DOERS’ potluck aims to put solar cooperative over the top

     On Sat., March 25, DOERS (Doers Offering Emergency Relief Support) will sponsor a potluck and presentation by Camomile Nusz, director of the Citizen’s Energy Cooperative of Wisconsin (CEC), at the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Rd.  (The potluck starts at 6 and the presentation at 7 p.m., and both are free and open to the public.)

     The CEC of Wisconsin formed in Feb. 2005 to promote and install solar hot water heaters, both domestic and institutional.  They are currently installing 2 to 3 domestic units per week, and have installed 4 major units so far.

     DOERS, formed in Nov. 2001 in response to the dire situation of Afghan refugees, now addresses not only refugee needs, but the forces that cause people to become refugees.  Among these is global climate change, which is expected to cause millions of people to become environmental refugees: victims of rising sea levels, hurricanes, droughts, and other extreme weather.

     Since DOERS always emphasizes a hands-on, practical approach, teaming up with the CEC to promote solar power just makes sense.  When the CEC gets 40 members in one area, they use their $200 membership fees to make a down payment on a major installation for a pool, hotel, school, etc.  The CEC retains ownership of the equipment, and charges the host institution 5% below the going rate for electricity.  As rates go up, CEC’s investors will make a profit.

     Says Phyllis Hasbrouck, the organizer of the DOERS event, “When we heard that the CEC had only 17 members in Madison, we said, “Let’s find 23 more, to make 40!  Then we’ll know that we’ve made a difference each time we see the big installation.”

     Camomile Nusz will give an illustrated presentation about how the CEC works, how people can join and invest, and about the federal tax credits and Wisconsin Focus on Energy rebates available to homeowners who install solar equipment.  The most common installation provides hot water for washing and bathing, and a larger unit can provide heat through in-floor radiant heating, either built-in or retrofitted.  All of CEC’s units are made locally, in Green Bay and Chicago.

     Phyllis Hasbrouck sums things up.  “A potluck is an example of people pooling their resources to have a feast, and the Citizens’ Energy Cooperative is an example of people pooling their resources to make solar energy happen.  We feel sure that there are 23 people out there willing to invest $200 in making Wisconsin’s air and water cleaner, and our climate more stable.  We can’t wait to see a major solar installation going up in Madison, and we’re determined to make it happen.”

For more info, visit www.cecofwi.com [URL no longer valid. See CEC - 2008].

Contact person for CEC of WI: Camomile Nusz, 800-504-7331, cell 920-362-0251, info@cecofwi.com
[The above CEC contact information is not longer valid. CEC ceased installation work in 2007 and no longer has any paid staff.]

Contact person for DOERS: Phyllis Hasbrouck, 223-9571, cell 628-2605, phyllis@terracom.net