Blog

January 6, 2025

January '25 Newsletter

Hello friends!I hope everyone is staying safe and warm in the new year! I find the new year to be a time to reflect and collect myself. This past year has been a big one for our cooperative - we redid our bylaws, we’ve had some really exciting and informative events, and we’ve fought hard for policies that will make our co-op stronger and all Ohioans better off. This next year will bring challenges and opportunities and I’m excited to be living it with you all!

Below are some updates and events coming up in the next few weeks.
 

Signing Ceremony 1/25/2025

Last year we updated our articles of incorporation and bylaws. As part of that process, member-owners will have to sign a new membership agreement, now called a Membership Stock Agreement. These forms are important for our cooperative and they represent our democratic commitment to a Just Transition. In a world where more and more feels up for sale - membership stock agreements can't be sold!

And what better way to sign a new form than with your friends and fellow member-owners? We’re having an ~Official Signing Ceremony~ at Lakeside Bible Church on Saturday 1/25/2025 from 11am-1pm. We’ll come together to have refreshments, updates on the cooperative, and some mid-winter fun!
 

Member-Owners having a blast in May talkin' bylawsRSVP here!
Location: Lakeside Bible Church
Date: Saturday 1/25/2025
Time: 11am-1pm
 

Community Solar in 2025

Despite a strong showing for HB 197 and SB 247 in the lame duck session in December, our legislators did not prioritize the energy needs of Ohioans. If a bill does not make it into the law it is dead. Let us all take a moment of silence for our dear friends HB 197 and SB 247 🕯🙏
However, community solar is alive and well! The coalition we are a part of with our friends at Solar United Neighbors is stronger than ever. Hundreds of Ohioans from every corner of the state and every walk of life have made their voices heard - we’ve rallied at the statehouse, we’ve called elected officials, and we’ve delivered important testimony about the benefits of community solar. We stand with farmers, union workers, environmentalists, business owners, and community members who see the benefits of community solar.
Our cooperative has been a big part of this! I’m incredibly proud of our work in this coalition. It’s likely a similar bill will be introduced this next session and I look forward to continuing the struggle for better energy policy with you all!
 

Everything You Want to Know About Solar

On December 21st, we had our last Everything You Want to Know About Solar but Were Afraid to Ask event of the year at Living Truth Center. Big shout out to our board member Geoff for facilitating four of these conversations throughout the year and to Living Truth Center for having us in their beautiful space.

I’ve attended all four and learned something new each time. We’re looking forward to having more of these in 2025, as well as other events like a new Know Your Bill event, member meet-ups and more!
 

Board Member Geoff Miller Answering Our Questions about Solar
 

February Member Meet-up - Galentine’s Day!

Speaking of member meet-ups, we are holding our first member meet-up on Thursday February 13th, 2025. These are fun and laid back events for member-owners to get together, talk about the latest solar gossip, or just about how great the Cavs are doing. Mark your calendars and we’ll update you soon on the location!
RSVP Here for Our February Member Meet-up

Solidarity,
 – Craig, your Energy Democracy Organizer