SOLAR ENERGY POWERS THE CENTENNIAL THEATRE TOUR

Released on July 20, 2005

A solar trailer, designed and built in Saskatchewan, is providing all the power required for the 56 presentations of the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Theatre tour. Dancing Sky Theatre of Meacham is using their new trailer to power the microphones and amplifiers. This alternative gives the theatre company clean power and freedom of location.

"Dancing Sky Theatre is demonstrating innovation and sustainability," Minister responsible for the Office of Energy Conservation David Forbes said. "By using renewable energy they, are reducing their impact on the environment and displaying Saskatchewan know-how. The idea was theirs and the Office of Energy Conservation helped make it happen."

"The play is about our land and our people," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "Innovation is a well-known quality of Saskatchewan people, and I am pleased that our centennial celebration is providing an opportunity to demonstrate innovation in the context of our green and prosperous economy."

Dancing Sky Theatre received $10,000 from the Office of Energy Conservation for the project, as well as $2,000 from Kelln Solar of Lumsden, the company hired to design the system and supply the components. The theatre company paid the remaining $9,000 cost of the project, and their own people designed and built the trailer that houses the solar electric system.

"The solar trailer will provide long-term benefits," founder of Dancing Sky Theatre Angus Ferguson said. "When not on tour, it will power the sound system for our permanent theatre in Meacham. This helps us avoid an expensive electrical upgrade to the building."

During the summer tour, the solar trailer allows the theatre to avoid emissions of more than 600 kilograms of carbon dioxide. When connected to the Dancing Sky Theatre building, the avoided carbon dioxide emissions will be more than 1.6 tonnes per year.

The Office of Energy Conservation promotes energy conservation and efficiency in Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry White Office of Energy Conservation Regina Phone: (306) 787-9381 Cell: (306) 537-0902