A renewable energy co-operative at Bala Falls would donate* up to $1 million per year to the community and the watershed in the first 20 years and up to $2 million per year after repayment of the development loan.
Bala Falls has the potential to generate 20 million kilowatt hours (KwH) of energy per year.
The Ontario Power Authority (Feed In Tarrif Program) pays $0.131 per KwH plus a $0.006 adder if the project is a designated community project.
Gross Potential Income:
20,000,000 KwH x $0.137 = $2,740,000
Expenses:
Maintenance costs: $140,000
Debt Servicing: $1,600,000
Net Potential Income: $1,000,000
*Co-operative Corporations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.35
"...any surplus funds arising from the business of the organization, after providing for such reasonable reserves and interest or dividends, unless used to maintain or improve services of the organization for its members or donated for community welfare or the propagation of co-operative principles."