January Highlights Renewable Energy Issues in the USA

2.02.2011

January Highlights Renewable Energy Issues in the USA

On Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 10:59 AM, Adam Browning, Vote Solar <adam@votesolar.org> wrote:

Friends,

January. Was that really just one month? If February follows the same pace, we might need the rest of the year off. An update of activities:

Get Some Sun Webinars:

All free, all available here. Don't miss 'SMUD's Goldilocks approach to solar policy', on Wednesday (that's today!). Newly scheduled:

California Interconnection 101
Sky Stanfield of Keyes & Fox, LLP, who represents the Interstate Renewable Energy Council on the issue, will provide an update on the interconnection reform occurring in California. In December, FERC approved the CAISO's proposed modifications to their Small Generator Interconnection Procedures. SCE and PG&E are both in the process of proposing similar reforms to their Wholesale Distribution Access Tariffs. This webinar will discuss the changes and some of the potential implications for wholesale distributed generation solar in the state. Presented jointly with IREC.

Solar in New Home Construction
Solar in New Home Construction: it's a promising idea…and has been for a long time. Walter Cuculic is an expert in the field, and will describe the current state of activity, benefits and motivations for all stakeholders involved, and best practices for promoting progress.

Update from Gainesville
Over two years ago, GRU adopted a feed-in tariff. How's it working? What changes have been made? What lessons can be shared? Bill Shepherd and John Crider of the Gainesville Regional Utility, and Pegeen Hanrahan, former Mayor of Gainesville, will provide an update and recommendations for other jurisdictions.

The West:

California – Renewing the push for 33%. As the hard-won 1,000 MW RAM moves forward through the commission, major utilities have challenged the pioneering new renewable program on the grounds that they can't be obligated to do more than the current 20% legislative standard. All this monkey business reinforces the need to (finally) get California's 33% renewable energy goal locked down in the legislature as soon as possible. Adam's words on the matter were featured on Northern California's NPR affiliate, KQED. Meanwhile, check this out: SCE went big with ~800 MW, but also small, with 250 MW of mid-sized PV projects, at rates lower than natural gas combined cycle turbines. If your state would like some too, all you have to do is ask--no one is going to sell if you don't ask to buy.

Northern California – Setting solar-friendly electricity rates: PG&E has proposed changes to its residential rate structure that would adversely impact solar customers. Gwen is leading our intervention; she's provided expert testimony and extensive rate impact analysis in the rate case to protect current and future solar customers in California's largest utility territory. The case is now being litigated, and with representation from the pros at Keyes & Fox, LLC, the fun continues.

Arizona – Preserving the renewable plan: With new leadership in the ACC, state utility regulators decided to re-open Arizona Public Service's 2011 Renewable Energy Standard Implementation Plan that was approved last year. We got involved to stress the importance of regulatory certainty and highlight issues that could be adversely impacted by the decision. Solar Alliance and AZ SEIA led the charge--won some, lost some. Next up: SRP wants to revisit its voluntary renewable goals. That should be fun.
Nevada -- gearing up for 400 MW of DG. There's a great coalition in place, and next week is Solar 101 for a new crop of policymakers.

Regional utility-scale solar – Reshaping the planning paradigm. If the acronyms CA-ISO, CTPG, LTPP, WECC, TEPCC and FERC NOPR mean anything to you, first, we empathize, and second, we've been actively involved in all of them to help maximize smart renewable growth and minimize extraneous fossil fuel development in electricity transmission and resource planning across the western states. Listen in on our upcoming PV Output Variability webinar to learn more about integrating renewables into the grid.

Northeast:

Connecticut & New York – Getting major new solar programs across the finish line. Our northeastern coalitions are back and bigger than ever, working to bring a 350+ MW solar program to Connecticut and a whopping 5,000 MW to New York. These are two of our biggest campaigns, and we're optimistic that 2011 is the year we'll get them both across the finish line. If you live or do business in these states, stay tuned for ways to get involved.

Mid-Atlantic:

Advancing new community solar models. Following the launch of our new community solar web resource, we have been preparing for new campaigns in DC, MD, PA and CT. In Delaware, the state's recently-passed community solar program is already in the implementation phase at the utility commission; we are working with IREC and others on program design.

Midwest:

Missouri – Protecting the Prop C Renewable Program. The state's voter-approved 15% by 2021 RES is nearly up and running, but now it faces a threat from state legislators who want to remove the in-state development requirement – a key component to ensuring Missouri ratepayers see the economic and environmental benefits of their renewable investment. With our stalwart partners at Renew Missouri, we're fighting back. Do you hail from Missouri? Add your voice here.

Scotty Inserts the following St Louis Renewable Energy Blog Postings in re to Missouri Energy Propositions:

http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/2011/02/join-me-in-open-letter-to-mo-governor.html
http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/2011/01/re-senate-bill-50-missouri-nuclear.html

Re: Senate Bill 50- Missouri Nuclear Agenda Just Say NO. Collection of Examples for Solar vs. Nuclear- Energy Production Debate and Proposed Bill Missourians, Don't let the TV Ads confuse you read this

Graphs Show- Nuclear Energy is not needed for Clean Energy Production

Renewable Energy Head-to-Head with Nuclear for Clean Energy Production.Last July we wrote about the North Carolina study that showed solarpower to be cheaper than power promised by planned...

- Sen McCaskill Response about Nuclear Energy Power...
"the following post is a response I received from"

New state efforts. January might not seem like the best time to tour the Midwest. But Californian's are easily tricked (really? a heat wave?) and frankly, the trip was as invigorating as, well, the 20-below weather. Minnesota has an impressive coalition of organizations geared up for one of the most ambitious state solar campaigns in the nation: 10% solar by 2030. We are really looking forward to this one. Get involved here.

And Iowa... let's just say they are teaming up with the NFL to sack coal. More fun than the Super Bowl. Details here.

Next edition we promise more on Florida, Maryland, and East Coast states.

PS: We've also set the date for our next Equinox party: March 21 in San Francisco. It'll be our fifth annual celebration and fundraiser, and we're aiming to make it a milestone year that will live in infamy. We already have a stellar roster of solar industry sponsors lined-up to support. Please contact rosalind@votesolar.org if you'd like to join them. And we hope to see you in March!

Onwards –

Adam + Team
The Vote Solar Initiative
300 Brannan Street, Suite 609
San Francisco, CA 94107
www.votesolar.org