For Immediate Release
July 11, 2018

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is celebrating the province’s first grid tie-in on a commercial property in the province.

SW Energy based out of Clarenville uses a mix of solar and wind energy to generate electricity for the company, availing of Newfoundland Power’s net metering program.

“This is an important milestone for the renewable energy industry in this province,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “Through the use of small scale renewables – such as solar, wind, and others – businesses and homeowners can reduce their electricity costs, increase reliability, and avoid contributing to the province’s carbon emissions. We are thrilled to see Newfoundland and Labrador’s first commercial net metering beneficiary.”

Net metering is a program offered by provincial utilities that allows customers to generate their own electricity through renewable sources. The program means customers can use energy from the province’s electricity grid when necessary, while contributing energy to the grid when more power is generated than required. The objective is to allow customers the ability to achieve a net zero balance.

Related:

• Net-zero: SW Energy completes first renewable energy grid tie for commercial building – The Telegram

“It is appropriate that SW Energy is the first firm in Newfoundland and Labrador to avail of net metering,” said Hanley, noting the company is in the business of designing and installing renewable energy solutions. “NEIA commends SW Energy for taking the lead and setting the example for others in the province.”

Hanley said there is lots of capacity still available within the net metering program. “The government, Newfoundland Power, and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro should be recognized for their efforts in working together to get this program up and running reasonably quickly once committing to it. Now it’s up to businesses and homeowners to seize the opportunity.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

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