Energize Bridgewater is hiring an IT Systems Integration Specialist!
Under the direction of the Project Manager, IT Systems Integration Specialist’s primary responsibility is to oversee the design, prototyping, and evaluation of information systems and communications components and platforms that support the Town’s clean energy and energy poverty reduction programs. The IT Systems Integration Specialist works as part of an interdisciplinary team that includes other technical, financial, and community engagement specialists, the Town’s municipal enterprise resource planning (ERP) system provider, the MJSB IT Services department, community partners, and community clients. They will also lead the design, development, and implementation of an advanced Energy Management Information System (EMIS) that integrates with the Town’s ERP and other systems and which houses energy-related information from municipally owned and private properties through the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as community energy systems.
More information on the position and how to apply can be found here: https://www.bridgewater.ca/our-town/employment-opportunities
Energy and Equity Documentary
Over a number of days in November, Nelson Nolan, a Junior Planner with the Town of Bridgewater’s Energize Bridgewater project and Patricia Watson, a champion of Bridgewater’s Anti-Racism Task Force, interviewed Bridgewater residents and business owners impacted by energy poverty. Equipped with cellphones and a desire to better understand the root cause of energy poverty, they captured the footage that has now become a short-form documentary film called, Energy and Equity. Our team would like to extend our appreciation for all those that participated.
What Kind of Renewable Energy Energizes You?
The Town of Bridgewater wants to know what kind of renewable energy excites you! We completed a study to determine what kind of renewable energy such as solar, wind, hydro, or bioenergy would make the lowest cost and most reliable energy for Bridgewater. Check out the community presentations below to learn more about the process of how Bridgewater is building community energy.
Presentation #1 - September 29, 2020
Presentation #2 - November 17, 2020
Bridgewater Receives $950,000 through the ACOA Innovation Communities Fund
The funding is going towards building an Energy Management Information System as part of the smart cities project. The Energy Management Information System will allow homes, rental housing, and municipal facilities to plan for energy upgrades that save money. Read more about the funding announcement here: bridgewater.ca/news-events/latest-news
Mayor David Mtichell speaks at the ACOA funding announcement.
Bridgewater Completes Local Energy Financing Systems Study
Bridgewater has completed a study on innovative capitalization strategies to bring millions of dollars into the community to upgrade community energy infrastructure, and improve housing stock. The work was led by Energy and Finance Development Coordinator Greg Goubko and provides a pathway forward for financing clean, affordable, secure, and efficient energy systems in Bridgewater. Click here to read the study.
Read the March Edition of the Energize Bridgewater Zine!
The March Edition introduces Energize Bridgewater's Project Manager Colleen O'Neill, provides updates on several exciting new progress tracking tools, and provides information on the Energize Bridgewater Advisory Commitree. Click here to read.
Bridgewater is the Winner of Infrastructure Canada's $5 million Smart Cities Challenge
On May 14, 2019, Bridgewater was declared the winner of the competition in the $5 million prize category, beating out 49 other communities. Bridgewater’s winning idea aims to reduce energy poverty in our community. Living in energy poverty means not being able to afford enough energy to heat and power one’s home, or fuel for transportation. It is a serious problem that affects about 2 out of every 5 residents in Bridgewater. The jury felt that Bridgewater’s idea would make a big difference in people’s lives and reduce poverty in the community. It could also be copied by other communities that want to follow in Bridgewater’s footsteps.
Read the application here: Energy Poverty Reduction Program
Challenge Statement: Our community will lift its residents out of energy poverty, starting by reducing the energy poverty rate 20% by 2025.
What is Bridgewater planning on doing with its $5 million prize?
The prize will allow Bridgewater to lift many of its residents out of energy poverty. It will do this by:
When can I start using the program?
If you own your home and would like to explore affordable energy upgrades today, our Clean Energy Financing program can already help with that! www.CleanEnergyFinancing.ca / (844) 727-7818 (toll free). Efficiency Nova Scotia also offers programs and rebates for homes, apartment buildings, and businesses. www.efficiencyns.ca / (877) 999-6035 (toll free).
The full Energy Poverty Reduction Program will take more time to set up properly – we will likely start taking applications in 2020 or 2021. That’s a long wait for people who need this help today. But help is already available – in the form of community support, emergency fuel funds, free home energy upgrades, and other solutions. The Town is already working with community partners to better connect residents to these existing services. More information will be available later in 2019.
Bridgewater's Smart Cities Challenge Video Playlist
Energize Bridgewater Monthly Zine
Read about the latest in sustainability in Bridgewater including the Smart Cities Challenge, Bridgewater transit, and more. Click on a cover page to read:
What is Energy Poverty?
Energize Bridgewater Team
Energize Bridgewater Team
Consultants
Energy and Financing Working Group
Project Partners
See the appendix of the Energy Poverty Reduction Program document for letters of support from the following project partners:
Media Coverage
Chronicle Herald: Bridgewater wins $5-million Smart Cities energy efficiency challenge
Newswire: The Government of Canada Announces Winners of the Smart Cities Challenge
CBC: Bridgewater wins $5M from federal program to improve energy efficiency
LighthouseNow: Bridgewater wins $5 million Smart Cities Challenge
CKBW: Bridgewater Wins Smart Cities Challenge
Smart Cities Challenge Library
Detailed Operational Study: Local Energy Financing Systems
Bridgewater's Initial Smart Cities Challenge Submission
Smart Cities Challenge Project Charter
Smart Cities Challenge Community Engagement Plan
Community Energy Investment Plan: The Way Forward
Community Energy Financing Mechanisms Scoping Study
Energy Poverty in Bridgewater Report
Energize Bridgewater Partner Kick-off Engagement Session Summary
Resources
For further reading on energy poverty and affordable housing in Bridgewater and Nova Scotia, visit the links below:
South Shore Housing Action Coalition: Housing Needs Assessment
Solving Nova Scotia's Electricity Pricing Problem: Energy Affordability vs Rising Electricity Prices
Our Funders
Have a question related to Planning? Sometimes the fastest way to get an answer is to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff!
Tel: 902-541-4369
Email Us: develop@bridgewater.ca