The following was taken from the City of Dawson Creek's website at http://www.dawsoncreek.ca/economy/industries/energy/renewable.asp.

In the last three years, we have seen large fluctuations in the cost of natural gas, oil, and electricity due to global economics, market deregulation, and political events in some parts of the world. Renewable energy is not subject to sharp price changes because it comes from sources such as sunshine, flowing water, wind, and biological waste, all of which are free. Renewable energy does not create air pollution, global climate changes or harm valuable watersheds. Renewable energy supplies will never run out. While the supplies of coal, oil, and natural gas are limited, sunshine, wind, biomass, and water power are considered almost limitless resources.

Our local energy renewable energy organization is Peace Energy Cooperative. Peace Energy was started in 2002 and was incorporated as a cooperative in October 2003.

As its major project, Peace Energy has recently secured the rights to develop a wind park consisting of more than 840 hectares on Bear Mountain on the outskirts of Dawson Creek. Peace Energy has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Aeolis Wind Power Corporation of Sidney, B.C., to partner on the development of the Bear Mountain Project.

The following was taken from the Peace Energy Co-op's website at http://www.peaceenergy.ca/whatsnew.html.

Wind Project Proves Nature Can be Part of the Picture

DAWSON CREEK, BC - A group of Peace Energy Cooperative (PEC) members toured the site of the Bear Mountain Wind Park this week to have a look at the construction underway on British Columbia's first wind park. "We were thrilled to see that the site already looks like a park, the construction has been done so carefully. Finding a partner who would respect and maintain the natural values as much as possible was one of our primary goals when we went looking for a company that could develop the wind project," said Peace Energy Cooperative Executive Director, Valerie Gilson. "Everyone involved in the road and tower pad preparation has done an amazing job. Even bird nesting sites have been protected. It's an incredible example of how construction can be done."

PEC was started in 2003 with two main goals. "We exist to promote and support the development of renewable energy and sustainable living in the Peace Country of BC and Alberta," said Gilson, "and to keep as much of the benefit from that development as we could in the region. So our members can invest in the projects that generate revenue. Bear Mountain Wind is our first project. "The Bear Mountain Wind Park project is situated about 15 kms southwest of the city of Dawson Creek, BC. Thirty-four towers will be isntalled and, by the fall of 2009, will generate enough electricity to power the entire BC South Peace region with renewable energy. Roads and tower pad construction will be completed this summer along the ridge that runs through the local Community Forest. The area is used to graze cattle and a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, trail riding and ATVing?. As part of the original development partnership, Peace Energy Cooperative owns a portion of the Bear Mountain Wind park.