You know a name is marketable when it can be used as a verb. As in: Did you know the David Suzuki Foundation is Bullfrogging its 4th Avenue Vancouver office?
Renewable energy provider Bullfrog Power Inc. leaped into the British Columbia market at its official launch in Vancouver this week.
It's product is "low-impact, renewable electricity" says president Tom Heintzman (renewable, because it comes from wind or hydro projects, and low-impact as certified by Environment Canada’ EcoLogo program.)
Whenever a megawatt hour of electricity is produced from an EcoLogo project, a green energy certificate is created. These certificates represent the green electricity that you buy, but Bullfrog is not actually power producer. And it's more expensive; the cost is your average electricity use in kilowatt hours multiplied by .02 (two cents per kilowatt hour) plus tax.
The company has gained a following since it launched in 2005, with 8,000 residents and 900 business customers in Ontario and Alberta, including some high-profile ones, like the Tragically Hip. This year's Juno awards will also be Bullfrog powered.
It won't necessarily be a harder sell in B.C., said Heintzman, just different.
"There is a high amount of non-carbon emitting power already in the province," he said. "But people are extremely well-educated about environmental issues here."
Peter Robinson, CEO of the David Suzuki Foundation, noted that Bullfrog is "landing themselves in the middle of a significant controversy in B.C. right now," referring to the growing opposition to private power development -- most of which has been focused on large, run of river projects.
"High-impact hydro is better than coal," said Vancouver customer Ian McSorley, who buys Bullfrog for his home and business electricity use.
"The difference for me was the low-impact option."
Robert Takeuchi is the general manager of sunscreen manufacturer Kinesys, which purchases Bullfrog power for its operations. He said the company made the switch part wanted to "promote more wind." Heintzman also said Bullfrog wants to promote wind energy in the province, which he says is underrepresented here
Currently, there aren't any operating wind projects here. B.C. Bullfrog consumers will buy electricity from a wind project in Alberta and a hydro project near Revelstoke.
Will Bullfrog create enough market demand here to make a difference in the the wind industry?
Doug McClelland, director of communications for Naikun Wind Energy Group, said his company plans projects in 400 MW increments, so the promise of an extra 10 MW or so from customer demand wouldn't be relevant to whether their project proceeds or not.
But "knowing that people supports this kind of power is important," he said.
Colleen Kimmett reports for The Tyee
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morechatter
3 years ago
Well Blow Me Away
I was surprised to hear there was little in the way of wind and renewable energy so it quite exciting although more costly to a cost conscience but also environmentally conscience consumer. Possibly Government could look at promoting venture as I'm sure they will agree the more Green initiatives the better.
http://www.bchydro.com/planning_regulatory/energy_technologies/wind_energy.html
morechatter
3 years ago
Its Called an Economic Stimulus Bill
that kinda initiative thats used in the States you know the guys we are always trying to copy. Sorry about that who we used to try to copy especially when Bush, an adamant Republican was in office.
I noticed it when going over the Amercian Wind Association and its a good idea when it comes to the environment and it has substainability.
Wilfred Laurier
3 years ago
Must be bad
If there is a new way of doing anything, I am sure it must be bad. Stop Bullfrog! The only way is conservation, as long as it isn't me who has to conserve.
morechatter
3 years ago
Wilfred Laurier
Is that kinda like being left in the dark ages. And that was the flaw with the carbon plan who has to conserve and they came up with the poor. And that isn't going to work as many are faced with out a light switch to turn on or one that can't afford to turn on. And whose bright idea was that as consumers goods are driven up in price during recessionary times?
morechatter
3 years ago
And Wilfred
At least when paying for these initiatives you know what you are getting as well as creating new employment. As if the carbon tax had been used entirely for operations to help the environment and not the premier it would be better but but still not the ideal. But instead it turned into a media circus and thats my biggest complaint I'm am tired of living the lie while the tax payer picks up the bill and the old and young alike are left in situations no human being should be left in. While our prime minister and premier endorse the biggest blackest hole in the land Alberta's Black Hell and the world is out raged over the ignorance. And its getting bigger as Suncor has its sites on the whole land. I guess thats what you call hot air.
southdeltawalker
3 years ago
How green??
Does anyone know if Bullfrog plans to use energy from so called "run of river" projects which are actually river destruction and diversion?
I checked their website but the link for "low impact hydro in B C" didn't have a page to go to.
morechatter
3 years ago
Good ?
I'm not sure how Bulldog's operations exactly go or how its coming into this energy exactly but certainly its important. I'm also not sure if they are good to go yet as just starting up operations in BC as I understand. But certainly the greener the better.
Colleen K
3 years ago
More info here, Southdeltawalker
For BC customers Bullfrog is using power from Akolkolex hydro project near Revelstoke.
I don't believe they have ruled out run of river, but each of the projects they deal with must be EcoLogo certified by Environment Canada as being low-impact.
You can find out more about that program and the projects that are certified here:
http://www.ecologo.org
Wilfred Laurier
3 years ago
My point made
morechatter, you make my point exactly. You will have your say on May 12. Get out and vote!