Affordable Energy Alternatives for Y2K... and Beyond

A Weekend Seminar by Dan Drasin, media producer, writer, former "Off the Grid!" columnist for Growing Community Newsletter, designer of small Renewable Energy systems, and webmaster of www.y2kcentral.org.

Featuring the following discussions:

<> Sustainability -- what does it really mean? <> General introduction to Alternative Energy options <> The joy of energy independence <> How Y2K may impact the availability of electricity and natural gas <> How to optimally combine the three main approaches to power backup: expendable, rechargeable and renewable <> Where to find Alternative Energy products and services <> How to choose a dealer <> Realism about solar power <> Optimizing solar efficiency <> Generators pro and con <> Community sharing of electric power <> Electric vs. non-electric power options <> The electrical needs of the elderly and disabled <> The ZAP Electric Bike: Affordable, solar-powered local transportation <> How to Choose "Micro-Power" options ($50-$500): Inexpensive, safe, simple, off-the-shelf systems for lighting, communications, entertainment, information and computer power <> How to Choose "Mini-Power" options ($1,000 and up): Packaged "turnkey" solar-electric systems requiring little or no electrical expertise, which can provide small-to moderate amounts of power for a household or office <> Investigating domestic solar-energy kits <> Mini-Inverters: The best-kept secret of affordable emergency power backup <> How to turn your car into a solar-boosted mini-powerplant for under $1000 <> Essential electrical skills and safety considerations <> Investigating wind and hydropower options <> Investigating solar water pumping <> The Ten Worst alternative energy mistakes, and how to avoid making them <> Non-electric options for heating, cooking, pumping, food preparation, laundry, etc <> Refrigeration: Affordable, low-power-use options <> ...and much more

Presenter's Fees: For the 50 US states and Canada, US$500 per day (US$1,000 for two days) plus 50% of any net surplus, plus basic expenses; i.e., economy-class air fare, local transportation, meals and lodgings -- which could be at a private home. (About 50 participants, each paying $40 for one day or $70 for both days should cover all costs including hall rental and local publicity)

Travel Time Fees: - For Pacific and Mountain time zones in US, no charge - For Central and Eastern US time zones, plus all of Canada, Alaska and Hawaii, US$500. - For overseas venues: US$1,000.

Please note that a local electrical professional or knowledgeable hobbyist must attend this seminar to provide followup guidance and assistance if necessary. This person may attend the seminar at no charge.

Please contact: Daniel Drasin ddrasin@aol.com 800-936-8654 www.y2kcentral.org 3020 Bridgeway, Suite 309, Sausalito, CA 94965

-- Dan Drasin (ddrasin@aol.com), March 23, 1999