Community Owned Renewable Energy

[Rio]

Greetings Solutionaries!!!

Wow it feels like a lifetime ago that we spent the summer together in
2008... I know that all of us have been doing great things since then,
and I look forward to the day that we can reunite and share stories.

In the meantime... I'd like to tell you about something very exciting
that I've been involved with, and ask for about 3 minutes of your
time. The Appalachian Institute for Renewable Energy (AIRE), the
organization for which I work, is preparing to launch its cooperative
hybrid business model for community owned renewable energy. Basically,
what we are doing is partnering with other nonprofits, congregations
of faith, small businesses, neighborhood associations and other
community groups to create locally owned Limited Liability Companies
(LLCs). Through these hybrid partnerships community interests will be
able to take advantage of tax incentives and other financial
mechanisms that make renewable energy considerably cost effective. If
structured optimally, these community owned LLCs will be able to
purchase PV solar for pennies on the dollar.

Part of finalizing our business plan involves gathering public
interest data regarding energy issues. The link below will take you to
a survey that will gauge your interest and hypothetical willingness to
invest in community owned renewable energy. Please, take a few minutes
to fill out the survey! It will be of great assistance in our efforts
to restructure the modern energy economy to be more clean,
sustainable, and democratic!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/aire-nc

Sincere thanks,

Rio Tazewell
Education & Outreach Director
Appalachian Institute for Renewable Energy
828.268.5022 (office)
919.357.5374 (cell)
http://aire-nc.org/