August 11, 2014 - Summerside, PEI - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), joined His Worship Basil Stewart, Mayor of the City of Summerside, today to announce investments to allow for the expansion of an innovative digital electrical infrastructure network that will support the local business community.
This project, called MyPowerNet, will enable increased consumption of wind energy while decreasing fossil fuel usage for more efficient management and distribution of energy to the local businesses community. With these technological developments, the city can build on its past success of wind energy generation and consumption, while providing cost savings to commercial businesses in Summerside. A pilot project to test the new technology with over 100 local businesses and residences in 2013 resulted in average energy cost savings of over 30% compared to heating with fossil fuel sources alone. With this next phase of development, MyPowerNet will expand into the downtown area and north end of the City and will become available to over 200 existing businesses.
Quick Facts:
- The Government of Canada is supporting this project with a $945,000 investment through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.
- These investments will support the expansion of MyPowerNet into seven additional zones to provide cost-saving benefits to the local business community.
- The City of Summerside is home to Canada’s first municipally-owned and operated wind farm.
Quotes:
“Our Government continues to create jobs and opportunities for Canadians by improving infrastructure, fostering leadership in science and technology, and developing resources responsibly. I am pleased to announce this investment for the City of Summerside as they expand MyPowerNet, an innovative energy-saving technology that will provide efficient service and pass on cost savings to the local business community.”
- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency).
“The City of Summerside’s “MyPowerNet” program helps our local business grow and create jobs; it reduces our City’s impact on the environment, and saves business people and citizens money at the same time. It is a win, win, win. We are very pleased to have the Government of Canada on board as partners with us in this innovative and progressive initiative.”
- His Worship Basil Stewart, Mayor of the City of Summerside
Associated Links:
• City of Summerside
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Katie MacNevin
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-626-2878
Lorri Laughlin
City of Summerside
902-432-1288
