while on his visit to the Wethersfield Wind Project
8/30/2008
Renewables Are Booming: Is a Bust Inevitable?
| Orlando Wagner and Jochen Hauff compare the booming renewables market with other sectors where a boom has been followed by a bust, on the lookout for danger signals. They conclude that the renewable energy sector has strong foundations - but does have some areas of vulnerability, which they examine in detail. They conclude that industry should 'de-hype' the boom, and that a long-term, harmonized renewables support system is important to stabilize the investment framework and enable investors to fulfill the ambitious political targets in Europe - and elsewhere. Signs of doom for the renewable energy boom? Not all recent news regarding the growth of renewable energy has been good. Sudden drops in growth rates in key markets, increasing competition from other technologies that boast CO2 neutrality and energy security objectives, financial difficulties of key players and stock market price erosion of renewable energy companies, as well as problems with supply bottlenecks and news on difficulties in fulfilling technological and/or environmental performance promises – they do occur. Recent developments in Germany have highlighted serious setbacks affecting the growth of renewable energy. For example, a drop in the rate of new installation for land-based wind power in the German market, combined with significant delay in offshore development dampened the previously buoyant mood in what was the world’s biggest wind power market in the past decade. At the same time, likely overcapacities in PV manufacturing make investors nervous and, we believe, highlight the dependency of this market on subsidized demand. In all these cases, it is changing or pending policy decisions that directly impact investment in renewable energies and their potential for growth. (Click to read entire article) |
8/29/2008
NYRI hearing to be at SUCO
| The state Public Service Commission has deemed NYRI's application complete and scheduled public hearings, including one in Oneonta in October, on the proposed 400,000-watt power line. Introduced about 21/2 years ago by New York Regional Interconnect Inc., the proposed direct-current line would run about 190 miles, from Marcy in Oneida County to New Windsor in Orange County. NYRI first suggested running the 10-story-tall line through Chenango and Delaware counties, following rights-of-way owned by NYSEG and the New York Susquehanna & Western Railway for much of the route. Last year, at the PSC's request, the firm studied other routes, including some that would cut through parts of Otsego County. On Thursday, David Kalson, a NYRI spokesman, said if the project is approved, the final route will be determined by the PSC. (Click to read entire article) |
Mazda Aiming to Have its Own Volt for 2010
 When I asked Bob Lutz almost a year ago whether he thought other car companies would be adopting the Chevy Volt's "extended range electric vehicle" platform, he said that they were welcome to join in the fun. But he may not have expected that other car companies would be so quick to the punch. While GM has been pushing like crazy to get the Volt out of the door, it looks like Mazda (Ford) has had a little bit of work going on as well. While all eyes have been on the Volt, Mazda outfitted a Mazda MPV with an electric engine, some batteries, and an onboard Wankel engine to re-charge the batteries. Basically, this is the same set-up as the Volt with two big differences. 1. The batteries are probably small and cheap, and Mazda will need to do a lot of work before matching the Volt's 40 mile range 2. Mazda is, quite cleverly, using the Wankel engine that they have some experience with. Wankel rotary engines are much smaller and lighter than piston engines, and so will be less of a burden to haul around while the car doesn't need it. |
PSC: NYRI power line application ready for review
| UTICA, N.Y. - State regulators say New York Regional Interconnect's power line application is complete and they are now reviewing it. As part of that process, the state Public Service Commission will hold public hearings Oct. 21 and 22 in Oneonta and Utica. "We expected that the application would be deemed complete sooner or later," said Mike Steiger of the Upstate New York Citizens Alliance and a member of the steering committee for Communities Against Regional Interconnect. "We do feel we will be successful in defeating it at the PSC level." NYRI wants to run a 190-mile transmission line from near Utica to Orange County downstate. Supporters say the line is needed to improve the state's aging power grid and reduce the threat of blackouts like the one that struck the state in 2003. (Click to read entire article) |
8/28/2008
NY Public Service Commission Deems NYRI's Application to Build 190-Mile Transmission Line Complete
| ALBANY, N.Y., Aug 27, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Today, the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) officially deemed complete the Article VII application submitted by New York Regional Interconnect Inc. (NYRI) to build a 190-mile transmission line to bring electrical energy from upstate New York to meet the growing demand in the southeastern part of the state. The ruling indicates that the PSC has accepted NYRI's comprehensive filing which includes numerous and voluminous studies examining the economic and environmental impacts of the proposed line, as well as different routing options. "We are very pleased by the PSC's decision and were optimistic all along that we would be judged fairly by the merits of our project," said Chris Thompson, president of NYRI. "This is a significant milestone and turning point for NYRI, as it represents more than two and a half years of hard work and investment in the project, which will ultimately benefit all New Yorkers and improve New York's energy future. NYRI is historic on many levels -- as it will be the first major transmission upgrade from upstate to downstate New York in more than 20 years -- and we believe that this latest development brings us another step closer to helping New York relieve system congestion and increase reliability while providing important local economic development opportunities and environmental benefits." NYRI submitted its original Article VII application in May 2006 and a multi-volume supplemental filing in February. NYRI has submitted additional project details and documentation to the PSC since that time. The PSC's latest ruling will lead to a series of public statement hearings in communities along the proposed transmission line route in the fall. In addition, the Administrative Law Judges assigned to hear the case will establish a schedule for evidentiary hearings. As NYRI has demonstrated in its Article VII application, the project will bring significant economic advantages to host communities in the form of reduced electricity rates, some 300 jobs during the construction phase of the project, the local sourcing of goods and materials and the payment of property taxes. NYRI's tax payments to host municipalities and school districts alone are estimated to total more than $37.2 million annually. (Click to read entire article) |
DEC Launches New Web Page for Marcellus Shale Info
| ALBANY, NY (08/28/2008; 1001)(readMedia)-- As landowners and municipal officials continue to seek information about possible horizontal drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has launched a new Web page designed to provide details about drilling processes, leasing, federal and state laws, links to relevant sites, and the upcoming review of potential environmental impacts. The new page can be found at: This link. "As drilling companies seek to secure leases around the Southern Tier and Catskill Foothills, New Yorkers are raising questions about this potential new activity. And they need accurate information," said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. "This new Web page - which will be regularly updated - will provide a fact-based resource about Marcellus Shale exploration and the environmental review." The Web page will include facts about drilling, Marcellus Shale maps and links to other pages, such as the DEC's searchable database for existing oil and gas wells, the Landowner's Guide to Oil and Gas Leasing, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the Delaware River Basin Commission (the two entities that regulate water withdrawals in the regions likely to be tapped). "Oil and gas drilling in New York has been around since the 19th century and is an important industry, with hundreds of drilling permits issued every year," Grannis said. "Given the Department's experience, and our rigorous regulatory program, we are well-equipped to address the many issues presented by the proposed horizontal drilling in the Marcellus Shale. Conveying complete and accurate information to the public is critical to ensuring that all questions are answered and all issues considered, and this web page will be a centralized source of that information." |
New York offers $27 million incentive to energy efficient electric utilities
| The New York State Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities in the region, has unveiled a $27 million incentive plan to encourage energy efficiency. As part of the region’s energy efficiency initiative, which aims to reduce electricity usage by 15% by 2015, the Commission has now set up policies that will reward utilities for setting up energy efficiency programmes for customers. Current trends point to an 11% rise in electricity usage in New York by 2015, but the state has set a target of reducing consumption by over 690,000 MWh annually. “Energy efficiency… is the most cost-effective, and most immediate, way to reduce the burden of rising energy and environmental costs on residential and business customers,” says Commission chair Garry Brown. (Click to read entire article) |
Energy East suspends investor services
| Energy East said Monday it has suspended transactions under its investor services program because of its pending acquisition by Iberdrola. The program will be terminated if the deal is completed, said Energy East, parent of New York State Electric & Gas. There would be no need for the program because Energy East common stock would no longer be publicly traded if Iberdrola acquires all of the Energy East stock. The $4.5 billion acquisition is subject to closing conditions, including approval from the state Public Service Commission. The PSC is expected to vote on the deal Wednesday. |
8/27/2008
Spain's Iberdrola share trade suspended-bourse
| Trading in the shares of Iberdrola (IBE.MC: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) were suspended Wednesday, the bourse regulator CNMV said. The New York regulator had been due to rule later on Wednesday on the Spanish energy group's buy of Energy East. But the New York Public Service Commission Chair said it will not make a final decision on the deal today. Iberdrola shares last changed hands at 8.20 euros each, up 0.74 percent. |
PSC vote on Iberdrola-Energy East merger delayed
| Colleague Larry Rulison reports this surprising development from this morning’s state Public Service Commission meeting: Two commissioners were absent from the special session at which a vote was expected on Iberdrola S.A.’s $4.5 billion acquisition of Energy East Corp. “We will not be making a final determination today,” PSC Chairman Garry Brown said. Instead, Sept. 3 has been set as a tentative date for the vote, said agency spokesman James Denn. No reason was given for the absence of commissioners Robert Curry and Cheryl Buley. Discussion of the merger was scheduled to proceed, however. “Today we will go through the final discussions,” Brown said. Rulison reported a capacity crowd at the session, held in Albany. He said those attending appeared shocked by the development; Iberdrola representatives looked frustrated. (Click to read entire report) |
IBERDROLA Industrial Wind Turbine Machines Marching to Destroy New York State
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NYS PSC - Special Session - Iberdrola/Energy East LIVE Video
| Watch the live video of the "Special Meeting" of the NYS Public Service Commission on the acquisition by Iberdrola of Energy East. Commission vote expected today. Links available to use Real Player and Windows Media Player. |
D & C PSC Editorial on Iberdrola and Energy East
| Read this illogical diatribe, which consistently refuses to deal in facts. The Gannett Corporation has long favored advertisers and transnational corporations over the interests of New York State residents and taxpayers. This disgusting editorial policy is a prime reason why the Democratic and Chronicle has lost journalistic credibility and moral standing. The virtual media blackout by the D & C of documented rational facts that expose industrial wind projects as a financial fraud and a failed electric generation method is a scandal in its own. The Citizen Power Alliance condemns the corporate philosophy that is based upon lies and disinformation. This kind of yellow journalism practiced by the D & C reeks of elitist propaganda. This editorial illustrates systemic deceit designed to protect a corporate/government alliance that only benefits “Special Interests” at the expense of ordinary citizens. Express your outrage in this latest tragic chapter in the financial enslavement of New York State citizens. (Click to read the D & C Editorial) |
Wind Energy Bumps Into Power Grid’s Limits - NYT by MATTHEW L. WALD
| When the builders of the Maple Ridge Wind farm spent $320 million to put nearly 200 wind turbines in upstate New York, the idea was to get paid for producing electricity. But at times, regional electric lines have been so congested that Maple Ridge has been forced to shut down even with a brisk wind blowing. That is a symptom of a broad national problem. Expansive dreams about renewable energy, like Al Gore’s hope of replacing all fossil fuels in a decade, are bumping up against the reality of a power grid that cannot handle the new demands. The dirty secret of clean energy is that while generating it is getting easier, moving it to market is not. The grid today, according to experts, is a system conceived 100 years ago to let utilities prop each other up, reducing blackouts and sharing power in small regions. It resembles a network of streets, avenues and country roads. (Click to read entire article) |
8/26/2008
DEC says nuclear plant kills too many fish
| WHITE PLAINS (AP) — The huge numbers of fish sucked to their death by the cooling system at the Indian Point nuclear plant prove that the system harms the Hudson River environment, a state official has ruled. The finding by J. Jared Snyder, assistant commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, is a victory for plant critics who claim that up to 1.2 billion fish and eggs are killed each year as the plant continuously draws in river water for use as a coolant. Snyder said that even the lowest estimate of fish deaths — 900,000 annually — “represents excessive fish kills” and establishes an adverse environmental impact. The ruling, issued this month, means that the plant’s owner, Entergy Nuclear, may no longer raise the environmental- impact issue as it battles the state’s order to build costly towers that recycle cooling water and make big river intakes unnecessary. Entergy had argued that the river’s adult fish populations have been stable. The towers could cost Entergy more than $1.6 billion. |
U.S. Boom in Natural Gas Upends Energy Equation New Technologies Help Tap Beds of Shale
| American natural gas production is rising at a clip not seen in decades, pushing down prices of the fuel and reversing conventional wisdom that U.S. gas fields were in irreversible decline. The new drilling boom uses advanced technology to release gas trapped in huge shale beds found throughout North America - gas believed just a decade ago to be out of reach. Shale gas could ultimately be important beyond North America. The rest of the world has shale formations on an immense scale. Many of them, including beds in Europe, Russia and China, are known to contain gas, but exploration and assessment of those fields with the new production techniques is just beginning. The trend has significant long-range implications for U.S. consumers and businesses. A sustained increase in gas supplies over the next decade could slow the rise of utility bills, obviate the need to import more gas from elsewhere around the globe, including liquefied natural gas delivered in tankers, and make energy- intensive industries more competitive. (Click to read entire article) |
PSC Sets Energy Efficiency Incentives For Utilities
| Albany, NY — As part of its historic energy efficiency initiative, the New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) recently agreed to set aside up to $27M that would be given to electric utilities as an incentive to develop cost-effective programs designed to assist consumers in improving energy efficiency and reduce anticipated increases in consumer electricity bills. "The unprecedented rise in energy prices we have seen in recent months is a call-toaction for utilities to find ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption," said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. "By creating these utility incentives, the Commission is providing a valuable incentive for utilities to find ways to improve energy efficiency, which is the most cost-effective, and most immediate, way to reduce the burden of rising energy and environmental costs on residential and business customers." Chairman Brown added: "Incentives are valuable in securing a long-term commitment by utilities to achieving efficiency goals. The Commission has established energy efficiency as a high priority, due to the benefits that it provides related to customer bills, system reliability, environmental impacts, energy security, and economic development. For that reason, incentives are warranted if they increase the likelihood of achieving our efficiency goals in a cost-effective manner. This new policy — taking the carrot and stick approach — holds utilities accountable to meet targets." The utility incentives that are being provided are part of an overall energy efficiency proceeding designed to forestall an expected rise in energy consumption. At current trends, by 2015 electric energy usage in New York is estimated to be 11 percent higher than current levels. These factors, combined with expected fuel price increases and supply uncertainty, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make it necessary to create energy efficiency programs and quickly find ways to reduce energy use. (Click to read entire article) |
8/25/2008
“Byolene”: The 95-Octane Gasoline-Substitute Made Directly from Municipal Waste
 Biomass Turned Into Gasoline Cheaply Developed in conjunction with the Texas Engineering Experiment Station, Byogy’s claims its process can convert a wide range of biomass feedstocks directly into “Byolene”, a 95-octane gasoline substitute at a cost of $1.70-2.00 per gallon. Wide Variety of Feedstocks Byogy states that the process is designed to run on non-food feedstocks such as garbage, biosolids from wastewater treatment plants, lawn clippings, food waste, and livestock manure, in addition to non-food/feed crops grown for fuel purposes. Initially, Byogy says it intends to use municipal waste in its first plant, which it hopes to have online with two years. By 2022 Byogy says it hopes Byolene can meet 2% of the nation’s transportation fuel demand, and hopes to build an additional 200 biorefineries to do so. |
One-day conference of the Rural Learning Network of Central and Western New York
| Save the date October 28, 2008 for a One-day conference of the Rural Learning Network of Central and Western New York The conference will explore: • the roles of local/regional/state governments • the contributions of citizens, civic organizations and public and private entities • the roles of research and innovation • the interrelationships among energy, land use, and climate change issues Communities striving to be green want to reduce their carbon footprint, and many are working to frame what a comprehensive commitment to sustainability looks like, including the implications for smart growth, green job opportunities, green housing, and energy effi cient transportation. Communities in the process of becoming greener are concerned with economic impacts (e.g., hardships faced by low income families and individuals due to rising fuel and heating costs). Energy costs and savings are where economics, environmental concerns and social responsibility intersect. A starting point for municipalities is an analysis and inventory of energy use in public buildings and vehicles, and an examination of energy and environmental quality implications of various policies. A further step is to analyze the implications of land use and development patterns for energy use. To minimize impacts on global climate change, many communities have already begun to take steps toward purchasing or providing alternative sources of renewable energy, promoting sustainable land use practices and preserving natural resources. A growing movement is underway to share information, learn from one another and revamp federal, state and local policies in efforts to promote greener communities. Please join us to hear exciting speakers on these issues, and to share your ideas with us! Location: Genesee River Restaurant (www.geneseeriverrestaurant.com), Mt. Morris (Livingston County), NY Time: Approximately 8:30 am – 2:00 pm Sponsors to-date: Cornell University (Cornell Cooperative Extension; Department of Development Sociology; Community and Rural Development Institute; Program on Environmental Economics and Energy Policy, Department of Applied Economics and Management) and New York State Association of Counties rln-10282008_v41.pdf |
PSC Iberdrola - Energy East August 24, 2008 Letter by Andrea Rebeck, AIA
| Case # 07-M-0906 Iberdrola acquisition of Energy East Those of you Commissioners who have reservations about the Iberdrola takeover of Energy East have every reason to be concerned. From where I sit, in Barre Center, Orleans County, NY, I see the future they have planned for us, and it is disastrous. Iberdrola employees have been courting our local public officials and large landowners for many months here, and are intent on erecting wind turbines in our town the minute your PSC gives the OK to the Energy East deal. However, there is not enough wind in our town to drive a single utility scale wind turbine. I have researched this and satisfied myself that this is true – such turbines require a Wind Power Density of Class 4, with some newer turbines possibly functioning in Class 3 wind, but Barre has only Class 1 and 2 wind. No one at Iberdrola will dispute this, but neither will they explain why they still want to erect turbines here. Glenn Schleede has analyzed the economics of wind development in New York, and from my understanding of his writing, it appears that Iberdrola’s “investment” of $2 billion will net them $1.75 billion in federal and state tax shelters and subsidies. Owning wind farms in New York will allow Iberdrola to shelter nearly all the income it will earn from Energy East. New York taxpayers will have to make up for this lost tax revenue, at a time when we are already staggering under an intolerable tax burden. There is absolutely no benefit to New York ratepayers from allowing Iberdrola to own wind farms and Energy East. The benefit is solely to Iberdrola. There is also no benefit to the environment from Iberdrola’s proposed wind farms. Iberdrola’s CEO has admitted that the electricity the wind turbines generate is not reliable, nor will it ever provide more than a tiny fraction of the renewable power that New York is striving to achieve through its Renewables Portfolio Standard. It will damage the health and welfare of the people who have to live with these enormous industrial machines in their midst. In our part of the state, town officials are permitting 420 ft. tall turbines to be built as close as 300 ft. from one’s property line. These requirements are absurd, but the officials have been so heavily influenced by wind industry operatives that they have completely abandoned their obligation to safeguard the welfare of their constituents. Thank heavens the State Attorney General’s office has finally mounted a serious investigation into the corruption that is allowing such actions to occur. (Click to read entire letter) |
National Grid is promoting energy efficiency
| To achieve lower energy bills for our customers and reduced environmental impact we took action earlier this year by filing a proposal for an expanded portfolio of energy-efficiency programs. The proposal is also consistent with the New York State Public Service Commission's objective of expanding energy efficiency. As energy costs rise, customers may undertake some energy-efficiency efforts on their own; however, we find that they are increasingly turning to their utility to find solutions. At National Grid, we believe we have a special relationship with our customers which allows us a unique opportunity to utilize the power of action and work with them directly to help reduce their energy use. These programs have the potential to help all of our customers and complement existing programs currently in place through the New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Included in these proposed programs are specifically targeted initiatives for low-income customers who are especially burdened by rising energy costs. To implement these new programs, we have proposed they be funded through the Systems Benefits Charges on our monthly customer bills. We believe this short-term investment will have long-term benefits, including reduced demand and increased efficiency that will outweigh the costs while providing long-term benefits to individual customers and the environment as a whole. In fact, the estimated costs of approximately $220 million for this program are expected to reap lifetime benefits of $350 million in energy savings. Susan M. Crossett - Syracuse - The writer is the National Grid vice president for Energy Solutions in Upstate New York. (Click to read entire article) |
8/24/2008
PSC - Iberdrola Energy East - August 24, 2008 Letter by Citizen Power Alliance
| August 24, 2008 PSC Commissioners - Garry A. Brown, Patricia L. Acampora, Maureen F. Harris, Robert E. Curry, Jr. and Cheryl A. Buley New York State Public Service Commission Agency Building 3 Albany, NY 12223-1350 RE: Iberdrola acquisition of Energy East - Case # 07-M-0906 Dear Commissioners: The conduct by the PSC staff at the regular meeting on August 20, 2008 is appalling. Especially the disingenuous comment that stated that if the PSC want to ignore their own decade old policy of separating generation from transmission, that a legal loophole can be used to grant SPECIAL treatment to the Spanish utility and wind developer IBERDROLA. Each commissioner has a duty to the ratepayer and taxpayer to administer a fair playing field for all companies. The approval of special entitlement, caving into political pressure from Schumer and others, and the 180-degree reversal from Judge Epstein’s report begs an Attorney General investigation of PSC and staff. The public will face dramatic increases in their electric utility rates if Iberdrola is allowed to keep and expand their highly unreliable and costly industrial wind generation facilities. Commissioner Buley was correct in voicing her concerns on August 20th. Nevertheless, where is the leadership among other commissioners to challenge the clear appearance of corporate cronyism among the staff of the PSC? The viewing public watched the feeble attempt to reverse PSC policy for no good or compelling reason. Any reasonable person viewing would want to know the reasons why the Epstein report should be discarded and what possible public benefit could come from reversing deregulation policy. The Citizen Power Alliance represents dozens of statewide organizations, which in turn speak for the hundreds of ratepayers and thousands of voters. The political fix has been the way NYS politics has operated for decades. Citizens are disgusted with political hacks making policy that favor “Special Interest” while penalizing ordinary people. IBERDROLA must NOT be allowed to own, operate or buy additional industrial wind projects. CPA appeals to the moral character of PSC commissioners to stand up to the corporate pressure and insane economic giveaways that this state cannot afford. If you are determined to approve the Energy East acquisition, maintain the deregulation standard and ban Iberdrola from wind generation. Your duty is to protect the public. If the PSC acts as a rubber stamp for a foreign monopoly, more people will exit NYS. CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE |
PSC - Iberdrola Energy East - August 24, 2008 Letter by Citizen Power Alliance
| August 24, 2008 PSC Commissioners - Garry A. Brown, Patricia L. Acampora, Maureen F. Harris, Robert E. Curry, Jr. and Cheryl A. Buley New York State Public Service Commission Agency Building 3 Albany, NY 12223-1350 RE: Iberdrola acquisition of Energy East - Case # 07-M-0906 Dear Commissioners: The conduct by the PSC staff at the regular meeting on August 20, 2008 is appalling. Especially the disingenuous comment that stated that if the PSC want to ignore their own decade old policy of separating generation from transmission, that a legal loophole can be used to grant SPECIAL treatment to the Spanish utility and wind developer IBERDROLA. Each commissioner has a duty to the ratepayer and taxpayer to administer a fair playing field for all companies. The approval of special entitlement, caving into political pressure from Schumer and others, and the 180-degree reversal from Judge Epstein’s report begs an Attorney General investigation of PSC and staff. The public will face dramatic increases in their electric utility rates if Iberdrola is allowed to keep and expand their highly unreliable and costly industrial wind generation facilities. Commissioner Buley was correct in voicing her concerns on August 20th. Nevertheless, where is the leadership among other commissioners to challenge the clear appearance of corporate cronyism among the staff of the PSC? The viewing public watched the feeble attempt to reverse PSC policy for no good or compelling reason. Any reasonable person viewing would want to know the reasons why the Epstein report should be discarded and what possible public benefit could come from reversing deregulation policy. The Citizen Power Alliance represents dozens of statewide organizations, which in turn speak for the hundreds of ratepayers and thousands of voters. The political fix has been the way NYS politics has operated for decades. Citizens are disgusted with political hacks making policy that favor “Special Interest” while penalizing ordinary people. IBERDROLA must NOT be allowed to own, operate or buy additional industrial wind projects. CPA appeals to the moral character of PSC commissioners to stand up to the corporate pressure and insane economic giveaways that this state cannot afford. If you are determined to approve the Energy East acquisition, maintain the deregulation standard and ban Iberdrola from wind generation. Your duty is to protect the public. If the PSC acts as a rubber stamp for a foreign monopoly, more people will exit NYS. CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE |
District studies energy options
| As energy costs keep going up and up, folks all over are looking for ways to save money. Auburn school Superintendent Joseph Pabis said he's been thinking about the possibility of harnessing some of the wind near the high school and Owasco Outlet by putting up a windmill and solar panels at the school. "We're just in the concept stage," he said Wednesday. "We're trying to get some vendors interested so we can move forward." Pabis said he talked to some people at a recent energy forum in Auburn about the possible use of wind and solar energy at a school. "I started a dialogue with one company, Larsen Engineers, and they are reviewing this," he said. Larsen is headquartered in Rochester, with an office in Syracuse. (Click to read entire article) |
8/22/2008
Gas lease info. at Hornell session
| Steuben County landowners are banding together over mineral leases — particularly natural gas. The Steuben County Landowner’s Coalition, along with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County and the Steuben County Farm Bureau, is hosting a meeting from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Hornell High School to discuss the coalition’s mission of collectively negotiating natural gas leases. According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, gas production in the state — at 54.92 billion cubic feet in 2007 — is near an all-time high. Because of increased demand and cheaper drilling technology, said Jim Grace, head of farm business management at the Bath CCE office, demand for gas leases in the county have skyrocketed, especially for the two main gas formations. The most-tapped formation, the Trenton-Black River Formation, consists of large gas pockets at around 10,000 feet — or close to 2 miles — below the surface. The formation has been under development in Steuben County for several years, Grace said, and most of the work on the deposit is near Corning and Caton. The second deposit, the Marcellus Shale, is a shallower deposit — between 5,000 to 6,000 feet below the surface — but the pockets are vertical cracks in the Earth’s crust and very hard to drill normally. (Click to read entire article) |
4000 Megawatts of US Geothermal Power in Development, Sector Has Grown by 20% This Year
 There’s been a good deal of geothermal energy news in the past few weeks—less than solar and wind perhaps, but that’s more a function of publicity and popularity rather than the potential of the resource—and the latest US Geothermal Power Production and Development Update from the Geothermal Energy Association shows just how much geothermal power has grown so far this year. New Developments Will Nearly Double Current Capacity According to the new report, geothermal power has grown by 20% since January of this year, with 103 project currently underway in 13 states for a combined capacity of nearly 4,000 megawatts. The GEA says when completed these projects will be able to meet the electric needs of about 4 million homes. Currently, installed geothermal power capacity in the United States is nearly 3,000 megawatts, with 2555 MW of that in California alone. California, Nevada Lead the Way By state, this is what’s on tap geothermally: Alaska, 5 projects/53-100 MW; Arizona 2/2-20 MW; California 21/928-1037 MW; Colorado 1/10 MW; Florida 1/0.2-1 MW; Hawaii 2/8 MW; Idaho 6/251-326 MW; Nevada 45/1083-1902 MW; New Mexico 1/10 MW; Oregon 11/297-322 MW; Utah 6/244 MW; Washington 1/(unspecified capacity); Wyoming 1/0.2 MW. Just so everyone’s clear on this, the geothermal power being talked about in this report is a different thing entirely than ground source heat pumps, which are sometimes called geothermal heat pumps. While both utilize the heat of the planet, the two really shouldn't be confused. via :: Renweable Energy World and :: Geothermal Energy Association Geothermal Power 1% of Australia's Geothermal Power Potential = 26,000 Years of Energy Jargon Watch: Geothermal vs Ground Source Heat Pump US Department of Energy to Invest $90 Million in Advanced Geothermal Research |
8/21/2008
NY PSC Sets Energy Efficiency Incentives for Utilities
| As part of its historic energy efficiency initiative, the New York State Public Service Commission has agreed to set aside up to $27 million that would be given to electric utilities as an incentive to develop cost-effective programs designed to assist consumers in improving energy efficiency and reduce anticipated increases in consumer electricity bills. “The unprecedented rise in energy prices we have seen in recent months is a call-to-action for utilities to find ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption,” said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. “By creating these utility incentives, the Commission is providing a valuable incentive for utilities to find ways to improve energy efficiency, which is the most cost-effective, and most immediate, way to reduce the burden of rising energy and environmental costs on residential and business customers.” Chairman Brown added: “Incentives are valuable in securing a long-term commitment by utilities to achieving efficiency goals. The Commission has established energy efficiency as a high priority, due to the benefits that it provides related to customer bills, system reliability, environmental impacts, energy security, and economic development. For that reason, incentives are warranted if they increase the likelihood of achieving our efficiency goals in a cost-effective manner. This new policy — taking the carrot and stick approach — holds utilities accountable to meet targets.” The utility incentives that are being provided are part of an overall energy efficiency proceeding designed to forestall an expected rise in energy consumption. At current trends, by 2015 electric energy usage in New York is estimated to be 11 percent higher than current levels. These factors, combined with expected fuel price increases and supply uncertainty, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make it necessary to create energy efficiency programs and quickly find ways to reduce energy use. (Click to read entire article) |
Architects and engineers express doubt about Bloomberg's windmill proposal
| A serious consideration of harvesting wind energy on New York’s skyscrapers and bridges, however, requires the abandonment of any fanciful idea about installing windmills on the Empire State Building or the towers of the Brooklyn Bridge. First of all, it is unlikely that any existing structure would be able to withstand the extra swaying, twisting, vibrating and weight that turbines impose. So the tower’s structural framework would have to be retrofitted to handle the new loads, adding enormously to a project’s cost with relatively little yield. Second, the familiar windmill or wind farm turbine has a horizontal rotor with radiating blades. These would pose a tremendous liability in the city, where a flying blade could do great damage. (Five people were killed in 1977 by a helicopter blade that snapped off atop what is now the MetLife Building on Park Avenue.) There are vertical-axis wind turbines, some of which resemble giant food processor blades, that can collect wind from any direction and have been the choice of several architects who considered wind farms for the city. (Click to read entire article) |
PSC Double Whammy Shock for NYS Utility Ratepayers and Taxpayers
| The Public Service Commission is ready to disavow the prescribed ten-year deregulation policy to give special approval for the Iberdrola acquisition of Energy East. Watching the video of the August 20, 2008 meeting clearly exhibits the rubber stamp cozy relationship among monopolistic cronies. The fundamental duty to protect the ratepayer from predatory corporate practices is as foreign to the PSC as it is familiar to the Spanish industrial wind cartel developer - Iberdrola. Totally ignored by the staff and commissioners of the PSC, the approval of ownership of wind generation facilities by Iberdrola, (the fourth largest worldwide utility), will virtually pay no New York State taxes. The Byzantine labyrinth of REC (renewal energy certificates) credits from selling unmetered electric from wind projects illustrates the bogus nature of a system designed to rip off the public. The picture of wind RECs appears in the dictionary under the definition of boondoggle. The Public Service Commission is charged by NYS Law to oversee the sale or trade of renewable credit transactions. (See § 66-k Allowance credit trading or sales). At least the commission and staff acknowledged and stipulated that electric generation from industrial wind is substantially higher in cost than current methods of production. REC credits have been sold from the Steelwinds - First Wind/UPC Wind - project that create enormous tax offsets that are the real underlying benefit from industrial wind turbines. How is it possible to generate electricity, when the turbines were not working because of the problems with the Clipper turbines gearbox and blade? Could this be the miracle cure for the eternal search of a perpetual motion machine? Or is it just a latest gravy train for the new robber barons! Where is the PSC regulatory oversight for fraud? Better yet, who will investigate the PSC staff for their 180-degree reversal of a sensible deregulation public policy? Not a whiff of corruption, to paraphrase the New York Times article on illegal practices in the wind industry, deserves a sequel – Iberdrola pays no taxes – NY wind turns into Spanish wine. The PSC staff has a duty to provide a comprehensive public explanation for reversing their own policy. Even law judge Rafael A. Epstein backed off his balanced assessment and recommendations from his Iberdrola – Energy East evidentiary hearings. What is the reason for the total turnaround? What are the compelling public benefits in allowing Iberdrola to own, buy or develop unlimited industrial wind projects, when New York State is facing the most severe budget deficit since the great depression? Energy East ratepayers and every NYS taxpayer will be looking at huge increases for the privilege of shipping offshore the profits from this utility. When did the purpose of the PSC morph into a facilitator for corporate transnational globalism? It is crucial that the Public Service Commissars feel the heat. Contact each commissioner individually. New York State Public Service Commission Agency Building 3 Albany, NY 12223-1350 Phone: (518) 474-6530 Fax: (518) 486-6081 Case # 07-M-0906 IBERDROLA Executive Office - Garry A. Brown, Chairman Judith Lee, Acting Executive Deputy Phone: 518-473-4544 Hon. Jaclyn A. Brilling - Ethics/Secretary to the Commission secretary@dps.state.ny.us Jodi Fansler has asked that comments be sent to her at: jodi_fansler@dps.state.ny.us She has assured us that every e-mail will reach Chairman Brown. Public Service Staff includes: Andrew Davis, andrew_davis@dps.state.ny.us Leonard VanRyn, leonard_vanryn@dps.state.ny.us Steven Blow, steven_blow@dps.state.ny.us On Wednesday August 27, 2008, the PSC is likely to vote on approval. Act now and demand that Iberdrola be prohibited from owning and operating industrial wind projects in NYS, and include the divestiture of current facilities. Be prepared to see your electric and tax bill take another steep hit, if you allow the PSC to grant preferential treatment for Iberdrola. James Hall |
RG&E must cut cost of electricity to fixed-rate customers
| ALBANY — State utility regulators ordered Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. on Wednesday to cut the cost of electricity to thousands of customers who pay a fixed amount for power. Savings for the average affected ratepayer will be $9.60 a month, or almost 13 percent, with a payment of $65.24 instead of $74.84. The order affects the 28 percent of RG&E customers who subscribe to the utility's fixed-rate billing plan under the Voice Your Choice program. The majority of RG&E's customers are in the variable-rate plan, either by choice or because they didn't respond to the annual Voice Your Choice campaign. The state Public Service Commission decided RG&E should've been marking up the cost of power by 22 percent so far this year instead of the 35 percent it has been charging. The change will bring the prices in line with those of the customers of RG&E's sister utility, New York State Electric and Gas Corp. PSC aide Chad Hume estimated the reduction will cut RG&E's profits in half on such accounts. RG&E could not be reached for comment. The utility's variable-rate customers, whose payments fluctuate with market prices, have generally paid slightly less than fixed-rate customers for the past three years. |
Shift in wind power barrier by LARRY RULISON
| Spanish utility Iberdrola SA would be allowed to own and build wind farms anywhere in New York as part of its $4.5 billion acquisition of Energy East Corp. under a proposal unveiled Wednesday before the state Public Service Commission. |