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Dear friends of Spark Northwest,

Spark Northwest is excited to offer 20 Days of Spark Northwest as we celebrate our twentieth anniversary next month. Throughout October, we will bring you special events, inspiring stories, and new opportunities to power an equitable clean energy future. I look forward to welcoming you to the celebration.

The last few months have marked the completion of amazing community-powered projects, with more on the way. Spark Northwest’s team is building partnerships with local groups around the Northwest, and we are excited to see what the future holds. This month, we’re sharing stories from a grocery co-op in Oregon, a high school in south King County, and a worker-owned farm in Whatcom County. It’s uplifting to see these projects come to life, and a reminder of why we are committed to a future of affordable, equitable clean energy.

Sincerely,

Andrea Axel- Executive Director

20 Days of Spark Northwest

Announcing 20 Days of Spark Northwest, a celebration of 20 years making clean energy a reality for communities across the Northwest. Tune in for invitations to events, chances to win terrific prizes, and to learn about our clean energy programs. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to join in the celebration! More details to come on our website.

You Autumn Know..

It’s back! After a summer hiatus, it’s time to round up your smartest friends and family for Spark Northwest’s Fall Trivia Night. This will be a virtual event open to all ages, groups, and geographic locations. Show off your trivia chops and support clean energy while you’re at it. Register your team here.

Astoria Co+op Goes Solar!

The Astoria Co+op, a community-owned grocery store on the Oregon Coast, has just just installed 60kW of solar. That’s enough solar to replace about 25% of the store’s fossil fuel energy use, even in rainy Oregon. With support from Spark Northwest, the Co+op was able to secure a $50,000 grant from the Rural Energy for America Program. “Throughout construction, we heard tremendous support from our customers and owners. Had we not gotten the USDA grant, then I don’t see how we would have done this.” said Matt Stanley, General Manager. “This solar project helps us live our message and protect the planet.” (photos: Broken Banjo Photography) Learn more about Spark Northwest and the Rural Energy for America program here.

Tierra y Libertad- Field Trip Notes

Following the successful installation of a rooftop solar array, Spark Northwest Project Managers Mia Devine and Mikhaila Gonzales had the chance to visit the Cooperativa Tierra y Libertad farm. Mikhaila reflects on their visit, and the impact of locally-owned clean energy- “In line with their vision, the farm now generates enough solar energy to power its own electrical needs — one more resource for T&L members to continue building a new model for community ownership and self-determination. It is always a special opportunity to visit the solar projects we have supported, and our trip was a humbling reminder of what is truly at stake.” Read Mikhaila’s full report here.

High School Students Push for Solar

Dozens of solar panels will eventually cover the roof of Highline High School’s new building in Burien under a student-led plan to build the largest solar-power system ever at a south King County public school. Spark Northwest Project Manager Mikhaila Gonzales has been assisting these students during the planning process. “My goal was basically to help turn an idea that a student had into an actionable project,” Gonzales said. Read the full story in the South Seattle Emerald.

Thank you to our Corporate Changemakers!