An Ignoble Experiment

2. COSEIA: Xcel Energy's solar programs too popular

Spring has barely sprung, but you wouldn't know it from the snow still finding its way across the east coast and Midwest. Traditionally warm, snow-free states are already beginning to experience unseasonably warm temperatures not helping the drought conditions that last year's below-average rainfalls and above-average temperatures brought to nearly two-thirds of the U.S.

After analyzing a range of factors -- including La Niña and El Niño patterns, climate and sea surface temperatures, and other data For 2013 -- WeatherBug's meteorology team is forecasting a 2013 summer season similar to 2012 for much of the continental U.S. WeatherBug is predicting above-normal temperatures from west Texas across the Great Plains into the central and Southern Rockies, and across the Mid-South. Areas around the Great Lakes and the Southeast coast will see near-normal seasonal temperatures with a small pocket of slightly cooler-than-normal conditions predicted along the coast of the Pacific Northwest.

WeatherBug meteorologists expect limited relief from drought conditions, as areas already hard-hit by record low precipitation are set to receive below-normal rainfall this summer. In areas of the central U.S., including northern and western Texas, western Oklahoma, the Four Corners states, and regions along the eastern border of California, limited rainfall will further task low water reservoirs, increase wildfire risk, and challenge agricultural interests.

"Last year, the mercury soared -- making 2012 the third-hottest summer on record in the continental U.S.," said Senior Meteorologist James Aman, WeatherBug Meteorology team, Earth Networks. "We expect to see a summer that is somewhat similar to 2012. But one of the biggest stories weather-wise we will be watching is the drought across Texas into the Southern Rockies. When you factor in extreme weather, including severe storms with lightning and tornadoes that are already making their appearance across the country, we will likely be in for an interesting season."

For more:
- see this article

Related Article:
TX electric grid facing water pressure

Read more about: drought, summer tempreatures
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By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

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3. Prepay driving lower energy use

The Colorado Solar Jobs Act, introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives late last week, is receiving strong support from some in the state.

Businesses and environmental organizations have thrown their hats into the ring to support the legislation, which is designed to make improvements to Xcel Energy's popular rooftop solar rebate program, giving consumers more access to solar energy while protecting Colorado jobs.

Customer demand for the Xcel solar program in Colorado is currently on track to outweigh its annual funding levels in 2013 and beyond. As a result, new solar installations will flourish at the beginning of the year, but after that installation could come to a halt as funding stalls -- an annual "solar cliff."

The Colorado Solar Jobs Act will prevent a boom-bust cycle in Colorado's solar energy industry by redesigning the Xcel rebate program to predictably step down over time as megawatt milestones are reached, rather than having an annual megawatt limit.

"While it's proven hugely popular, our current solar program creates far too much uncertainty for Coloradoans who want to go solar and for solar companies that want to expand their businesses," said Edward Stern, executive director, Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA). "That's no way to build a stable solar economy. The Colorado Solar Jobs Act will provide a steady path to growth that we can all count on."

For more:
- see this report

Related Article:
Solar power aiding jobs in Colorado

Read more about: solar energy, Xcel Energy
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By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

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4. Xcel energy-efficiency awareness efforts pay off

A meter exchange completed at the end of March has allowed Wake Electric Cooperative to delve into new services for customers.

The co-op began changing its existing meters to automated metering infrastructure meters (AMI) in October 2011. Once all of the 35,000 residential and non-demand meters on the co-op's system were changed out, the AMI meters allow customers to experience value-added services such pay-as-you-go billing options designed to optimize payment flexibility and allow more control over customers' personal finances.

The new program, PowerUp, allows Wake Electric members to prepay anticipated charges a full month in advance or pay just enough to get them through the next week.

"PowerUp with PrePay gives members the opportunity to be fully in control of their account," said Scott Poole, manager of customer service for Wake Electric. "The technology we have in the field allows us to read a meter each and every day and calculate how many kilowatt hours a member has used. Based on those readings, we can then determine how much money is remaining in their account."

Research has shown that customer participation in prepay programs results in lower overall energy consumption -- an average reduction of 11 percent. Further, customers actually become more aware of their energy use, with 90 percent of those enrolled reporting that they use energy more wisely.

For more:
- see this video

Read more about: AMI, customer service
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By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

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5. NY-Sun funds target BOS costs

Xcel Energy has exceeded the energy savings goals set for it by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) by 22 percent, according to the utility's annual DSM report.

The savings were achieved as part of the utilities 2012 energy-efficiency programs, resulting in a record 401 million kilowatt-hours saved by customers. The utility has exceeded the energy savings goals set for it by the PUC every year since 2009.

According to the report, efficiency measures installed in 2012 will save businesses and residences $170 million over the lifetime of the measures, taking into consideration the cost of the measures and Xcel's programs, and a performance incentive to the utility.

Xcel Energy reported strong results in its lighting, motor-and-drive efficiency, school education kits and refrigerator recycling programs due, in part, to building customer awareness about the programs and the benefits of energy efficiency.

For more:
- see this release

Read more about: Energy Efficiency, Energy Savings
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By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

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