BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – For some time now, members of the Canton Village Board and its Sustainability Committee have been exploring the benefits of offering residents access to a renewable electricity supply.

That work has now reached a point where Trustees want to hear what the public thinks about the venture via two virtual information sessions at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, and Thursday, June 16.

Village officials have been working with Joule Community Power to explore Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), a program that would allow the Village to offer residents and small businesses the benefits of renewable energy.

The links for the sessions can be found at joulecommunitypower.com/events or by calling (888) 985-2211.

“I think one of the main benefits of CCA is that it gives the village the opportunity to lessen the burning of fossil fuels by making available all renewable power, a positive climate impact,” said Trustee Klaus Proemm, who sits on the Sustainable Committee. “CCA can also lower the cost of power to residents and small businesses.”

Formed in partnership with Joule Community Power, a division of Joule Assets, Inc., the Village of Canton Community Power CCA program would allow the municipality to pool local electricity demand to leverage the collective buying power of their residents and small businesses. This would allow the Village to secure more favorable terms on their energy supply and choose renewable generation sources.

The Village would participate in a bid process for a CCA electricity supply rate. If the rates are favorable and the program benefits Village residents, an electricity supplier would be selected and eligible residents and businesses would receive information about the program, their choices, and information about how to opt out.

“With the pandemic and war influencing fossil fuel costs worldwide, enabling Canton to source local, renewable power will stabilize costs. With CCA, communities all over New York State are getting renewable power while saving money on their electric bill,” Proemm stated.

The public information sessions are scheduled to help residents make informed decisions about this program. These sessions will provide general information, explain the benefits of participation by Village residents and small businesses, and answer any questions. Details to join the virtual meeting are at www.cantonny.org.

“It is important for village residents to get informed about CCA by attending the upcoming sessions. All residents and small businesses will have the ability to ‘opt out’ if they don’t wish to participate in CCA,” Proemm explained.”We’re hoping that the vast majority of folks will see the benefits, both financial and in climate impact, and will allow the village to move forward with this community energy venture.”

Future in-person information meetings will be held for those who cannot or prefer not to participate in an online format.

To learn more about the Village of Canton Community Power program, please visit www.joulecommunitypower.com/cantonvillage, contact the Joule Helpline at (888) 985-2211, or email solutions@joulecommunitypower.com.