, BlueWave is committed to sustainability, accountability, and positively impacting the lives of others. Volunteering and community involvement are a big part of how they give back and incite positive change. 

Recently, BlueWave has signed an agreement with Laketricity, who is a pioneer in the floatovoltaics industry. Floatovoltaics are floating panels that have the potential to generate large amounts of electricity without the land use. This makes BlueWave Laketricity’s first New England partner, allowing them to bring the floatovoltaics industry to the northeast. 

BlueWave has also made their impact on the state of Maine. Sticking to their roots of sustainability and positive impact, BlueWave has installed Maine’s first agrivoltaic solar project to support local blueberry farmers and generate clean energy. The 4.2MW project was sold to Navisun, a solar producer, to be located on a wild blueberry farm in Rockport, ME. This project includes an agricultural research site that intends to monitor how solar impacts blueberry cultivation, a study that may eventually open new doors for our Maine farmers. 

We’re excited to have BlueWave as one of our members, and to continue to watch them make a positive impact!

Belfast, Maine – A 7MW community solar project is now operating and providing clean energy in Belfast, Maine. According to PowerMarket’s website, 7MW is equivalent to powering 1000 homes each year. The annual impact of the project is said to generate 7,665,000 kWh.

PowerMarket and SunRaise have worked together to make this community solar project possible.

PowerMarket is a market leader in providing subscriber acquisition in the solar community, managing over 200,000 subscribers. Since the company start, PowerMarket has given $600,000 back to their subscribers.

SunRaise develops, finances, and operates large solar projects. SunRaise offers permitting, construction, financing, and operation, allowing customers to form a one-party relationship. They also invest in solar projects so that customers don’t have to pay the upfront cost of solar, making it an easier financial transition.

Central Maine Power (CMP) customers are able to take advantage of this community solar project, while receiving 10% savings on community solar credits from participating in renewable energy.

Co-Founder Patrick Jackson of SunRaise says “We are thrilled that this community solar project has gone online and is now providing the grid with clean energy. Being from New England, our goal in Maine has been simple - provide more New Englanders access to clean energy…”.

PowerMarket has been working year-round to inform Mainers of the benefits of solar energy in anticipation of the upcoming solar project.

Nick Baudouin, Co-Founder of PowerMarket, says “It is great to see this project come online because for so long we have been talking about the benefits of community solar as hypotheticals. Now that this project is producing clean energy for the grid the benefits of community solar are real…”.

CMP customers will begin seeing the benefits of this project in the upcoming months. Customers can also contact PowerMarket about an upcoming Route 32 community solar project. Those interested can email sunraise@powermarket.io or call 207-280-8130.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 2021

CONTACT: Lisa Cline lisa@revermont.org 802-229-0099 @re_vermont

Renewable Energy Vermont Announces REV2021 Conference and Request for Presentations

South Burlington, VT – The 2021 Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) conference, REV It Up: Climate Action, Equity & Resilience will take place October 4 & 5 in South Burlington, Vermont.  The largest comprehensive renewable energy event in New England, REV's annual conference and expo convenes more than 500 business, policy, and finance experts from across all four major clean energy sectors: electricity, heat/cooling, transportation, and efficiency.

“It’s time to REV-up action to grow our local economy and protect our communities from the climate crisis. REV2021, our 21^st annual conference will focus on ideas and solutions that build an equitable and sustainable energy future for New England,” said Olivia Campbell Andersen, Renewable Energy Vermont’s executive director.

The conference committee invites interested speakers to submit presentation proposals by Friday, June 18^th.  Presentation proposals must be submitted online at www.revconference.org. 

Speakers and attendees enjoy unparalleled networking opportunities and new project and initiative partnership connections at the event.  Topics of interest include: energy and climate equity; transportation and thermal electrification; comprehensive energy planning, including Vermont’s climate action plan; grid modernization; energy storage; renewable heating; legal, legislative, and policy updates; finance tools; net zero and living buildings.  

REV2021 is guided by a conference committee of business and association leaders from across the renewable energy sector. Incorporating a diverse array of experience and perspectives on clean energy, this group includes: Hillary Andrews, Efficiency Vermont; Josh Bagnato, TDI; Dan Bosley, Northeast Clean Energy Council; Olivia Campbell Andersen, Renewable Energy Vermont; Molly Connors, ISO New England; Chad Farrell, Encore Renewable Energy; Marie-Claude Francoeur, Government of Quebec; Joan Goldstein, Vermont Department of Economic Development; Meredith Hatfield, New England Conference of Public Utilities Commissioners; Karen Jernigan, PowerGuru; Kerrick Johnson, Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO); Mari McClure, Green Mountain Power; James Moore, SunCommon; Nathan Phelps, Vote Solar; Michael Pizziferri, Government of Quebec; Stephen Posner, University of Vermont Gund Institute; Andrew Raubvogel, Dunkiel Saunders Elliot Raubvogel & Hand; Michael Shank, Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance; and Darren Springer, Burlington Electric Department.

Email admin@revermont.org with any questions about or suggestions for the conference. 

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About Renewable Energy Vermont

Renewable Energy Vermont (REV)’s businesses, non-profit, utility, and individual members are creating resilient, local economies powered by renewable energy and employ a 21st century workforce committed to improving the lives of their neighbors and communities.  Together, we will achieve 100% total renewable energy (electric, thermal, transportation) and meaningful climate action.  Join us at www.revermont.org.

Brookfield Renewable announces Youth Safety Grants during National Safe Boating Week

For Immediate Release: May 27, 2021

Media Contact: Miranda Kessel, 207-522-4147

 

Lewiston, ME (May 24, 2021) – In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, Brookfield Renewable is announcing a grant program available to purchase youth life jackets and other water safety equipment that support safe outdoor recreation for youth-related nonprofit organizations.   

 

National Safe Boating Week is May 22-28, 2021. Brookfield Renewable joins boating safety advocates who have teamed up to promote safe and responsible boating, including voluntary, consistent life jacket wear each time boaters are on the water.

 

The Brookfield Renewable grant program is available for schools, summer camps and nonprofits, which support youth outdoor activities within the watershed regions of the Penobscot, Union, Kennebec, Saco, and Androscoggin in Maine and New Hampshire. Multiple grants of up $2,500 will be awarded.   

 

To apply for the grant, summarize the information below and in two pages or 1000 words (excluding the W9). The grant information can be e-mailed to  Stakeholder.Relations@brookfieldrenewable.com by June 30. You will be notified by July 15 of the status of your grant application.

 

The following information is required for a grant request:

• Name and description of the organization, primary contact, and submittal of a W9.   
• Summary of how the funds will be used and how they will specifically benefit water and recreation safety or outdoor stewardship.
• Brief description of the budget and the amount being requested.   

 

Brookfield Renewable is launching the grant program as a public safety partner of the National Safe Boating Council. Wearing a lifejacket and safe outdoor and recreation practices should start early to ensure a lifelong commitment to the values of public safety and safe outdoor recreation. U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2019 and that 86 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.  

 

For more information on National Boating Week, please visit https://safeboatingcampaign.com/, or for more information on the grant program, please email Stakeholder.Relations@brookfieldrenewable.com

 

About Brookfield Renewable - Brookfield Renewable U.S., based in New York City, is a leading owner, operator and developer of renewable power, delivering innovative renewable power solutions that accelerate the world towards a sustainable, low-carbon future. Our diversified portfolio of hydropower, wind, solar and storage facilities spans across 34 states, totaling approximately 7,300 megawatts of generating capacity, providing enough clean energy to avoid about 11 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

 

Photo Cutline: Brookfield Renewable is launching a youth water safety grant program as a public safety partner of the National Safe Boating Council.

 

Maine Technology Institute (MTI) Solicits Proposals for the Maine Clean Energy Innovation Challenge

May 17, 2021

Today, the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) began soliciting proposals for the Maine Clean Energy Innovation Challenge that was announced by Governor Janet Mills on Earth Day. In collaboration with the Governor’s Energy Office, MTI developed the challenge to catalyze the deployment of innovative clean energy technology solutions in Maine.

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SANDWICH, Mass., April 22, 2021: 

Retail electricity supplier Actual Energy Inc. and solar energy software company SolBid today announced a formal collaboration to offer solar energy to commercial and industrial electricity consumers. The companies’ goal is to optimize cost savings and carbon emissions reduction efforts for customers interested in on-site (“behind-the-meter”) solar generation. SolBid’s solar solutions complement Actual Energy’s data-driven, transparent electricity procurement process.

According to Tony Bianco, Director of Sales and Business Development for Actual Energy: “We supply electricity, but we also supply energy solutions, so there’s synergy between Actual Energy and SolBid. Our customers choose us for our transparency, exceptional service, and sustainability, and this extends to SolBid as well. We regularly see aspirational energy management plans that include on-site solar, but our customers and prospects are often overwhelmed with options. To streamline the process, we will now direct them to SolBid, where their solar energy needs will be analyzed, and a customized plan will be developed and implemented. Our customers deserve the highest level of industry expertise and that is what SolBid delivers.”

“Our team is excited about the synergies between the two companies. Both companies are focused on quality and excellence, so there is a great opportunity for business development,” said Ian Ricci, COO/CTO of SolBid. “SolBid’s technology allows us to easily build accurate solar projects in a matter of minutes. We also make the whole experience of going solar easy for everyone. Actual Energy’s customers are in great hands.”

Mark Finley, CEO of Actual Energy, is excited about the alliance: “Sustainability is a core tenet of ours, so it makes sense to offer solar to our customers—over and above what we have in our generation mix. With SolBid as a trusted partner, we can recommend a product that enhances our own.”

About Actual Energy: A retail energy supplier based in Massachusetts, Actual Energy provides hourly electricity pricing and innovative advisory services to commercial and industrial customers in New England. Actual Energy’s technology platform facilitates energy conservation, cost reduction, and carbon management. Transparency and sustainability are Actual Energy’s guiding principles. Learn more at actualenergy.com.

 

About SolBid: SolBid is a clean energy technology company that deploys commercial and industrial solar energy systems. This is done via SolBid’s proprietary solar software platform and partner network. Learn more at solbid.com.

 

Contacts:

 

Actual Energy:
John Carroll (Maine Business Development Manager)

(207) 458-9889

john.carroll@actualenergy.com

 

SolBid:
Ian Ricci

(857) 233-9283

iricci@solbid.com