Utilities and Solar Marketing Programs

Reprinted from Renewable Energy World, August 5, 2008
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/ate/story?id=53203

Utilities and Solar Marketing Programs
by Tom Nicholas, Solar Power Electric Association

Q: Our utility is not in the sunny Southwest. Does it still make sense to create solar programs for our customers? -- Larry T., Walla Walla, WA

A: The short answer is "yes!" Solar is viable anywhere in the U.S. For comparison, Germany is currently the world leader in utilizing solar electricity, yet its solar resource is comparable to the state of Alaska! Our other 49 states have a better solar footprint than the world leader. So even though most of the solar news seems to focus on California, there is no technical reason why any state or utility can't start or expand solar programs. And many new states are expanding their solar programs significantly. New Jersey in the Northeast has the second largest solar market in U.S., along with rapidly growing markets in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. You might think it is surprising that the states of Washington and Oregon and many of their utilities have strong solar programs, too. See a trend here? With regard to solar resource, there isn't one.

But what is a "solar program"? And how much might it cost? And if you're not a utility staff person, what are some suggestions for your local utility? Here are some ideas, some of which are low-cost or no-cost. Note that these suggestions are directed at utilities themselves.

1. Develop or review your utility's interconnection and/or net metering policy — keep the paperwork short and simple, and the processes clear for the customer. Don't let lawyers and engineers have the only input — they need to be understood by the average person and your marketing and customer service department should be involved.
2. Provide information — Create a solar webpage, put an article in a newsletter or bill insert, or add materials to your energy efficiency outreach efforts. Also have a plan for how to manage inquiries — some will be serious, but many will only be curious, and aren't a good use of your time until the customer has done more due diligence. A good first referral is http://www.findsolar.com/ — it includes a solar calculator and a solar dealer yellow pages (and you can put HTML on your website with a direct link to your utility). The Department of Energy and local state energy offices can be good links as well.
3. Develop or Diversify a Green Pricing Program — Many utilities have green pricing programs, but most use only wind energy. Blending some solar into the mix can diversify the portfolio, and the installations can be located within the community at publicly viewable locations.
4. Start an Incentive Program — A lot of utilities offer incentives to customers installing solar systems. Before you reinvent the wheel, review other programs and "borrow" the best ideas. Again, keep the process simple and straightforward for the customer.
   
5. There are many other possible ideas. SEPA has developed the "Solar Programs Options Tool" to help utilities (or people looking for suggestions for their utility) get a handle on the different types of programs that are best for them. There is also a "Peer Match" tool for finding fellow utility staff who have expertise in the recommended programs (utility only access), and coming soon, Case Studies on a variety of these programs. All are available on SEPA's website for free at http://www.solarelectricpower.org/.

Tom Nicholas serves as SEPA's regional director for the Central US. He has more than 20 years of executive level experience in the electric utility industry, including 7 years on both the regulated and unregulated sides of NISOURCE in Indiana. More recently, Tom served as Central US Regional Operations Manager with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and has also served and chaired numerous EPRI and EEI utility committees.

Tom Nicholas is a new member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association. He can be reached at (219) 508-2349 or tnicholas@solarelectricpower.org.

HEC & Indiana Businesses Push for Green Jobs Development Act

HOOSIER ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL & INDIANA BUSINESSES PUSH FOR ‘GREEN JOBS DEVELOPMENT ACT’

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) today (1/26/09) pushed for the passage of the “Green Jobs Development Act,” legislation that could help jumpstart Indiana’s economy.

HEC, the state’s largest environmental policy alliance, is working to educate the public and the Indiana General Assembly about the economic benefits of the Act, which is made up of HB 1349, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Dvorak (D-South Bend), and SB 283, sponsored by Sens. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) and Sue Errington (D-Muncie).

“Indiana needs a package of carefully designed policy initiatives to encourage investment and job growth,” said Jesse Kharbanda, HEC’s executive director. “This legislation not only meets that need, it also improves the quality of our environment.”

The Green Jobs Development Act would establish a renewable electricity standard (RES) that requires utilities have a portion of the electricity they sell come from renewable energy sources within the state. It also would ensure Indiana receives at least 20 percent of its energy from renewable or energy-efficient resources by 2020.

These initiatives would lead to new Hoosier jobs through new investments by renewable and clean electricity companies. According to a 2008 manufacturing report by the Renewable Energy Policy Project, more than 1,300 Hoosier manufacturing businesses could be re-tooled to produce renewable energy components, giving Indiana the second highest potential in the country for such jobs.

Even more positions stand to be created through the re-tooling of existing businesses to produce renewable energy components, as well as through maintaining, installing and marketing clean energy technologies.

“Indiana is the only state in the Upper Midwest without an RES, and we’re losing out to significant national investment as a result,” said Tom Kanczuzewski, president of Inovateus Solar, a distributor of solar thin film in South Bend. “At a time when our state is facing incredible challenges, the Green Jobs Development Act will go a long way toward spurring job growth and rebuilding our economy.”

“Net metering” – where consumers and businesses are able to generate their own electricity and roll their meters back when they return any excess power to the electric grid – is also included in the Green Jobs Development Act.

“Adopting the Green Jobs Development Act will create jobs, help moderate Indiana’s energy prices, and attract ‘green technology’ and investment to our state,” said Brad Morton, president of Evansville’s Morton Energy, which markets and sells alternative energy technologies. “Nearly everyone – from businesses and homeowners to investors and farmers – stands to gain from this legislation.”

“Improving the quality of our environment and improving our state’s business climate don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” said Kharbanda. “We look forward to sharing this message with our state’s legislature in the coming months, and working with them and our supporters to move our initiatives forward.”

To learn more about the HEC and its legislative agenda for 2009, please go to www.hecweb.org.

For more information contact:
Jesse Kharbanda, Executive Director, HEC, 317.685.8800 ext. 103
jkharbanda@hecweb.org

U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee Amendments to Economic Stimulus Bill

US House Panel Clears Energy Portion Of Stimulus Package
1-22-09 5:51 PM EST By Siobhan Hughes Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- A Democratic effort to include more than $50 billion in energy-project spending in a U.S. economic stimulus package advanced rapidly through Congress as companies jockeyed to reshape the plan to their own advantage.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee cleared the energy portion of the stimulus package by 34-17, putting it on course for a vote next week in the full House of Representatives. Duke Energy Corp. (DUK) emerged as a winner in its bid for a new electricity-pricing system. Billionaire investor Warren Buffett, who just months ago was advising Democrats on a financial bailout, went unheard as lawmakers speeded through a vote.

Power companies were just one of the groups that racked up wins and losses. The nuclear-power industry tried to qualify for loan-guarantees earmarked for renewable energy projects, but failed with the defeat of an amendment from Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich. Ethanol makers carved $500 million out of a proposed $8 billion loan-guarantee program to develop a cleaner biofuel under an amendment from Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.

The biggest winner was Duke, the power company that has been leading the charge for decoupling, which breaks the link between energy usage and utility profits. Under the plan, utilities are guaranteed enough revenue to make a profit, no matter how much electricity customers use. If demand comes up short, customers would pay a higher rate to cover the shortfall. In a conventional rate scheme, the utility takes a loss when demand falls short.

"The last thing in the world I would think we want to do is do all these great energy-efficiency ideas and actually get people consuming less electricity and then not have their costs go down," said Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, who failed to kill a measure that would give extra grant money to states that seek to implement a decoupling program.

Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., said that the public ultimately benefits if utilities no longer have to worry about whether energy efficiency will cause a drop in profits. In California, where decoupling has already been implemented, " they avoided having to build six to 10 new coal-fired plants in California, with the attendant costs of those new plants," he said.

Congress turned a deaf ear to utilities that worry that some $3.25 billion in government loans for the construction of new power lines in the Midwest and the West will shut out private investments. Edison International (EIX) and MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co., a unit of Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ( BRKA BRKB), were among companies that had complained about the terms of funding for the Western Area Power Administration, or WAPA, whose power they fear would be significantly expanding.

The federal agency, which serves a 15-state area, has the power to seize private land - giving it a significant advantage over private companies that have to clear regulatory hurdles before they can site new power lines. Because it relies on federal appropriations, it has been strapped for money. The $3.25 billion in loans would ease its funding problems, freeing the agency up to speed ahead.

That angers private companies, who are getting no sympathy from Democrats, least of all House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. On Thursday, she appeared to bat down requests to ensure that private companies would have a role in transmission construction.

"The suggested change would allow private groups to indefinitely delay construction of transmission lines by WAPA by simply stating their intention to finance new construction, without providing a clear timeline," said a spokesman for Pelosi, Nadeam Elshami. "This would be detrimental to an economic boost intended by this provision, and would hinder the development of renewable energy resources."

By Siobhan Hughes, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-6654; Siobhan.Hughes@dowjones.com
(Brian Baskin contributed to this report.)

Upcoming Committee Hearings on Energy Bills at Indiana State House

Agenda for : House Small Business and Economic Development January 21, 1:30 PM, Room 156D State House, Indianapolis

Chairman : Reske
Vice-Chair : Sullivan
Members :
(D) Blanton, Cheatham, Michael, Robertson, VanDenburgh.
(R) Murphy R.M.M., Clere, Dermody, Messmer, Yarde.

Hearing Agenda:
HB 1415 Tax deduction for solar powered roof vents and fans. (VanDenburgh)
HB 1271 Consignment of art. (Pelath)
HB 1397 Buy American tax credit. (Niezgodski)
HB 1025 Child and dependent care tax credit. (Day)

_____________________________________________________________________

Agenda for : House Commerce, Energy, Technology and Utilities January 22, 8:30 AM, Room 156C State House, Indianapolis

Chairman : Moses
Vice-Chair : Pierce
Members :
(D) Battles, Blanton, Dvorak, Reske, Stevenson.
(R) Lutz R.M.M., Behning, Frizzell, Koch, Soliday.

Hearing Agenda:
HB 1254 Energy savings contracts. (Thompson)
HB 1669 Geothermal conversion loans. (Michael)
______________________________________________________________________________

Agenda for : House Agriculture and Rural Development January 27, 8:30 AM, Room 156C State House, Indianapolis

Chairman : Pflum
Vice-Chair : Pearson
Members :
(D) Battles, Bischoff, Goodin, Grubb, Michael.
(R) Lehe R.M.M., Clements, Friend, Knollman, Lehman.

Hearing Agenda:
HB 1033 Livestock waste anaerobic digestion systems. (Grubb)
HB 1217 Corn market development council. (Pearson)
HB 1218 Grain indemnity fund. (Pearson)

Rep. Matt Pierce Introduces Feed Law

Indiana Representative Pierce Introduces Feed Law Bill

January 16, 2009

By Paul Gipe , pgipe@igc.org

Representative Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) has introduced HB 1622, the Advanced Renewable Energy Tariffs Act, into the Indiana General Assembly. The bill received first reading January 16, 2009 and was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Energy, Technology and Utilities. Representative Pierce is Vice Chair of the committee.

The Midwest has become a hot bed of activity around feed-in tariffs since the introduction of HB 5218, the Michigan Renewable Energy Sources Act, in the fall of 2007 by Representative Kathleen Law.

Following a presentation by Representative Law to the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators in early 2008, bills were introduced into the Illinois and the Minnesota state assemblies. Representative David Bly has announced that he plans to reintroduce his bill into Minnesota's new legislative session. Illinois representatives have been preoccupied with the impeachment of Governor Blagojevich and it is uncertain whether the Illinois bill will be reintroduced.

Representative Pierce announced on September 10, 2008 at DePauw University that he intended to introduce a bill calling for a full system of Advanced Renewable Tariffs like those in Germany, France, and Spain into the next legislative session. Since that time Pierce was named Vice Chair of the relevant committee.

Indiana has effectively no renewable energy policy and only a fledgling renewable energy industry. Nevertheless, there is some wind energy development in the north of the state, all for export, and an Italian manufacturer of gearboxes for wind turbines plans to open a factory near Muncie, Indiana.

HB 1622 is patterned after the Michigan bill and like the Michigan bill is intended to spur job creation in a state suffering from the collapse of the auto industry, long a major employer.

• HB 1622
• Status HB 1622

Paul Gipe is an author and reknowned expert on wind energy. His biography and resume can be found at http://www.wind-works.org/bio.html.

Additional information on Feed Laws including Tables of Feed-In Tariffs Worldwide can be found at http://www.wind-works.org/articles/feed_laws.html

Contact Information: Paul Gipe, 208 South Green Street, #5, Tehachapi, CA 93561-1741, USA Phone: +1 661 325 9590 pgipe@igc.org

Sen. Bayh Appointed to Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Cong. Hill Appointed to Energy and Environment Sub-committee

From Kate Sheppard, Grist's D.C.-based political reporter posted yesterday (01/10/09):

At a hearing on Thursday, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) announced the newest Democratic members of his committee (though their appointments aren't yet final): Evan Bayh (Ind.), Debbie Stabenow (Mich.), and two new senators, Mark Udall (Colorado) and Jeanne Shaheem (New Hampshire).

Grist is an online environmental magazine offering news, commentary, and laughs. Gloom and doom with a sense of humor.

Earlier this week (01/08/09), the Democratic Caucus of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce made subcommittee selections for the 111th Congress. Indiana Congressman Baron Hill has been appointed to the Energy and Environment Sub-committee as well as the Communications, Technology and the Internet Sub-committee.

Attend Third House Meetings to Talk to State Legislators About Renewable Energy

State legislators are scheduled to return to the State House tomorrow (01/07/09) and will meet until the end of April 2009. This year is the so-called "long session" in which state lawmakers adopt a two year budget. Third House meetings are an excellent opportunity to meet face-to-face with your local state legislators to get an update on important issues. The Third House is you the voter. The other two houses are the Indiana State Senate and the Indiana House of Representatives.

JANUARY 2009

01/09/09 (Friday) Valparaiso, IN
Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce
Legislative Hotline 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., Valpo Chamber, 2nd Floor Conference Room 2A
Free to attend. No reservations required. Call for details (219) 462-1105. Next meeting 01/23/09.

01/12/09 (Monday) Carmel, IN
Hamilton County Legislative Breakfast
Legislative Breakfasts (aka: Third House Meetings) allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. This breakfast is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at the Mansion at Oak Hill. There is a $25 fee and registration is required by January 8. For more information and to register go to the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce website.

01/13/09 (Tuesday) Franklin, IN
Franklin Legislative Breakfast
Legislative Breakfasts (aka: Third House Meetings) allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. This breakfast is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at the Franklin College Dietz Center. There is a fee of $8 for continental breakfast. For further information or to register, go to the Franklin Chamber of Commerce website.

01/16/09 (Friday) North Vernon, IN
Jennings County Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at F.P.B.H. in North Vernon from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.

01/17/09 (Saturday) Bedford, IN
Bedford Area Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 9:00am in the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room.

01/17/09 (Saturday) Ft. Wayne, IN
Ft. Wayne Chamber of Commerce Meeting
Third House Forums: Be aware and understand issues and policy that affect Northeast Indiana by attending the Chamber's 3rd House Forums. These forums will provide you with an update on both the legislative climate in the Statehouse, and how the Chamber's business issues are faring in the process. Legislators of the Northeast Indiana Delegation are available to take questions and respond to your concerns. These forums take place on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon during the legislative session.

01/26/09 (Monday) Columbus, IN
Columbus Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at Columbus City Hall.

01/26/09 (Monday) Anderson, IN
City of Anderson Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 8:00am at the Anderson Public Library third floor. For more information go to the City of Anderson website. Additional meetings scheduled for 03/09/09 and 04/13/09. Invited to attend are state Sen. Tim Lanane and Reps. Terri Austin, Jack Lutz and Scott Reske.

01/26/09 (Monday) Danville, IN
Hendricks County Legislative Breakfast Series
The annual legislative breakfast series is sponsored by Hendricks Power Cooperative, Hendricks County Farm Bureau Inc. and North Salem State Bank. The breakfasts are free for the public. Reservations are requested by calling Hendricks County Farm Bureau at 317-272-2460.
The monthly events during the legislative session are scheduled at 7 a.m. on Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 30 and April 27 in the conference center at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 East Main Street, or Old U.S. 36, in Danville. Invited representatives are Republican state senators Connie Lawson of Danville and Philip Boots of Crawfordsville, and Republican representatives Bob Behning, Indianapolis; Ralph Foley, Martinsville; Greg Steuerwald, Avon; and Jeff Thompson, Lizton.

01/27/09 (Tuesday) Greenwood, IN
Greenwood Legislative Breakfast
Legislative Breakfasts (aka: Third House Meetings) allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. This breakfast is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at the Valle Vista Golf & Conference Center. There is a fee of $10. For further information or to register, go to the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce website.

01/27/09 (Tuesday) Indianapolis, IN
5th Annual Conservation Day 2009 at the Statehouse.
A state Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) is one of three issues on the agenda for this Lobby Day. Click here to register online or call 317-951-8818.

01/30/09 (Friday) Bloomington, IN
City of Bloomington Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting will be at the Hilton Garden Inn from noon until 1:30pm. There is a charge of $35 for the meeting. For more information see the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce website.

01/31/09 (Saturday) Madison, IN
Jefferson County Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 8:30am at the Venture Out Business Center, in Madison. For more information go to the Madison Chamber of Commerce website.

01/31/09 (Saturday) Goshen, IN
Elkhart County Third House Meetings
Beginning on Saturday, January 31, 2009, Third House sessions will be held at the Goshen Chamber offices (232 South Main Street). From 8:00 -10:00 am am you’ll have a chance to meet with our local and state legislators, ask questions, and voice your opinion. Third House meetings will be held every other Saturday from January 31 through April 25, 2009. Sessions are FREE and open to the community. Additional dates: 02/14/09, 02/28/09, 03/14/09, 03/28/09, 04/11/09 and 04/25/09. For more information: 574-533-2102 or goshenchamber@goshen.org.

FEBRUARY 2009

02/02/09 (Monday) Columbus, IN
Columbus Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at Columbus City Hall.

02/03/09 (Tuesday) Greenfield, IN
Greenfield Legislative Breakfast
Legislative Breakfasts (aka: Third House Meetings) allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. Further details TBA.

02/06/09 (Friday) North Vernon, IN
Jennings County Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at F.P.B.H. in North Vernon from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.

02/09/09 (Monday) Columbus, IN
Columbus Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at Columbus City Hall. Columbus Third House Meetings occur every Monday morning during the Legislative Session.

02/20/09 (Friday) North Vernon, IN
Jennings County Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at F.P.B.H. in North Vernon from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.

If you are aware of any additional Third House meetings, Town Hall meetings or forums where state legislators will be discussing proposed legislation introduced during the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly, please contact me lauraarnold@indianarenew.org or call (317) 635-1701. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or local League of Women Voters to see if there are additional meetings scheduled for your community.

U.S. Congressman Pete Visclosky representing northwest Indiana has posted a schedule of Town Halls meetings for January 2009. See http://www.house.gov/visclosky/jan_townhalls.htm