As a consumer that is one of the best things to hear from a business, not only do they have the knowledge and the skill to make your energy dreams a reality, but they want to do it in an effi - cient, straightforwardmanner, saving you as much time and money as possible. In an ever-compli- cated world when businesses try to oversell and underdeliver, hearing Doug talk about finding the faster, simpler and cost-effective solution, is unbelievably refreshing. Pineland Electric, well the entire solar energy industry had quite a scare this past year, when Nova Scotia Power attempted to introduce their proposed net-metering charge in their most recent rate application. The charge would directly affect green energy solutions, like solar power, which of course would discourage many from even attempting to explore the option. With Climate Change at the forefront of pretty much all we do now, the Nova Scotia government said this change will not come into effect. The provincial government has also brought in more measures to grow the solar network in the east, something Doug said he was so encouraged to see. “Seeing howmuch support the solar industry received during when these proposed changes by NSP were coming out was really encouraging. The government of Nova Scotia supported the industry and stayed true to their green energy initiatives to try and reduce greenhouse gases and make sure that these are financially viable options for people to invest in and diversify their energy sources.” Later this year, Doug and his team will be explor- ing more agricultural energy installations, with five projects slated for this year. In classic Doug style, they are cautiously optimistic and excited to take on these projects. “I think we’re fairly well versed in what’s available for these larger instal- lations, which is a completely different ballgame than residential, but we are open to the chal- lenge.” When talking to anyone from Pineland Electric, one point you hear over and over is how much they are committed to maximizing your ROI by keeping their energy solutions affordable espe- cially when compared to some of their larger competitors. The reason for that, is their smaller
“We like to work with the customer tofindthat solution that’s going to provide them what they want from that solar energy system,”
size makes the difference. Doug and his crew have kept their overhead low, allowing them to stay increasingly competitive in an increasingly competitive market. It also circles back to their innovative solutions-based process. Because they are able to avoid unnecessary costs, they are not passing them on to their customers. They do not just look at a project and think about what it is, they explore what could be! “We like to work with the customer to find that solution that’s going to provide them what they want from that solar energy system, ‘’ said Alex McCarthy.
Alex goes on to say, “We’re a solutions-based company. And part of that is having people come to us with their projects and current problems and we are happy to help them out.” Caring, attention to detail and clear genuine love for the work and industry are palpable when you talk to Doug and the team at Pineland Electric. That’s been the biggest takeaway for me when listening to him talk about the business and the industry. There is never a drive to get bigger, more powerful, or to take over the market. That’s just not how Doug is wired. When talking about the future he shares hopes that grants for clean energy solutions will be explored so that the industry can grow, and more people look to make the switch to solar and become potential customers. It’s clear that at the heart of this business, is a genuine love for the province that they call home, and simple wish, that through their business, they can help all of us learn more about green energy, what resources are available to the average Nova Scotian, and ultimately so more people consider taking on a green energy solution. “We’re a solutions-based company. And part of that is having people come to us with their projects and current problems and we are happy to help them out.”
103 MARCH/APRIL 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
102 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022
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