Indiana Senate Passes Renewable Electricity Standard in HB 1117 by Vote of 33 to 12

Around 2:30 pm yesterday afternoon (02/19/08) the Indiana State Senate passed HB 1117 by a vote of 33 to 12. The bill contains the weak Renewable Electricity Standards (RES) language that was originally in SB 224. Chapter 37 contains the language regarding Renewable Energy Development.

To see how your State Senator voted please see:
http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2008/PDF/Srollcal/0209.PDF.pdf

HB 1117 specifies that each Indiana electricity supplier shall supply electricity that is generated from a renewable energy resource or an advanced energy resource to Indiana retail customers as a percentage of the total electricity supplied as follows:

• 2% by 2011;
• 4% by 2016; and
• 6% by 2020.

An electricity supplier may not use an advanced energy resource to supply more than 50% of the electricity. The bill exempts municipal electric utilities as well as rural electric co-ops or REMC's.

The bill defines "renewable energy resources" as alternative sources of renewable energy, including the following:

• wind energy;
• solar energy;
• photovoltaic cells and panels;
• dedicated crops grown for energy production;
• organic waste biomass;
• hydropower from existing dams;
• fuel cells;
• energy from waste to energy facilities that produce steam that is not used for the production of electricity;
• methane systems that convert waste products including animal, food, and plant waste, into electricity;
• methane recovered from landfills or underground coal mines; and
• ocean current or wave energy.

A renewable energy resource does not include energy from the incineration, burning, or heating of the following:

• tires;
• garbage;
• general household, institutional, or commercial waste;
• industrial lunchroom or office waste.; and
• feedstock that is municipal, food, plant, industrial, or animal waste from outside Indiana.

The bill defines "advanced energy resources" as the following sources and programs for the production or conservation of electricity:

• combined heat and power systems that: (A) use natural gas or renewable energy resources as feedstock; and (B) achieve at least seventy percent (70%) overall efficiency;
• demand side management or energy efficiency programs that: (A) reduce electricity consumption; or (B) implement load management or demand response technologies that shift customers' electric load from periods of higher demand to periods of lower demand;
• waste coal;
• clean coal and energy projects (as defined in IC 8-1-8.8-2); and
• other non-carbon dioxide emitting or low carbon dioxide emitting electricity generating technologies, including integrated gasification combined cycle generation with the capability for carbon capture and sequestration through: (A) storage; or (B) enhanced oil recovery.

To view the bill in its entirety see: http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2008/PDF/EH/EH1117.1.pdf.

So what happens next? The bill returns to the House with amendments. The House author Rep. Russ Stilwell (D-Boonville) has two choices: 1) file a motion to concur with the amendments added to HB 1117 in the Senate and then a roll call vote is required on the House floor or 2) file a dissent motion and request that the bill be appointed to a Conference Committee. I expect HB 1117 will go to a Conference Committee.

When a bill goes to a conference committee to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, four legislators are appointed to work out the differences. Normally, there are two House members--a Democrat and a Republican usually selected from the House authors and two Senators--a Republican and a Democrat. Since the Conference Committee is for a House Bill, a House Democrat will be named to chair the Conference Committee on HB 1117. It is likely that Rep. Stilwell will be named as the Chairman of the Conference Committee. All four members of the Conference Committee must agree to further changes to the proposed legislation. After all four conferees sign a Conference Committee Report, the bill returns to both the House and the Senate for roll call votes by all members of the Indiana General Assembly. If the members of the Conference Committee cannot reach agreement, conferees may be removed by legislative leadership and they can try again.

At this point, the concept of a Renewable Electricity Standard or RES is still alive but just about anything can happen. Again, the deadline for the 2008 session of the Indiana General Assembly to adjourn is March 14th.

I would strongly urge that you carefully review the language in Chapter 37 on Renewable Energy Development. If you have any questions and/or concerns about what is included or excluded, I strongly urge that you convey your sentiments to Rep. Stilwell, h74@in.gov or stilwell1130@yahoo.com His phone number at the State House is (317) 232-9798 or at home in Boonville on the weekend at (812) 897-1211.

"Alive... It's alive!..... IT'S ALIVE!!" RES that is!

This morning (02/14/08) in a narrow 6-5 vote in the Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee, HB 1117 was amended with a strip and insert amendment. The amendment removed the provisions added by Rep. Dale Grubb (D-Covington) that provided a tax credit for purchases from an Indiana business of certain equipment used to produce energy derived from the use of wind or from the use of anaerobic digesters. HB 1117 Amendment #2 then adds the contents of SB 224 as reprinted January 29, 2008.

Sen. Hershman explained that basically HB 1117 contained the same language as SB 223 and SB 223 was just voted out of the House Commerce Energy and Utilities Committee earlier that morning. He also noted that thus far SB 224 had not been scheduled for a committee hearing in the House; therefore, he was amending HB 1117 and indicated this was the “last gasp for RES” this session. RES refers to legislation to establish a Renewable Electricity Standard that died earlier in the session in the House.

Brief testimony was taken on the amended version of the bill. Jewell DuBonis with Lewis & Kappes representing the Indiana Industrial Energy Consumers (INDIEC) stated they were against the trackers in the amendment but they had “no position on the renewables language”.

Paul Chase representing the Citizens Action Coalition (CAC) stated “We are in opposition to the amendment. We oppose the whole thing. This is an improper approach to RES. With the low standards for RES, it is basically business as usual.” Chase added that the trackers in the amendment are unnecessary and they will add a tremendous additional cost to consumers.

Committee Chairman Sen. Hershman asked Chase to speculate about the future of the bill and suggested that when HB 1117 returns to the House it would likely go to a Conference Committee. Chase responded by saying that the amendment did not do enough to kick start the renewable market. Sen. Hershman then suggested “CAC does not want to continue the RES discussion?” Chase responded by saying, “It’s not about coal. We shouldn’t have to swallow coal.”

Terrence Black with Green Way Supply and a Founding Member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association said that his company recently received 162 wind energy generation inquiries with half farmers and business owners. Black simply asked the committee to support alternative energy generation.

Tim Maloney representing the Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) stated “HEC wants to see a clean RES proposal.”

Ed Simcox representing the Indiana Energy Association whose members are the investor-owned utility companies made reference to renewables language in the last session that was more ambitious. Simcox portrayed wind as a supplement but not as a replacement for coal-fired generation. He referred to solar as “off the charts” as compared to the price of existing base load coal-fired electricity generation. He concluded that the meager 6% goal in the amendment of which 3% can be met with coal technology as a “reasonable start to get Indiana in the game given what other states are doing.”

In conclusion before the committee voted, Sen. Hershman said of HB 1117, “It will be subject to negotiation but there will be no negotiation if there is no bill.”

Two roll call votes were taken; first on the amendment itself and then on the bill as amended, however, the votes and the outcome were the same. With a vote of 6 to 5, HB 1117 now moves on to second reading on the Senate floor.

The vote tally was as follows:

Voting “NO” were Senators Errington, Breaux, Rogers, Tallian, and Landske.

Voting “YES” were Senators Mishler, Gard, Charbonneau, Kruse, Merritt and Hershman.

For an amended version of the bill see: http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2008/PDF/EH/EH1117.1.pdf

Dr. Frankenstein said: "Alive... It's alive!..... IT'S ALIVE!!"

Indiana Renewable Energy Association Forms

For immediate release.
For more information:
Laura Ann Arnold 317-635-1701 or Terrence Black 317-822-8505

RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSOCIATION FORMS IN INDIANA

Small business owners from across the state of Indiana gathered last week to form the Indiana Renewable Energy Association. The companies gathered on the eve of committee hearings at the Indiana General Assembly addressing renewable energy. Representatives of the newly formed association testified before the Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee and the House Commerce Energy and Utilities Committee to support a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) for Indiana utilities.

Action is pending in three different committees of the Indiana General Assembly this week to establish a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES). Tuesday (01/22/08) morning the House Agriculture & Economic Development Committee is considering an RES amendment to HB 1044. The Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee upon adjournment on Tuesday afternoon (01/22/08) will consider RES language in SB 224. Thursday morning (01/24/08) the House Commerce, Energy and Utilities Committee is scheduled to address a revised version of HB 1102. To remain viable for the 2008 session, RES language must pass the full House or Senate by January 30th.

“Twenty-six other states currently have a mandatory Renewable Electricity Standard or RES”, said Laura Ann Arnold, organizer of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association. “Whether or not Indiana adopts an RES will impact future investment in wind power, solar, hydro or biomass generators to generate electricity in our state.”

“The Indiana Green Economy is already creating new jobs here in Indiana.” said Terrence Black a co-owner of Green Way Supply. “I believe that the Green Economy including renewable energy will create more than a million new jobs and help our environment at the same time. Establishing a Renewable Electricity Standard is an important first step. There is no down side to this.”

The Indiana Renewable Energy Association urges citizens to contact their state legislators and to urge support for a Renewable Electricity Standard this session.

For more information, please contact Laura Ann Arnold (317) 635-1701, larnold@indy.rr.com or one of the founding members of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association listed below:

Bright Idea Energy Solutions, 812-455-1039
Earth-Solar Technologies Corporation, 317-926-7000
ECI Wind and Solar, 888-4ECIWAS ext. 101
Green Broad Ripple, greenbroadripple@yahoo.com
Green Way Supply, 317-822-8505
Home & Mobile Energy LLC, 574-825-4800
Indy Solar Works LLC, 765-967-0015
Inovateus Development, 574-968-4424 ext. 4
Michiana Solar Products Co, 574-534-5087
Morton Energy, 812-490-3600
Solar Systems of Indiana, 812-336-2785
SunRise Solar Inc., 219-558-2211
SunWind Power Systems, Inc., 502-876-5174

Bright Idea Energy Solutions has its roots in the Energy Services Division, (ESCO), of Mounts Electric; a multi generational, family run operation founded in 1932. With offices in Indiana and Illinois, Bright Idea has excelled in the area of energy savings programs focused on lighting technologies, building and HVACR controls and economizers, inductive load efficiency and alternative power sources including renewable energy sources. As a company we adhere to business practices that are sustainable in the long term and are aware of the impact we have on the world around us. This awareness shapes who we are and how we conduct our business. We will always work hard to earn and maintain your trust.

Rick Will, President
Bright Idea Energy Solutions LLC
rwill@brightideaES.com
812-455-1039

Earth-Solar Technologies Corporation is a start-up that is developing capacity in central Indiana to manufacture energy systems of its own design which utilize sunlight, biomass and other renewable sources. The company's Sustainable Communities operation is currently working with city planners of two Indiana communities in redesigning their municipal infrastructure to accommodate a significant application of renewable energy and other advanced technologies beginning by 2010.

Keni Washington, Managing Director
Earth-Solar Technologies Corporation
902 Broadway
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317.926.7000
www.esolartech.com

ECI Wind and Solar is an Indiana based commercial and residential wind and solar electric systems contractor. Since 2005, we have been providing top quality battery-based and battery-less grid-tied wind and solar electric systems.

Eric Cotton
ECI Wind and Solar
9005 E. 1125 S
Fairmount, IN 46928
eric@eciwindandsolar.com
888-4ECIWAS ext. 101

Green Broad Ripple is non-profit organization whose goal is to create a sustainable master plan for the greater Broad Ripple area.

Neal Bennett
Green Broad Ripple
greenbroadripple@yahoo.com

Green Way Supply provides smart, earth friendly, renewable energy, and healthy alternatives to conventional building materials. Our objective is to help customers increase their comfort levels, improve indoor air quality, minimize their environmental impact and energy use, save money, and sustain our planet. Green Way Supply is a retailer and wholesaler of environmentally sensitive, energy intelligent, and healthy building materials serving homeowners and the building and design community. New green building products are beautiful and priced competitively so now you don't have to sacrifice your values or your budget for beauty and quality.

Fred Gray, Terry Black, and Randy Gray, Owners
Green Way Supply, Inc.
www.greenwaysupply.net
317-822-8505

Home & Mobile Energy of Middlebury has been in the renewable energy field since 2000.The first grid-tie net-metering systems in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan were pioneered by Home & Mobile Energy. As a result of this, HME has had a crucial part in training and working with the local utility companies in implementing a contract for their customers. They have also installed over 500 off-grid and gridtie solar; and wind systems in the United States and several other countries. Home & Mobile Energy designs, engineers, and builds all types of mobile power solutions for varied markets ranging from governmental applications to recreational vehicles. HME is the local sponsor for the National Solar Tour sponsored by the American Solar Energy Society. The 2007 Tour, held in September 2007, educated the general public how other area residents are trimming energy bills, increasing their energy independence, and taking steps to address global warming in the Michiana area.

Home & Mobile Energy LLC.1013 Elroy Dr.Middlebury IN 46540T: 574/825-4800F: 574/825-5182C: 574/536-9483E: leonb@homeandmobileenergy.com
web: www.homeandmobileenergy.com

Indy Solar Works is a design and installation firm that constructs commercial and industrial photovoltaic systems. We are dedicated to maintaining the best qualities of a small business while providing large capabilities to suite both industry needs and our earth’s timeline. This business was envisioned at Purdue some 10 years ago and is currently working in Indiana on some exciting projects. Indy Solar is ready and excited about bringing renewable energy business to the state of Indiana, and creating a healthier and happier existence for all of us.

Justin Brown
Indy Solar Works LLC
Jbrown@indysolarworks.com
765-967-0015

Inovateus Development is an alternative energy company based in South Bend, IN. As a worldwide distributor of United solar building integrated photovoltaic products, Inovateus, also, builds net-zero energy homes. The company is a strong supporter of Indiana’s economy and creating jobs. Rather than looking toward the past, Inovateus focuses on the future by being friendly to the earth.

T.J. Kanczuzewski, Vice President of Sales, 574-968-4424 ext. 4, tj@inovateus.com
Nathan Vogel, Dir. of Research, 574-968-4424 ext. 6, nathan@inovateus.com
Inovateus Development
www.inovateus.com

Michiana Solar Products Co. was founded in 1976 in Mishawaka, IN at the time of the first major energy crisis and serves customers in the counties on both sides of the Indiana/Michigan State line. Primary concerns at that time were space heating needs. With time, the business expanded into domestic hot water and geothermal heating & cooling applications. Personal interest led us to expand into the solar heating business of pools and enclosures. Some demand was met with the application of films on glass to improve solar gain and heat loss In 1988 Michiana Solar Products Co relocated to Goshen, IN. In 2000 we were approached by Southwest Windpower to become a dealer for them. We are factory trained and are now a certified installer of their windpower products. We regularly participate in Solar Home Tours in our area.

Hermann Nuyken
Michiana Solar Products Co
602 Revere Drive
Goshen, IN 46526
574-534-5087 (phone& fax)
michianasolar@verizon.net

Morton Energy is a Renewable Energy Products and Services Company based in Southwestern Indiana. Our Energy Conservation Team is headed by an electrical engineer with 20 years experience in automation programming and renewable energy design and an environmental scientist with 15 years experience in environmental regulation and renewable energy research. Morton Energy strives to make solar and wind power economic and convenient for American electricity consumers to generate and consume their own electricity. Our primary goal is to create market regulatory structures that will enable solar and wind generated electricity to exist and thrive as a cost-effective energy solution in mainstream consumer markets. Morton Energy strives to accelerate the development and use of solar and other renewable energy resources through advocacy, education, research and collaboration among professionals, policy-makers and the public.

Matt Morton, Vice President
Morton Energy
mmorton@mortonenergy.com
812-490-3600

Solar Systems of Indiana are renewable energy specialists bringing abundantly clean renewable energy to Indiana by providing commercial and residential MREA (Midwest Renewable Energy Association)certified solar site assessments for solar electric and solar hot water energy systems. Grid tied and stand alone Photovoltaic (solar electric) design and installation. Installation of solar hot water systems, solar attic fans and tubular skylights.

Alex Jarvis
812-336-2785
solarindiana@yahoo.com
www.solarsystemsofindiana.com

SunRise Solar makes attic fans that generate their own electricity through the use of a solar panel. Solar attic fans save the homeowner money directly and indirectly. The roof receives direct, intense rays from the sun. Whether it's a shingled roof or a metal roof, heat begins building up in the attic space. Moisture also enters the attic space from daily activities such as bathing, cooking, laundry, etc. Unless this heat and moisture is removed, damage can occur in the form of mold, mildew, and dry rot. When the attic space overheats, the shingled roof will heat on the underside of the shingles. This causes unnecessary wear and tear on your shingles and you risk wearing them out before the end of the warranty period. Shingle manufacturers are aware of this and require ventilation for a correctly installed roof to be covered under their warranty. This information can be found on the shingle package wrapper. Most shingle manufactures offer formulas on their web sites, which determine just how much attic ventilation is required.
Bill Keith, President
SunRise Solar Inc.
P.O. Box 53
St. John, IN 46373
Phone/fax: 219-558-2211
bill@sunrisesolar.net
www.sunrisesolar.net

SunWind Power Systems, Inc. is a full service renewable energy located in beautiful Floyds Knobs, IN, 18 miles from Louisville, KY. As our name indicates we provide sales and installation services for both solar and wind energy systems. We are a factory authorized dealer of AET solar hot water systems and offer all brands of solar PV (both grid tied and stand alone). We are factory authorized dealers of SouthWest Windpower, Bergey, and Proven wind turbines. We offer energy audit, assessment, and renewable energy services to commercial and residential customers in both KY and IN. Our engineering staff has over 75 years of energy and construction management experience. Since our founding in 2005 we have been responsible for developing Net metering standards with several utilities in both IN and KY and have been providing outstanding renewable energy products and services ever since. Our customers value our straight forward, no pressure approach. To learn more about us visit: www.SunWindPowerInc.com

Jeremy Coxon
SunWind Power Systems, Inc.
5324 Hanka Rd.
Floyds Knobs, IN 47119
http://www.SunWindPowerInc.com
Phone: (502) 876-5174
Fax:(812) 923-7867