An Ignoble Experiment

2. Utility regulators should encourage digital technology

Renewable energy advocates, businesses and environmental groups joined together to urge the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to reject a new proposal from Xcel Energy that the advocates say would discourage rooftop solar growth in its territory.

Credit: Tom Gray, National Park Service/Wikimedia Commons

Xcel's 2014 Renewable Energy Standard compliance plan proposal "takes aim at net metering" and does not "fairly value" the benefits of rooftop solar, according to the advocate groups, including Advanced Energy Economy, Clean Energy Action, Clean Power Finance, COSEIA (Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association), EnergyShouldBe.org, Environment Colorado, SEIA, Sierra Club, and Vote Solar. Several solar manufacturers are also part of the opposition.

Xcel told The Denver Post that it Xcel has not proposed the way in which it wants to change the net metering credit, but is raising the issue for a full and transparent discussion on costs and benefits.

In a filing to the (CPUC), Xcel calculated that while homeowners with rooftop solar receive 10.5 cents for every kilowatt-hour they put on the grid (equal of the base rate charged to residential customers) they are only providing 4.6 cents of benefits, according to The Denver Post.

According to the groups, the calculations are based on a contested study that has not undergone public or commission review. They cite their own studies as a better standard.

"To increase energy self-reliance, clean our air, and fight climate disruption, Coloradans know solar energy represents a better path forward," said Bryce Carter with the Sierra Club Colorado Beyond Coal Campaign. "In fact, a poll we conducted earlier this year showed a majority -- nearly 60 percent -- of Colorado voters agrees (sic) it's important to have clean energy powering their homes. We encourage the Public Utilities Commission to act in the interest of its citizens and not a monopoly utility when considering Xcel's proposal."

For more:
- see this article

Read more about: net metering, Rooftop Solar
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This week's sponsor is AESP.

By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

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Utility companies need to use digital strategies, social media marketing and mobile apps to increase the number of low-income customers adapting energy-efficiency and conservation practices. That is according to Michele Ruiz at the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners' (NARUC) recent committee meeting issues facing the utility industry were discussed.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

With Congress considering legislation that will drastically alter the regulatory landscape, utility issues are dominating the national stage. From climate change to wireless consumer standards to critical infrastructure concerns, state regulators will play a significant role in shaping these debates.

"To encourage minority customers to adapt energy conservation and sustainability practices, it is crucial that there be a change in mindset about minorities and throw out [of] outdated beliefs," Ruiz, president, CEO and chief strategist at Ruiz Strategies, said. "Today, we are 'techno-minorities'. We over-index in the use of smart-phones than the general population. So, as regulatory utility commissioners, one way to achieve your goals is by encouraging the utility companies to create apps that influence a change in behavior that are both 'in-language' and 'in-culture'. And key - continue to persuade the utility companies to contract with diverse suppliers who understand the cultural nuances of the customers you are trying to reach."

For example, Maryland utilities are participating in a voluntary program that encourages the use of suppliers owned by minorities, women or disabled veterans and recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of supplier diversity efforts.

For more:
- see this article

3. LIPA lowers solar rebates

By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

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4. Bison wind farm approaching $345M phase 4

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is restructuring the incentives associated with its solar programs.

Credit: Corrugate/Wikimedia Commons

The declining cost of installation, the continued growth of solar contractors on Long Island, and the ever-increasing demand for solar systems has made it necessary for LIPA to adjust its rebate structure to keep it in line with the growing solar market.

"LIPA is encouraged that it has continued to attract high numbers of customers interested in solar energy. The growing interest and availability in the marketplace for solar installations, together with the availability of other local, state and federal tax incentives, make it reasonable for LIPA to adjust its incentive structure," said LIPA Chief Operating Officer John McMahon.

As the industry moves closer to market transformation, leaving solar at its lowest cost since the programs began in 2000, LIPA has made adjustments in the Solar Pioneer rebate program, explaining that the adjustments are necessary in order for LIPA to work within its budget while continuing to allow for the deployment of solar throughout Long Island and provide support for the solar industry. The success of these programs remains a key factor in driving down the price of solar.

LIPA has lowered its rebates to $0.99/AC watt (equivalent to $0.75 per DC watt for a typical system) for residential customer-owned or leased solar systems. In addition, LIPA has lifted its contractor cap for the amount of solar systems allowed per company. This cap was originally put in place to help stabilize the program to address the rapid demand for solar and allow for more LIPA customers to participate in the program.

The new rebate incentives will continue to provide funding for the installation of solar systems but will also enable many more consumers to participate in investing in renewable energy, and the restructured rebate will remain in effect until market conditions dictate the need for LIPA to modify the rebate again, LIPA says.

For more:
- see this article

Related Article:
LADWP launches nation's largest FIT

By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

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5. Energy storage handbook gets comprehensive makeover

This year, Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE, will begin construction on a 200 MW expansion of its Bison wind project to meet Minnesota's aggressive renewable energy standard of 25 percent renewable energy by 2025. The project will be the single largest wind addition to the company's fleet.

Jeff Kubina/Wikimedia Commons

Bison 4 will increase the company's wind portfolio by over 50 percent to more than 600 MW, adding more than 64 wind turbines to the 101 already installed since 2010.

"We've found a way to meet the state of Minnesota's renewable energy standard early and reduce costs at the same time," said Al Hodnik, chairman, president and CEO of ALLETE. "Expanding Bison will add to our renewable energy supply, resulting in the lowest cost resource over time by capturing the benefits of the extended production tax credit and a competitive turbine market, while executing ALLETE's growth strategy."

Adding more wind to its generation mix is a key component of the company's EnergyForward plan for a less emission-intense energy supply. As part of the company's resource evaluation, it solicited requests for wind power proposals in the spring of 2013.

"Investing in wind now makes economic and environmental sense and reflects our commitment to transform our nation's energy supply and meet state environmental goals while helping to ensure the reliable and affordable power our customers expect," Hodnik said. "The Bison expansion also moves us closer to achieving a more diverse energy mix of one-third renewable, one-third coal and one-third natural gas."

Estimated at approximately $345 million, Bison 4 will be constructed in Oliver County, N.D., north and west of the project's first three phases currently in operation. The expansion will include a new substation and approximately 11 miles of a 230-kilovolt transmission line.

The project is dependent upon regulatory approvals in North Dakota and Minnesota. If approved, construction on phase 4 of the Bison Wind Energy Center, should begin in the fourth quarter of 2013 and is expected to be operational by the end of 2014.

For more:
- visit this website

Related Article:
Bison's wind capacity factor exceeds 40 percent

Read more about: Minnesota Power
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By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

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