August 21, 2006

Renewable Energy A Rare Opportunity

Oil and natural gas supplies are dwindling and threatened by wars and weather. Sylvania's response is unique in Ohio, if not the nation‹a study of using renewable sources for all its energy needs while lowering energy costs for its residents and businesses was the topic of the Aug. 21 meeting arranged by city councilman Keith Haddad, chairman of the city's utilities and environment committee.

Experts and practitioners in biodiesel and biomass fuels, solar and wind power and geothermal energy were guest speakers at the meeting.

Tentative goals include providing renewable (RE) energy to all community public buildings, creating jobs and lowering costs. The energy bill at Tam-O-Shanter ice rink itself is $17,000 per month.

Converting from petroleum diesel to biodiesel on vehicles, as TARTA and UT are doing, should show immediate benefits in air quality and costs. Of equal or greater importance, though, is educating Sylvania's children to be intelligent consumers of energy throughout their lives and preparing them for careers in RE.

State and federal granting organizations have been identified as potential sources of funding for a municipal electric utility, if it can be justified.

Excess power generated could be sold back to First Energy or sold to neighboring communities.

It is further expected that new residents and businesses will be drawn to the community by this initiative.

Jack MacMillan
For Sylvania AdVantage