Local energy project hires new coordinator

Staci Drouillard has been named as the Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP) coordinator. As a stand-alone solar homeowner, Drouillard brings real-life experience in alternative energy to the CCLEP coordinator position.

The Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP) recently welcomed its new coordinator, Staci Drouillard. Drouillard lives in Cook County and brings a wealth of local knowledge to the position.

Drouillard earned a BA degree in Native American Studies from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and a Master’s in Liberal Studies from University of Minnesota – Duluth. Many people know Drouillard from Lola’s Sweet Life Bakery, a business she began in 2007 and operated successfully for nine years. She has also produced two original series for WTIP Radio. Drouillard served on the CCLEP board in 2015 until she was hired in December. She brings a love of the North Shore and a strong commitment to renewable energy to the job.

In her statement to the board, Drouillard said, “I’m committed to expanding sustainable energy opportunities and education at the local level. As a solar energy advocate and stand-alone solar home owner, I feel that I can speak to the benefits of energy independence and want to share my first-hand experience with others. I’m very excited to help connect our local clean energy objectives to the growing national trend toward sustainable energy and want to work to make Cook County a leader in sustainable energy practices and renewable energy consumption.”

Virginia Danfelt worked as coordinator for the past four years and will continue working with CCLEP and Drouillard through January 2016. She then plans to spend more time with her family business, Lake Superior Timber Framing and other endeavors, but her interest in energy use remains a passion.

Existing CCLEP programs such as the Residential Energy Efficiency Program (REEP), the Solar Initiative, the Building Workshop (Feb. 3, 2016) and other energy educational activities will continue into 2016.

Please visit the CCLEP website cookcountylocalenergy.org or visit CCLEP on Facebook (Cook County Local Energy Project) for news, events and more information about programs.