The Early Days
Our story begins with a small team passionate about the potential for solar.
We were learning on the fly, wearing multiple hats, researching everything, making many mistakes, working long days and even longer weeks, with little pay, and working second jobs to pay the bills.
The Early Days
Our story begins with a small team passionate about the potential for solar.
In the early days we were learning on the fly, wearing multiple hats, researching everything, making many mistakes, working long days and even longer weeks, with little pay, and working second jobs to pay the bills.
Josh Persaud
Managing Director – Partner
In 2015 when Josh looked around, he saw open rooftops, available farmland, and not nearly enough solar electricity. He has always cared about our environment and the pursuit of healthy, vibrant communities. By connecting the two together, Josh saw an opportunity for innovation.
Joshua Persaud is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Energy Economics. An award-winning solar installation company that believes energy is one of the most essential currencies in our world today.
Before leading Energy Economics, Josh was a partner and BC Regional Manager at Empower Energy Corp. He was responsible for managing teams across several regions, including the Okanagan, Kootenays and Lower Mainland.
Josh recently led the acquisition of Empower Energy Corp’s BC Division, bringing a new strategy and vision while simultaneously retaining its high-performance team.
Jim Jacobsen
Director Of Sales & Marketing – Partner
Passionate about sustainable economic development and the environment, Jim believes renewable energy is a key to future-proofing our communities.
As a previous owner with Empower Energy Corp., Jim helped grow the solar industry in BC. As Co-Founder of Energy Economics, Jim is on a mission to provide people power when and where they need it.
A strong advocate for solar and renewable energy, Jim is a past director of the BC Sustainable Energy Association and he leads our educational programs across communities throughout British Columbia.
Jim has presented at the Kootenay 100% Sustainability Conference (2018) and the Clean BC Generations conference (2019), among other events, most recently at the Agrivoltaics Europe conference in Lisbon Portugal.
Scott McDonald
Director Of Construction – Partner
This big “power bolt” of a man brings 30+ years of expertise to Energy Economics as a Master Red Seal Electrician. His extensive project experience in both Alberta and British Columbia includes residential, commercial and institutional buildings; industrial projects such as hydro generating stations; and general contracting knowledge.
He has held positions in project management, QAQC, general foreman (supervising 150+ employees), design, teaching, inspecting, estimating, and purchasing. He brings these vast skills to the team as a Co-Founder and Director of Energy Economics.
Scott not only inspires his entire team with his efficient problem-solving skills and commitment to high ethical standards, he is also appreciated for his ability to talk to “people” with a family-oriented positive attitude and assertive communication style.
Andrew Jenkins
Executive Partner
Andrew brings a breadth of experience with entrepreneurship, executive management and leadership to his role with Energy Economics.
Andrew holds a Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, with a specialization in Entrepreneurship.
He has roots in the international film industry, with over a decade of experience. An award-winning film producer and production company board member, Andrew has worked with Oscar Winners and Nominees. He has experience overseeing the financing, production and acquisition of a feature film, releasing it around the globe and selling to numerous channels including Amazon Prime, iTunes and Google Play.
A proven change agent, Andrew has a successful track record for driving organizational efficiency and growth, and empowering diverse teams to thrive. He is an experienced product manager in the technology sector and has overseen multiple website and app development projects.
As Chief Executive Officer at zenGOT, an on-demand marketplace platform for home services, Andrew helped grow the company from a startup through to acquisition in 2020.
In executive management roles, he has built and managed strategic alliances between startups and multi-billion dollar brands. He has also developed and led marketing and public relations campaigns, with a passion for dynamic approaches that connect customers with brands in unique ways.
Andrew is also Founder, CEO and Executive Director of Next Generation Indie Film Awards (indiefilmawards.co), a not-for-profit organization devoted to supporting filmmakers through its annual awards and other programs, whose team includes Academy Award and Emmy Winning filmmakers and actors, and film industry leaders from around the globe.
Victoria Page
Executive Partner
As a Partner, Grandmother and Mother, I know that my actions speak more loudly than words. What has come before moves me forward.
As a painter, I value the beauty of our natural world, now more than ever. As a woman, I now take full responsibility for my choices. As an educator, I want to convey my conviction and concern. As an investor, I want to make choices that fulfill my commitments and serve my independence.
In my opinion, ESG is a valid measure of legacy and survivability. I consider economic well being as an extension of environmental health.
Stunning advances in technology offer alternatives which make good common sense. I have chosen to join Energy Economics because it fits my wish to try at every level. Adding solar energy to our home environment has proven to be a sound investment. It complements our electric car, our ground source heat pump and our daily choices.
I am grateful for my life and my freedom to attempt best practice. I am happy to learn each day about how to live my best life.
Ross Nelson
Utility Scale Senior Advisor
Ross Nelson has spent 48 years in the Electric Utility business. 33 of these years were as a BC Hydro employee that took him from an Engineering in Training to working in various disciplines of electrical equipment engineering including Quality Assurance, Substation Planning.
A three year stint working for a Switchgear manufacturer (Alsthom subsidiary) in Switzerland included technical sales and Gas Insulated Switchgear installation and commissioning supervision at English contract language countries (China, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Qatar).
Projects managed at BC Hydro included various substation upgrades and extensions, IPP interconnections, HV transmission cable replacements and installations, DC Submarine cable replacements and the VI Transmission Reinforcement Project (including BCUC CPCN hearings, 230 kV submarine cable, 230 kV overhead line and various substation additions).
After retirement from BC Hydro Ross returned as contract consultant on project management, work process, constructability reviews, and facilitating the major revisions to the 60-500 kV Technical Interconnection Requirements for Transmission Loads for BC Hydro. Work for Columbia Power included preparing a project plan and coordinating preparation of the Transmission Line Construction contracts, for the Waneta Expansion Interconnection Project.
Family, skiing, hiking and sailing take up Ross’s Leisure time.
Chad Johnston
Okanagan Sales Manager
A seasoned entrepreneur, Chad has over a decade of experience dedicated to catalyzing positive change through individuals, teams and businesses. His journey began in the family-owned glass business, Mc Murray Glass, where he imbibed the values of Customer service, Integrity, and ambition. Transitioning into the Oil and Gas industry, Chad took on diverse roles from rigs to leading teams of over 100 in construction and project management. At 25, he shifted his focus to personal development and business, founding Moboil, a mobile oil change business.
Throughout his entrepreneurial ventures, Chad has learned essential principles of mindset through personal and business development. He believes in the power of collaboration, Teamwork and personal leadership.
Chad joins Energy Economics with a passion for, Learning, Leading, and developing teams achieving unparalleled customer experience. His exceptional leadership radiates through his interactions —whether he’s offering insights and consulting face-to-face, providing guidance on the phone, or expertly overseeing our team, he always goes for the extra mile.
Chad is leading our Okanagan divisions, fostering luxury customer service and positive culture. For Chad, success lies not only in the exceeding expectations, but in the customer experience and service.
As he often says, “Teamwork makes the dream work, and our attitude determines our altitude.”
Sean Lipinski
Project Manager
As a Mechanical Engineering Technologist with over 15 years of Project Management experience in a variety of industries, Sean brings an ability to see projects from many angles and perspectives. He is competent and highly organized with expertise in complete project lifecycle involved in commercial construction, tenant improvement projects, civil construction, comprehensive environmental remediation, hazardous material removal/abatement and demolition projects as well as equipment design and construction.
He is technically minded with an aptitude for analyzing, identifying problems and recommending suitable solutions. A key focus throughout his career has been to establish effective relationships with all stakeholders and ensure complete client satisfaction. There is a focus on quality, safety, costs and timelines. With effective negotiation skills complemented by a high degree of integrity and perseverance, Sean has been a welcome addition to the Energy Economics team.
Renewable energy has been of interest to Sean for many years. When the opportunity arose to be involved in Solar, he jumped. As an outdoor enthusiast, being able to work in an industry that is actively making a difference in our planet’s future is exciting and energizing. This energy is evident through each project he works on.
Shawn Valair
Site Superintendent
From an early age, Shawn was taking electronics apart to see how they worked. He found a passion for building and repairing computers. When first learning about solar panels Shawn quickly gained interest in understanding how they worked, too. Still a relatively new concept at the time, there wasn’t a company local to Vernon where he could apply his skills.
Shawn spent most of his early 20s working for the oil and gas industry but he was not passionate about the work. He left the industry and found himself back in the Okanagan working at a cell phone repair shop. He found the job lacked complexity and he quickly lost interest. He then met the team and was inspired by their passion for solar and providing people with a sustainable option. He began working as a solar installer and a photographer (including drone photography).
With Shawn’s ability to troubleshoot any technical problems, along with a keen eye for “perfection” he ensures a quality job, always with a friendly smile. This is why Shawn has been promoted to site supervisor and is working his way up to becoming a certified Electrician. He’s excited to see the solar industry grow and proud to work for Energy Economics.
Sam Jr Mraiheen
Solar Advisor / Project Manager
Sam embarked on his venture into the solar industry in 2012, driven by a profound experience during a severe storm that resulted in a three-day power outage. This pivotal moment inspired Sam to establish a company dedicated to off-grid power solutions and alternative energy.
In the years that followed, Sam has been instrumental in guiding his clients through the integration of solar power and cutting-edge battery technologies. His commitment to bridging the gap between sustainable energy and practical application has earned him a reputation as a forward-thinking and reliable expert in the field.
Leveraging an extensive background in sales and possessing certification as a technician in mechanical engineering, Sam brings a unique blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills to the table. His alignment with our vision to empower individuals and communities through renewable energy solutions makes him an invaluable asset to our team. Sam’s passion for innovation and sustainability continues to drive positive change in the renewable energy sector, making him a leader in the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable future.
Sam is based in Vancouver and serves our clientele in the Lower Mainland.
John Barling
Solar Advisor / Community Educator
A lifelong educator, John brings to the Energy Economics team over 42 years teaching experience. His last formal teaching position was Head of Science at the International School in Monte Carlo. John writes articles and gives presentations to public and special interest groups around BC on various aspects of solar energy.
His interest in solar energy dates back to the early 1970’s while developing Do It Yourself solar projects with his students.
He went on to write the best selling “Solar Fun Book, 18 Projects for the Weekend Builder” which received critical acclaim from the New York Times and Mother Earth News. Projects included a solar food dryer, a pool heater, and a parabolic concentrating cooker.
He also wrote “Sources: Solar Energy” for BC Hydro.
John has received the Prime Minister and Hilroy awards for his contributions to solar education.
We are honored to have “Solar John” as part of the team at Energy Economics.
Michael Babcock
Kootenay Lead Solar Installer
Mike brings to the team over 30 years construction experience as a roofer, a carpenter, and a heavy equipment operator.
Starting with Energy Economics in the Okanagan location, Mike quickly rose through the ranks with his combination skill, determination and incredible work ethic. He epitomizes our “navy seal of solar” mentality. Mike was soon entrusted to lead some of our more difficult rural and remote projects.
While working on location, Mike and his partner fell in love with the Kootenays. So much so they have moved here and now Mike leads our Kootenay solar division.
On top of that, our customers love him!
Gagan Deep
Okanagan Lead Solar Installer
Gagan came to Canada in 2018 to pursue higher education in Business Administration at St. Lawrence College in Vancouver. While a student he wanted to get work experience outdoors rather than spending more time in an office environment. His first job was in construction, working as a roofer.
He then started working for Telus as an install and repair technician, dealing with fiber optics, phone line repairs, and climbing poles.
Wanting to work in the solar industry, he moved to Vernon to work with Energy Economics as a solar installer. He is excited that his current role seamlessly integrates his roofing and electrical skills, aligning perfectly with ambitions to advance in the solar industry. He has already risen to lead installer in the Okanagan division.
His journey reflects his diverse experiences, from academic pursuits to hands-on roles, each contributing to his professional growth and fulfillment.
