PEI Communities Benefit from Funding for Clean Energy Projects

October 17, 2025

The New London Fire Company installed solar panels on the roof of their firehall recently with the help of the province’s Community Renewable Energy Generation Fund (CREG).

Forrest Spencer joined the Board of Directors of the New London Fire Company almost two years ago as a way to give back to his community.

“When we saw the opportunity of applying for the grant to have solar panels installed on the firehall, we saw it as an opportunity to demonstrate leadership around the environment. We also saw it as a way to reduce our electric bills, a significant expense for the fire company,” said Spencer.

The group plans to use the money they save on electricity bills to purchase new fire equipment and to engage in life-saving training. Reinvesting the savings back into the community will benefit New London and the nine other communities the fire company serves. 

Spencer says the funding is a win-win.

“I believe this is money that’s very well spent, and it will be money that goes directly back into benefitting Prince Edward Islanders.”

Another organization taking an interest in renewable energy is Develop West Prince.  Executive director, Jordan MacDonald said the CREG funding was a big help in developing a feasibility study looking at the viability of community-based energy generation. 

“We know we have a strong wind resource in the area, and we also wanted to explore a bit of solar.”

The organization seeks to work at a regional level and support projects that share benefits throughout Western PEI. 

“The research completed with the support of CREG has been a valuable addition to Develop West Prince’s community energy and emissions plan and regional energy mapping,” said MacDonald.

“We haven’t fully completed our study, but the goal is to take on initiatives that benefit everybody, not just one particular part of the area. This piece of work is supportive of a regional approach.” 

Another project that was completed with assistance through CREG is a 99 kW solar system that was added to the Cavendish Farms Community Events Centre in Tyne Valley. Having this system in the rink helps reduce the community’s energy costs.    

CREG allocates $1.5 million each year for community-driven clean energy projects. 

For more information and to apply visit Community Renewable Energy.

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