Five Years of Community Power: Celebrating BVGEC’s Journey from Vision to Impact!

Written By Jodi Conuel

Bow Valley Green Energy Cooperative - Rocky Mountain Community Energy

🎉Celebrating 5 Years of Powering Community-Led Change! 🎉

What began in 2020 as a hopeful idea among climate-conscious residents of the Bow Valley has grown into one of Alberta’s most inspiring examples of grassroots climate action. Today, the Bow Valley Green Energy Cooperative marks five powerful years of putting energy and agency into the hands of the people.

This isn’t just an anniversary. It’s a milestone paved by community resolve, clean technology, and a shared vision for a sustainable future.

🔋 Community-Owned, Community-Powered

At the heart of BVGEC’s mission is our project portfolio, which consists of renewable energy systems owned by our members. These members have invested in solar installations, which generate renewable power for our Host sites, and they are rewarded for their trust and belief in us with a share of the profits from the power sold.

In just five years, the numbers speak for themselves:

  • 1 Gigawatt of renewable energy generated

  • $179,000 invested by the community

  • 648 tonnes of CO₂ emissions offset

  • 4 completed projects, with a total capacity of 155 kW

  • $3,500 returned to local community initiatives

These aren’t just statistics. They represent healthier air, local economic benefits, and a resilient energy future shaped by people, not profit margins.

⚡ From Rooftops to Resilience: Project Highlights

Each BVGEC project is a story of partnership, persistence, and impact:

  • Ralph Connor Memorial United Church (Canmore, 2021): The first community-owned solar project in Alberta.

  • I-Place (Canmore, 2022): A 127 kW system supporting Canmore’s mixed-use housing development.

  • Baymag Plant (Exshaw, 2023): A collaboration that brought the largest solar array in the MD of Bighorn to life.

  • Temple B’nai Tikvah (Calgary, 2023): BVGEC’s first Calgary installation, in partnership with interfaith and climate organizations.

Each rooftop adds more than clean energy; it adds a building block to Alberta’s energy transition. Learn more about our project portfolio: https://www.bvgreenenergy.org/portfolio

🔁 Fueling Change: Rocky Mountain Community Energy (RMCE)

In 2022, BVGEC took another significant step with the launch of RMCE, our energy marketing arm that allows Albertans to purchase electricity and natural gas while funding new renewable projects. It’s a win-win for the planet and the people. Learn more about RMCE: https://www.bvgreenenergy.org/rmce

🌎 Looking Ahead

As BVGEC embarks on its next chapter, our mission is clear: to expand access, deepen community ownership, and accelerate Alberta’s transition to clean, cooperative energy.

We're preparing for our next project selection and investment round. Are you a local building owner or manager interested in leasing your rooftop for a solar installation or exploring renewable energy options for your property?

Become a BVGEC Host, let us handle the details and install the ideal renewable energy solution with no upfront cost! Register your interest here: https://www.bvgreenenergy.org/become-a-host

Thank you to every member, volunteer, host site, and supporter who has helped make the past five years possible.

Together we are transforming Alberta’s energy!

Jodi Conuel
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Celebrating 1 GigaWatt of Renewable Energy Generated!