IOWA – After a long hiatus, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) has renewed its interest in the state’s interconnection standards again (Docket NOI-06-4). On December 31, 2008, the IUB solicited comments on a joint filing by the Environmental Law and Policy Center (on behalf of itself and the Distributed Generation Coalition), MidAmerican Energy Company, and ... Read More
Archive for January, 2009
NCUC Rules on External Disconnect Switch
Thursday, January 15th, 2009NORTH CAROLINA – On December 16, 2008 the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) issued an order granting investor-owned utilities the right to require a utility-accessible external disconnect switch (UEDS), so long as they reimburse customer-generators for the expense of the switch. In June, 2008, the NCUC had approved a statewide interconnection standard which prohibited investor-owned ... Read More
Kentucky PSC Issues Final Net Metering Order
Thursday, January 15th, 2009KENTUCKY – On January 8, 2009 the Kentucky Public Service Commission ( PSC ) issued an order for net metering and interconnection of small sources of renewable power to the electric grid (PSC Case no. 2008-00169). The proceeding involved 25 electric utilities and a number of entities interested in solar power generation. The guidelines were ... Read More
Texas Adopts Phase Two Net Metering Rule
Thursday, January 15th, 2009TEXAS – On December 18, 2008, the Texas PUC adopted phase two net metering rules, effectively rendering the nail in the coffin for net metering in the state. In competitive areas of Texas (those under ERCOT control), the Public Utility Commission of Texas has reaffirmed what it put in place in phase one of this ... Read More
Texas Publishes an Updated Renewable Energy Resource Assessment (2008)
Tuesday, January 13th, 2009Much has changed since the state of Texas completed its first comprehensive renewable energy resource assessment in 1995. I should know; Judy Carroll casually directed me to shepherd this project through the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). I still have my copy. Mike Sloan, founder of VIrtus Energy and project coordinator for this ground-breaking study, ... Read More
Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program Wins National Award
Tuesday, January 13th, 2009On January 13, 2009, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)’s Clean Energy Communities Program won the State Leadership in Clean Energy Award. The award, presented at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., was one of five given out by the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), a national nonprofit organization that works with clean energy ... Read More
PSE offers renewable energy grants to local schools; Now Includes Small Wind
Tuesday, January 13th, 2009Puget Sound Energy recently issued an RFP for up to five schools to each receive a 1.1 kilowatt solar array or small wind turbine this year. For the first time, the 2009 RFP includes small wind turbines. Over the last five years, PSE’s renewable energy program for schools has funded 12 educational solar power projects ... Read More
CA: Ultra-energy-efficient “Home of the Future” certified LEED Platinum
Tuesday, January 13th, 2009The U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and RJ Walter Homes “Home of the Future” the highest rating for “green” and sustainable building design and construction. USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED
Utah Speeding to Success on Net Metering: Solar Salt Lake hopes for a Strong Finish
Tuesday, January 13th, 2009Note: This net metering/interconnection update was submitted by Utah Clean Energy’s Sarah Baldwin. According to Baldwin, “Even though the hearings were held and well attended, (Kevin Fox with IREC testified, along with Utah Clean Energy, Wal-Mart, Utah Association of Energy Users, 5 citizens, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake City, and of course Rocky Mountain Power, ... Read More
PAREI’s Documentation Project Nearly Complete; Offers a How-To Replicate their Practices for Community Involvement with Renewables
Monday, January 12th, 2009With the help of EVP Creative of Waterville Valley, PAREI is coming close to completing its documentation project. The Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative (PAREI) was organized to encourage energy conservation, energy efficiency practices and promote the use of renewable energy in homes, businesses and other buildings in the Plymouth region through education, community outreach, ... Read More
