The Anthem Energy Co-op is a private organization that is focused on creating positive change in Anthem. We’re doing this by developing/driving simple common sense initiatives that should deliver significant economic, social and environmental results over time. From an economic standpoint alone we have an opportunity to channel well over a billion dollars back into our community over the next 20 years. This could significantly improve the overall financial stability of the entire community.

Network Anthem Initiative

Our goal is to develop BI-DIRECTIONAL interactive network that encompasses every resident, business, public and private organization in Anthem.

This network will connect the entire Anthem community. Everyone will be able to network, promote, announce, organize, discuss ideas and poll/vote to a network of 30,000 - 40,000 people in Anthem. The Anthem Energy Co-op has created such a goup on LinkedIn and it's called "The Anthem Voice". (http://www.linkedin.com) LinkedIn is free and so is membership to the group. If we can get to the point where we have 40,000 people tied into one network there is no telling what we will be able to achieve. Ultimately, I believe this network will become a catalyst for future change and a fundamental building block for our communitiy’s future.

Energize Anthem Initiative: Free

Our goal is to create the largest most energy efficient solar community in the world.

This initiative is about empowering the people of Anthem. Each household in Anthem spends an average of $5,000 dollars a year on electricity and gasoline. As a community that amounts to between 60-70 million dollars per year. My message is simple, don't give your money away to monopolistic utilities and big oil companies. Invest that money in a solar system for your home and an electric or hybrid car. Over the long run 80% or more of that $5,000 will stay in your own pocket. Keep in mind that $5000 today could escalate quickly due to a rise in oil prices and utility rates. So this is a great way to hedge against rapidly increasing energy costs. This is also great for our community because ultimately this money will filter it's way back into our community. As a homeowner think about how you would spend that money. You pay off some bills, invest some and more than likely you'll spend some of that money at Fry's or Safeway, the outlets, Walmart or any number of businesses in Anthem.

Our economy has been in a full on tail spin for over three years. While there is not much we can do about the U.S. economy we can have an impact on Anthem's micro economy. Our initiatives provide a rallying cry for this community to come together and create positive change. If you think things are fine the way they are consider this the next time you put gas in your car or pay your APS bill.

The U.S. consumes 20 million barrels of oil a day at an average of $87 a barrel. We import 14 million of those barrels every day. That's roughly 444 billion dollars a year that we spend on foreign oil. What happens when when the price of oil goes to $150 or $200 a barrel? Then we get into the trillions of dollars. This is unsustainable, we are putting our whole economy at risk by being dependent on this much foreign oil.  As consumers we are the enablers. It's critical that we reduce our demand for oil.

• For us to do our part we all need figure out how to reduce our gasoline consumption by at least 2/3rds. You can do that by buying an electric or hybrid vehicle.
  
  • Tax credits can reduce the cost of an electric vehicle by as much as $7500.
    
  • Electric vehicles are also eligible for an HOV lane permit which will allow you the opportunity to drive in the HOV lane at any time of day. Consider an electric car first, if that won't work consider a hybrid.
    
• 1 electric car will save the average family 476 gallons per year (Nissan leaf 8 year 100,000 mile warranty on batteries, range 73-100 miles)
  
  • @ $4 gal that's $1900 year x 8yrs = $15,200
  • @ $5 gal that's $2380 year x 8yrs = $19,040

APS- Example; Average family pays APS $2000 per year.

• Option 1- Over the course of 30 years you will give APS $132,000 for electrical expenses with no possible return on investment (5% yearly increase included) As an added bonus they will find new ways to add to their already long list of fees, it's 17 and counting.
• Option 2- Invest in a solar system, we'll say $15,000 for an example, the system is paid off in approximately 6.5 years. By doing this you save $117,000 over 30 years (80% = $93,000) Now if you were to invest your savings what would the $15,000 solar system really worth to you?
  

• A new marketing opportunity would be created, we would have a new way of pulling in prospective businesses and home buyers.
• Every member would have the ability to network and broadcast a message  with anyone of the 30,000-40,000 people that live here (very powerful). 
• By organizing and coming together as a large group we will be able to leverage that power to get discounts on a variety products and services.
• Small businesses in Anthem will be able to promote their product using this network for free.
• Financially, disposable income in the community would increase by as much as 60-70 million dollars per year. 
• Spending at local businesses and restaurants would increase.
• Jobs would be created.
• If were successful we will create a blueprint for communities all over the world to follow.
• Ultimately we create a premier community that home buyers and business owners would gravitate towards.

CALL TO ACTION

How to support us and get invloved

• Join the Co-op and "The Anthem Voice" on LinkedIn.
• Support us by signing our guestbook and sharing your thoughts. This will help us create momentum. 
• If you’re a person of influence and like our idea join the Co-op and sign our guestbook or write a nice letter like John McCain did.
• If you already have solar on your home join the Co-op and share your story in our guestbook and with your neighbors.  Get engaged and be a part of this, no one wins if you sit this one out.

• Join the co-op
• Being a part of "The Anthem Voice" will allow you new marketing opportunities that currently do not exist.
  
• Help us drive these initiatives by posting our Uncle Sam window sticker on you business door or close to it. If you are able to do more and have other ideas I am all ears.
  
• In return I will make sure your company name or logo is placed on this web page so that I can list your company as a sponsor of our initiatives.  
• Help me help you.

	Join The Anthem Energy Co-op

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$9,077,707.00 - 1 year savings

This will enable everyone with out solar a 40% savings on their electric bill this year and it won't cost a dime.

I did this and created a case study for everyone to follow on the "APS Energy Strategy" tab.

This does not create energy independence but its a good first step for anyone that does not have solar.

A must see video, watch the whole thing it starts our a little slow

This video should inspire you and give you some of the answers on why Anthem should be more proactive in implementing the renewable technologies we have available to us today. Justin's message and beliefs are very much aligned with the Anthem Energy Co-op's. The Future of Energy is distributed, every home and building will create it's own power.

Utilities Round Table Discussion at Solar Power International show.

(Fast forward video to 1:11:43 for key points)

  What To Do Next

• No, we promote distributed solar technology because it creates energy independence. If we adopt solar as a community it could transform Anthem.

• Right now, sign up for the co-op and I will introduce you to installers that have been vetted and certified by the Anthem Energy Co-op board.

What if I have to sell my house a month after my solar panels are installed?

According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Appraisal Journal for every $1 in reduced yearly electrical costs your home’s value is raised by $20. Now this may seem overly optimistic but recent studies have shown the figures are not far off.

• So if you buy a 9kw solar system and it saves you $1800 a year in electrical expenses your system should be worth approximately $36,000. Currently a 9kw mid tier system is selling for less than half of that amount after rebates and tax incentives. (See Solar Resources page)

• If you have to sell your house right after you install your solar system you should be able to recoup your investment and then some.
  

Leasing vs. Buying

• If you can buy a system and tie it into a low interest mortgage that is the best option.

• I have seen leases that are structured very aggressively and allow the homeowner a low up front cost with the option to buy at the 20 year mark. One key advantage to these is  your inverter(s) is covered for 20 years. They typically do not last that long with out having some sort of issue. If you had to replace after the warranty period it could be  $5,000 or more so that's makes a lease a pretty good alternative but still not as good as owning.

Why you shouldn't wait to go solar.

Prices are slowly coming down on panels but the incentives are diminishing at a faster pace. Now is the time to take advantage of the utility rebates and 30% federal tax credit. There is also a $1000 State tax credit available. The utility rebate is already down to .75 cents per watt for the 1st quarter of this year

What makes solar so compelling?

• Most mid-tier solar systems will return your investment in just a few years with the monthly and yearly savings you recieve on your APS bill.
• Install solar and lower your electrical bill by 80% (12 month avg).
• This is a guaranteed return on investment opportunity.
• Allows you to hedge against inflation and increasing energy prices.
• Increases your disposable income.
• Allows you to empower yourself and take advantage of a free energy resource.

I am considering solar but I'm not sure I can afford it. 

It's great that your considering solar, if you can't make it happen right now don't be discouraged. I believe there are more creative financing programs on the way. Join the Co-op and I will keep you posted on any new developments. Just hang in there and be patient.

What is the most important thing you need to know about solar?

A SOLAR SYSTEM WILL PAY FOR ITSELF. After the system is paid for it turns in a cash machine on your roof that pays you every month, every year for the next 30-40 years.