The Eastern Blackout

The recent blackout in the Northeast which left 50 million people without electricity was "unfortunate but predictable," according to the energy think tank, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). According to RMI officials "America's existing system. . . can trigger a cascading series of errors that leaves us vulnerable and should be corrected." Fortunately, alternatives exist. For those of you who were left in the dark last week (and even those of you who weren't) SEI invites you to learn how to be energy independent at our upcoming solar electricity workshop in Frost Valley, New York. For more information click here.

To read more on RMI's thoughts on the Eastern blackout click here.

A Successful Summer of Workshops!

As our summer comes to a close, we would like to thank everyone who helped SEI with our busy summer program of workshops in Colorado. From May to August, we held 17 workshops at our facilities in Carbondale and Paonia. Participants came from as far away as Nigeria and Nepal to learn about renewable energies with us.

We still have some upcoming workshops in 2003. Sign up now for PV Design & Installation in New York, Natural House Building in Kingston, New Mexico, and Intro to Renewables, PV Design & Installation, and Wind Power in the beautiful San Juan Islands in Washington.

Photo: SEI staff!

Alternative Energy Engineering Returns!

SEI would like to welcome Alternative Energy Engineering back into the world of RE distributors. After recent changes in company ownership, they've restored direction of AEE to David Katz, the original owner. AEE still has the original objective of changing the world by bringing power to the people. Check out their website at www.alt-energy.com

Photo: Some SEI staff and friends with David Katz (far right) in David's electric car, back in 1992.

Veggie Van Update

The Veggie Van Voyage DVD is here! A DVD with Joshua Tickell's short film and interview that reveals the never-before seen cross-country adventures of the Veggie Van. Click here to order your copy.

Also, for a map of all US biodiesel resources check out Veggie Van's new website at www.VeggieVan.org .

Photo: Founder of the Veggie Van Organization, Joshua Tickell, teaching a workshop at SEI.

Solar Rebates on the Rise

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) last week expanded its Solar Pioneer Program. LIPA will implement an additional block of solar rebates at $4.50 per watt to compliment the current blocks of rebates, which means that a one kilowatt system would earn a $4,500 rebate! For more information click here.

And in Austin, Texas, Austin Energy now offers loans up to $20,000 to help people buy solar electric systems. For more information click here.

Your Generosity Ensures our Success!

SEI would like to welcome our new members! Our summer months have seen an all-time record in new memberships. We would like to welcome and thank you for your support. As a membership-based non-profit, SEI's members are the heart of our organization and allow us to continue our educational programs. SEI staff is passionate about the work that we do and membership dues help sustain our renewable energy endeavors.

Please join us! Become an SEI member and support our important work (and receive a free one year subscription to Home Power magazine.) Some of the programs that your membership will help maintain are:

· Youth Camp, Solar in the Schools, working with Native Americans
· International Volunteers in Environmentally Sustainable Technologies (INVEST) Program
· Women's Training Programs
· Training the Trainers
· Scholarships

These programs would not exist without your direct involvement!

Click here for more details on how you can become an SEI member.

To all SEI members . . . SEI sends thanks!

SEI Wishlist

Thanks to everyone who has donated time and materials to help SEI in our mission. SEI is always looking for ways to make our work more efficient and effective. If you'd like to help out, our latest wishlist includes: a laserprinter, a 15 passenger van, and a diesel work truck.