Mountain View Power Gives $72,000 to Local Organizations
Here is a utility model that more regional and small municipalities in Alberta should consider adopting and championing. Being local has its advantages! In today's news, one topic that continues to dominate headlines is the cost of utilities. It's a concern shared by many Albertans who place their trust in the government, believing that the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) is the optimal choice for them. After all, if this is the rate the government defaults consumers to, it must surely be the most advantageous option available, right? Wrong!
Contrary to popular belief, it's not always regulated utilities that prioritize the consumer's best interest. In Alberta, certain municipalities, such as the Town of Olds, have taken a proactive approach to ensure their residents receive the utmost benefits. Enter Mountain View Power (“MVP”), competing head-to-head against Direct Energy, ENMAX, and EPCOR who all provide the RRO. MVP supplies natural gas and electricity to homes and businesses in Olds and neighbouring areas, all while championing community welfare.
Established in 2015 by the Olds Institute for Regional and Economic Development, MVP serves as a means to generate funds for local initiatives. What sets MVP apart from traditional energy retailers is its ownership structure – it is wholly owned by the residents of the Town of Olds. As a competitive alternative, MVP offers favourable pricing, with rates lower than the RRO. The best part? Every single cent of the profit generated is reinvested directly into the community.
In May 2023, the Council of Olds took a significant step forward by passing its Community Grants Policy, a comprehensive initiative designed to uplift and enrich the local community. With a broad mandate, the policy aims to bolster various aspects of community life by offering operating and capital grants to local organizations. These grants play a vital role in enhancing the capabilities of groups, enabling them to deliver essential services, maintain facilities, and embark on innovative initiatives that benefit our community as a whole. What makes this initiative even more remarkable is its funding source: 100% of the revenue comes from Mountain View Power.
The Town of Olds and MVP are thrilled to announce the first three recipients of the Mountain View Power Community Grant:
Olds Legion received $30,000 for a roof repair.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Olds & Area received $30,000 to construct additional childcare spaces and support renovations to the allocated Youth Centre Space.
Uptowne Olds received $12,000 toward beautification and safety initiatives in Uptowne.
If you’re looking for an Energy Marketer in the Olds area that is directly giving back to their community, check out Mountain View Power. If you’re an organization looking to apply for the Community Grant, reach out to communityservices@olds.ca.
Message to Rural Municipalities: If you are interested in building a similar utility business that mirrors the success of MVP in your community, just give us a call. We can share the blueprint for establishing a local utility that will help those in your community obtain access to lower retail prices and keep the profits in your village, town or city.
Darren Chu
Utility Network & Partners Inc.
403-244-7299 ext 104