Mountain View Power doubles clients

Mountain View Power has more than doubled its number of clients in less than a year.

Last August, the energy business had 89 clients. The number had increased to 192 in March.

“The customer growth has been pretty steady,” said Dale Belsher, Mountain View Power chair.

“We started in November 2010. We are adding about 15 customers per month.”

Mountain View Power is owned by the Olds Institute, which uses the profits to fund itself.

“Part of the mandate of the Olds Institute is to be self-sustaining, in other words not to be a burden on the taxpayers,” said Belsher.

“The Olds Institute gets funding from the town, and from the college. The profits from Mountain View Power will reduce the amounts that the institute will need from those government entities.”

Mountain View Power buys electricity on the wholesale market, marks it up by 1.5 cents per kW and then resells it to consumers in Olds.

“By buying from Mountain View power, 1.5 cents of every kW you consume goes to the community,” said Belsher.

In order for the Olds Institute to be truly sustainable, Mountain View Power needs to have 400 customers.

“We are targeting to make $4,000 per month. We haven't got there yet,” said Belsher.

“That's what we are hoping to do, to make $50,000 a year for the Olds Institute.”

Customers have the choice between a fixed rate plan or a floating rate plan.

“With the volatility in electricity prices right this winter, we can offer some stability in the market. We can offer a three-year rate at 9.85 cents per kWh, locked-in,” said Belsher.

“I believe, that with a pure floating wholesale rate, that you will save money over the long term. My personal residence is on a floating rate.”

The company is also paperless, preferring to send bills through email.

For more information about Mountain View Power or to sign up, please visit the company's website at www.mountainviewpower.com .