Story by Sara Crouch
Editorial Assistant

On Saturday, June 16, Appalachian Voices’ Energy Savings Team hosted our Home Energy Savings Block Party in West Jefferson, N.C. There was food, music, a solar-powered smoothie stand, face painting and a wealth of information about clean energy opportunities in the High Country.

The Block Party was a chance for community members to connect with each other and talk about clean energy. It was also an opportunity for Blue Ridge Energy members to share their comments with our team for the upcoming BRE annual membership meeting on June 28. We wanted to better understand what people want from their energy co-op and how they view renewable energy and energy efficiency. Joining us was Collaborative Solar, who made delicious smoothies using a portable solar panel, reNew Home, Inc., High Country Energy Solutions, and community members who wanted to learn more about renewable energy and energy efficiency in the High Country.

We talked with local residents about their vision for a clean energy future in the High Country. These were some of our favorite responses:

• Affordable energy efficiency & renewables for all!
• KwH incentives [for solar and energy efficiency] from Blue Ridge Energy
• No extra fees for rooftop solar
• More member/community involvement [in electric co-ops]
• FREE solar panels with purchase of batteries
• Insulation for mobile home communities

As you can see, people in the High Country are giving a lot of thought to clean energy and energy efficiency! If clean energy has been on your mind, contact Lauren@appvoices.org to learn how you can host one of our workshops for your neighbors or community group.