San Juan County on Wednesday advanced to the semifinal round of the Georgetown University Energy Prize, a national competition challenging communities across the U.S. to rethink their energy use.

At a Jan. 14 press event in Washington, D.C. today, San Juan County was recognized as one of the 50 communities leading the way in energy efficiency.

“In San Juan County, we know we must transform how we generate and use energy,” County Council Chairman Bob Jarman said. “Our plan addresses these challenges and charts a course of action.”

In preparation for the competition, a San Juan Islands Energy Plan was developed by county leaders, Orcas Power and Light Cooperative and members of the public over the past few months. Priorities of the plan include community and youth education and engagement, increasing energy efficiency and reducing waste and promoting renewable sources of energy.

The $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize challenges small-to medium-sized towns, cities and counties to rethink their energy use, and implement creative strategies to increase efficiency. To compete for the prize, local governments, residents, utilities and others will need to work together to demonstrate success in sustainability reducing energy consumption over a two-year period.

“San Juan County leaders, as well as mayors and executives across the county, have told us that this prize gives them the momentum to accelerate their energy efficiency efforts,” said Dr. Francis Slakey, founder and executive director of the university energy prize, said in a press release. “These semifinalist communities are leading the way for other small and medium-sized cities and counties to secure their energy efficient future.”

San Juan County is one of three Pacific Northwest communities involved in the “friendly competition” to improve energy efficiency for all. Bellevue, Bellingham and Anacortes were also selected to compete.

In noting the communities in the competition come from across the country, Slakey said the competitors together represent the nation’s political, social and economic diversity.

“Some are paying the highest prices for energy, some have the ambition to be carbon net-zero, but all communities share the goal of transforming America’s energy future,” he said.

Amy Saxe, OPALCO manager of energy savings and member services added, “OPALCO is excited to continue to partner with the community to develop and implement a holistic approach to addressing our county energy needs. Efficiency and conservation are critical components of our energy resource pool.”

For more about the Georgetown University energy prize and to track the competition, visit www.guep.org.

For more about San Juan County’s involvement in the competition, visit the Conservation District website, at www.sanjuanislandscd.org, or call 360-378-6621.

For more about OPALCO energy efficiency programs, visit www.opalco.com.