OSEA congratulated the Hon. George Smitherman on receiving the World Wind Energy Award 2009.  On the occasion of the 8th World Wind Energy Conference 2009 on Jeju island, Korea, the Board of the World Wind Energy Association has selected the Hon. George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of Ontario as the recipient of the World Wind Energy Award.

The sun shines on all of us, but not everyone can afford to install a solar power system on their roof. However, new laws are allowing cooperative ownership of solar. OSEA’s executive director, Kristopher Stevens, discusses the necessity of involving citizens in determining how to meet their demand for energy, in an interview broadcast by World Renewable Energy. Also, Paul Gipe, the American energy expert, who helped shape Ontario’s new Green Energy Act, talks about how feed-in tariffs – fixed prices for renewables – benefit communities. Listen to the podcast.

More than 60 OSEA members participated in a web conference on the Ontario Power Authority's feed-in tariff program. Even though the rules of the FIT program have not been determined, energy expert, Paul Gipe, gave an in depth presentation based on the OPA's stakeholder engagement workshops and other recent information that has come to light. He offered some advice on preparing for a FIT contract, including the approvals and security deposits that may be required. The two-hour session was recorded and is available for those voting and associate members who may have missed it.