Drive to any city today and chances are you will pass an electric vehicle (EV). That is great news for the environment but also for the electric vehicle owners’ finances. With federal tax credits, many of these cars are economically priced when compared to standard gasoline engine vehicles and also offer almost no maintenance, lower fuel costs (equivalent to $1.50/gal), and great 0-40 mph acceleration.
Want to hear more about how to save money and benefit from a zero- or low-emission lifestyle? Well, come out and take a ride at the Monadnock Energy Hub’s Drive Electric Event on Sept. 14 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Monadnock Food Co-op in Keene, and learn from electric vehicle owners in New Hampshire. Learn all about the event, food truck, music, giveaways and sign up to attend at driveelectricweek.org/event.php?eventid=1998.
The Hub isn’t just celebrating all electric vehicles have to offer, we are launching Fast Charge Monadnock, a The Local Crowd Crowdfunding Campaign – looking to our community to help raise funds to install the first electric vehicle fast charger in the region in the Co-op’s expanded parking lot. This charger would allow an all-electric vehicle to charge up in 20-40 minutes as opposed to 6 to 8 hours on standard LVL 2 chargers – it’s a game-changer! The Co-op’s growing and it’s a perfect time to install a fast charger there and change the electric vehicle landscape in the region. Let’s let visitors and residents alike know that the future has arrived.
Thank you Beeze Tees and Keene Yoga Center for being our Campaign Heroes. Learn more about the campaign here: greenmonadnock.org
Less than a week later, Sept. 19-20, Keene will host a two-day summit focused on revitalizing rural communities. Last year, Radically Rural attracted 524 rural enthusiasts and change-makers from 21 states to listen, learn, and share great ideas for developing vibrant rural communities.
This year will be even more exciting since Radically Rural is introducing a new track, focused on Renewable Energy. Join the discussion about Bridging the Rural Efficiency Gap and how to reduce energy costs with renewable energy while building resiliency and safety within communities, creating rural oases for electric vehicles, and how rural America is ready to take on the challenge of 100% renewable energy.
If you’re on the planning board, energy committee, or public works for your town or college campus, you’ll be right in your element with our lineup of speakers from municipalities, utilities, and community service organizations. If you’re an advocate for clean energy in your community, you’ll get inside tips from organizers and program managers for mobilizing your community to take action for a more prosperous and sustainable energy future for all.
The Monadnock Energy Hub is thrilled to be organizing the Renewable Energy Track this year and recognizes that much of the success of the summit experience depends on bringing the right people to the table. If you’re passionate about clean energy and innovative solutions designed for rural communities, we want you to be part of the conversation.
Make sure to get your tickets at radicallyrural.org.
Mary Ewell is program coordinator for the Monadnock Energy Hub. Pat Martin is a steering committee member of the Hub and the coordinator for the Radically Rural Renewable Energy Track sessions.