— from Suzanne Olson —

OPALCO Board Vice President, inventor and former Boeing Engineer Dr. Jerry Whitfield of Shaw Island was recognized for his development of the highly efficient Pellet Stove, which burns compressed wood or biomass pellets.

He was recognized in Seattle Magazine‘s 2016 list of “Top Essential Innovations that Seattle Gave the World.” Congratulations, Dr. Whitfield!

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) is a non-profit electrical utility serving about 11,200 co-op member-owners on 20 islands in San Juan County. OPALCO provides electricity that is 95% greenhouse-gas free, predominately generated by hydro-electric plants. OPALCO was founded in 1937 to deliver electricity and improve the quality of life in the San Juan islands.