[Sust-mar] Small Grids, Big Choices: South Shore Electricity and Communications Options 2012-2020, Mahone Bay: April 27

[Marion Moore]

The South Shore Chapter, Council of Canadians presents a Cafe Canada

Small Grids, Big Choices:

South Shore Electricity and Communications Options 2012-2020

April 27, 2012 – 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.





Half of Nova Scotia's small electric utilities are on the South Shore.
Mahone Bay and Lunenburg Town Councils operate town-owned utilities, while
Riverport's is directly owned and run by its citizens as a cooperative.
Canso’s public utility is presently for sale while Berwick’s and
Antigonish’s are strong but isolated.



 A once-in-a-lifetime shift in technology is happening that requires
substantial new investment in these grids, but also opens up even more
substantial revenue and development opportunities. In the US,  almost 3000
town-owned public power districts and rural electric cooperatives have lead
the way in providing safe and affordable services, while avoiding some of
the pitfalls associated with the larger utilities.

Nova Scotia does have options when it comes to our future electricity and
communications needs. Join us on *Friday evening, April 27, 2012 in the
Community Room* at the Mahone Bay Centre for an informative session about
these options *beginning at 7:30 p.m*.   Panelists Prof. Larry Hughes (of
Dalhousie), Craig Hubley (networking infrastructure consultant,
telecommuter) and others directly involved in industries or technologies
affected will lead a public discussion on the issue, followed by an
opportunity for questions and answers.

While this will be of interest to the general public, elected officials are
also encouraged to attend, as there will surely be lively questions and
debates for some time to come, including during the upcoming municipal
elections



There is no cost but donations will be accepted. Refreshments, including
fair trade coffee, will be served. For more information, please contact the
South Shore Chapter of the Council of Canadians at
southshore.coc at gmail.comor call 527-2928.