Howard is the founder and current president of Renewable Lifestyles Ltd., a leader in renewable energy installs in Atlantic Canada. He is also the founder and developer of Solar Island Electric Inc., a community driven investment business that has made P.E.I. a leader in community owned solar electric installs in the Maritimes, as well as founding member and current president of the Summerside Makerspace – a non-profit organization that encourages community based innovation and learning.
“In the energy sector, there is plenty of room for forward thinking policy,” says Howard. “The electrical grid has remained the same for far too long and now we are behind the curve.”
“There is strength in numbers. A smart distributed grid is much more stable. One generator or power pole can go down and the rest can carry the load easily.
“Our new underwater cables create possibilities as well. Instead of drawing millions of dollars off Island every year, those cables could generate revenue for P.E.I. by making more clean energy exports possible. We have abundant sun and wind.
“I look forward to seeing the new energy strategy, and hope plans for a modern energy future play a leading role."
“I am thrilled to keep adding experts like Steve to our shadow cabinet”, says Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker. “The group of hard-working, community-minded people like Steve, who will be running as Green candidates in the next election, would serve Islanders well in the legislature.”
Howard joins recent appointees Sally Bernard, Susan Hartley and Lynne Lund on the Green Party shadow cabinet. Bevan-Baker intends to announce a full complement of critics by the end of the year.
