Sun Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated solar water heating company. It is the largest solar sales and service company in the United States, servicing over 40,000 solar owners in Arizona. With a fleet of radio-dispatched trucks, Sun Systems has more state-certified solar technicians on staff than any other company in the Southwest. Many of the company’s services include complete repair of any make of solar heating system, solar pool heating and automatic safety pool covers, seasonal preventative maintenance tune-ups on all solar systems and pool covers. It also offers upgrades to existing solar systems, removal, and re-installation of solar collectors.

Air Strata Marketing

http://www.airstrata.com/

Aurora

Air Strata Marketing manufactures StratoJet air destratifiers, an energy conservation product that meets the need for energy reduction in the government, institutional, commercial and industrial building market. The company’s products balance floor/ceiling temperature, thereby significantly reduce energy consumption and energy cost while improving personal comfort for employees and customers. Benefits of StratoJets include energy savings from 15% to over 50%; short payback periods and a relatively inexpensive alternative to retrofit existing buildings to reduce heat stratification.

BRICOR Water Conservation

http://www.bricor.com

Colorado Springs

BRICOR is dedicated to providing products that work in saving water and energy. With a patented Vacuum Flow Restriction Technology, BRICOR products simply perform better while only consuming 40% or what is considered a low flow device. BRICOR helps hotels, colleges, homeowners and recreation centers save millions of gallons of water every year. BRICOR doesn’t use a rubber restrictor that can be removed and the simple design involves no moving parts. Typically, the company’s customers will see a return on investment in less than one year.

Energy Inc.

http://www.energyinc.net

Boulder

Energy Inc. is the regional dealer for Solarwall. The Solarwall® Fresh Air Heating and Cooling System was developed in Canada and engineered in conjunction with the U.S Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Solarwall can reduce heating and cooling costs by over 40%, based on: energy used, the amount of sun and southern wall or roof area. It can heat outside air over 50 degrees, substantially reducing heating costs. As a fresh air exchanger, it reduces cooling costs and increases health. Solarwall is inexpensive, easy to install and maintenance free. Every building that requires heat should use it.

[For complete member lists of the Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah Coalitions for New Energy Technologies, visit the respective state sites at www.newenergytechnologies.org]

Regional News

Draft WAPA Rate Adjustments Issued

—Potential Large Impact on Wind and Utility-scale Renewable Energy Generation Facilities

The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) has issued its draft 2004 Rate Adjustments for transmission and ancillary services. Comments from advocates of renewable energy technologies are important to this process and are due by 11 September 2003.

For more information, visit: http://www.wapa.gov/rm/Rates/Tran%20rate%20adj.htm or contact Craig Cox.

Arizona Wind Energy Resource Map Elicits Interest in State’s Wind Potential

Mike Fimea writes in the Arizona Business Gazette of 14 August about the Southwest Renewable Energy Conference held in Flagstaff earlier this month, where a new high-resolution map of Arizona’s wind energy resource was unveiled. Fimea’s article, entitled “Arizona looking at possibilities,” describes efforts by Tucson Electric Power to learn more about how to leverage Arizona’s wind resource. It also describes how the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota overcame technical and policy barriers to begin developing its considerable wind potential.

Read Fimea’s full article from the Arizona Business Gazette.

Renewable Energy Policy Project Analyzes Experience with Renewable Portfolio Standards

—Arizona’s EPS Examined in Detail

The Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP) has begun an initiative to analyze the experience of states with Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) implementation. REPP reports that “to the extent that the data is available, REPP will track and report the cost of renewables to determine whether costs have declined under RPS policies. REPP will also look at the evaluations conducted by states.”

REPP’s three-page assessment of Arizona’s RPS (Environmental Portfolio Standard) is available on its RPS page.

“Renewable Resources Must Fill Energy Gap”

In an op-ed in the 18 August Arizona Republic, Amanda Ormond of the Tempe-based Ormond Group writes:

“Fortunately, we have a home-grown solution for the natural gas crunch...The cost of renewable technologies has come down by 80 to 90 percent over the last two decades. But renewable energy projects need markets. But, although Arizona utilities are beginning to develop renewable energy resources, less than one percent of Arizona's electricity supply currently comes from solar, landfill gas and other clean sources.”

“To begin to truly tap into the benefits of Arizona’s renewable energy resources, including an easing of natural gas prices, the federal government must enact a national standard that requires utilities to sell a growing amount of electricity from renewable sources. This would ensure a stable and competitive market for renewable energy development, and the mass production levels that would make the technologies even cheaper.”

Rocky Mountain Energy Council Meeting

A public meeting of the Rocky Mountain Energy Council is being held on 26 August from 8 a.m. to noon at the Sheraton Hotel, 360 Union Blvd. in Lakewood.

Among participating organizations will be renewable and non-renewable energy producers, environmental organizations, federal and state agencies that deal with permitting, environmental protection, energy policy and other key stakeholders from around the region.

Formation of the Council has been proposed by the White House Task Force on Energy Project Streamlining, which was created by the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Its primary mission is to explore ways to expedite permitting of energy projects — both traditional and renewable — on State and Federal public lands in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana.

The meeting is open to the public, but will be limited to about 200 people on a first-come, first-served basis. The purpose is to gather input from stakeholders, including the public, industry, local organizations and tribal governments. The contact for more information is Annette West at 202-586-3464.

Minutes of the meeting will be published by 26 September.

Denver Post Editorial: “Let public shape energy policy”

In a 13 July editorial, “Let public shape energy policy,” the Denver Post writes:

“The Bush administration is deciding the fate of our public lands in secret meetings. If the administration wants to toss aside environmental protections or otherwise rewrite rules governing natural gas development on federal lands, it should let the American public in on the decisions.”

“America needs to develop its energy supplies, including the vast natural gas resources in the Rocky Mountains. By some estimates, there are 137 trillion cubic feet of natural gas - a seven-year supply for the nation - in just Colorado and Wyoming. However, the development should be done in an environmentally sensitive way.”

“Last week, the first meeting of the newly created Rocky Mountain Energy Council, held at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, was closed to the public. The secrecy is both indefensible and worrisome.”

[…]

“The meetings of the Rocky Mountain Energy Council should be public - and the plans that result from those meetings must balance energy development with environmental concerns.”

“Policy Group Praises Bush Energy Plan, Rebukes Critics”

Judith Kohler of the Associated Press reports on 9 July that “[a] new report from the University of Colorado calls on Westerners to stop demonizing the energy industry and start conserving as the nation increasingly turns to the region for its fuels…The report, which also praises the government's energy plan, was issued Tuesday by the Center of the American West, a university policy center that addresses key Western issues.”

Read Kohler’s full article

Read op-ed from 17 August Denver Post by Patricia Nelson Limerick, faculty director and chair of the board of the Center of the American West: “West holds key to energy puzzle

Experts Highlight Alternatives to Dwindling Natural Gas Supplies/High Prices

—Advanced Renewables and Conservation Technologies Offer Real Solutions

“North American production of natural gas is flat or declining, despite misleading claims that the Rocky Mountains are a ‘Persian Gulf’ of natural gas,” a panel of energy experts said on 25 August. Speaking at the Colorado School of Mines after a field hearing by House Speaker Dennis Hastert’s Task Force on Affordable Natural Gas, the panel concluded that the “laws of supply and demand will continue to push gas prices up.” Panelists included energy consultant and natural gas specialist Steve Andrews, Rick Gilliam, Senior Energy Policy Advisor at Western Resource Advocates, and Mark Ruzzin of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project.

The panelists said that impacts on gas and electric bills could be minimized if the state’s power generators improved energy efficiency and developed more renewable energy projects. Andrews noted that “the simple fact is that gas demand is rising rapidly in the United States and production is stable or declining, and there are limits to increasing gas imports in the near future due to limited infrastructure such as liquid natural gas facilities. So gas markets are expected to remain tight and prices will stay high for a number of years.”

According to Rick Gilliam, Senior Energy Policy Advisor for Western Resource Advocates (WRA), renewables and increased efficiency have driven customers’ bills down. “We now have hard data showing a direct relationship between more renewables and lower power bills. Xcel calculates that the wind farm planned near Lamar will save consumers $4.6 million in a single year. Five of these farms would save us 3 - 4 million MCF (or MMBTU) of gas annually. There is no reason why Coloradans should pay more for a shaky gas supply when there are other options.”

“Gas companies operate comprehensive energy conservation programs in at least nine states, but not in Colorado,” said Mark Ruzzin, of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP). “In fact, Xcel Energy operates well-funded, effective gas conservation programs in Minnesota, including rebates for consumers and businesses that purchase energy-efficient products or weatherize their homes or commercial buildings. Xcel should be able transfer this know-how to Colorado relatively quickly. And expanding electricity conservation programs in the state will also reduce gas use since gas is the fuel type “on the margin” for electricity production much of the time,” Ruzzin added.

“Clearly, rising power bills are not inevitable for Coloradans,” Andrews concluded. “Accelerating energy efficiency efforts and renewable energy investments can take the edge off the so-called ‘gas crisis’ —without the need for new fossil-fuels plants or a drilling frenzy that short-cuts necessary environmental protections.”

Colorado labs may lose funds, jobs

Udall warns budget cuts will hurt energy research

Gargi Chakrabarty writes in the 21 August Rocky Mountain News that “[f]ederal dollars could dry up for many Colorado energy research and development centers next year, leading to hundreds of job cuts…Some of the possible cuts in 2004 include a nearly 2 percent, or $6 million, funding loss for the Golden-based National Renewable Energy Laboratory.”

“But NREL spokesman George Douglas downplayed the concerns, noting it was too early to speculate on the final outcome of the proposed cuts. He said even though two programs are facing dollar losses, others could be bringing in more money. NREL, which sponsors dozens of programs, is funded by the federal energy appropriation bill.”

Chakrabarty’s full article is available on the Rocky Mountain News website.

Facts and Logic

—Two Views on Wind and Renewable Energy

In a “pro and con” pair of articles in the 23 August Rocky Mountain News, Pete Morton, an economist with the Wilderness Society, squares off against Howard Hayden, professor emeritus in physics and author of “The Solar Fraud.”

Pro

Pete Morton writes:

“The recent spike in natural gas prices provides an important message for energy consumers: The time has come to diversify our energy supply and develop our renewable energy resources. Increased competition in the energy marketplace, lower and more stable prices and a cleaner environment are some of the many reasons to end our over-reliance on natural gas by investing in renewable energy.”

[…]

“In Texas, state utilities must produce 2,000 megawatts of power from renewable sources. Just three years after then-Gov. George W. Bush signed Texas' renewable energy standard into law, the state's wind industry has created 2,500 new jobs, $2.5 million in landowner royalty income and $11.6 million in property tax payments to local school districts…It's time Colorado followed Texas' example and pumped some renewable energy into our state's economy. We could use those jobs. We could use those revenues. And, most importantly, we could use a break on our energy bills.”

Con

Howard Hayden writes:

“There is nothing new about using wind, nothing new about the notion of connecting a generator to a wind turbine to produce electricity. In fact, a wind turbine at Grandpa's Knob in Vermont in 1938 was producing electricity until it blew apart.”

[…]

“The best solution for wind turbines may well be the one that is often required of transmission lines: bury them.”

“Saving energy, budgets”

—Program helps pay for capital projects

In the 13 July Denver Post, reporter Steve Raabe reports that “[c] ash-strapped state and local governments are discovering a pain-free way to conduct building improvements with the aim of saving energy…Energy-performance contracting, formerly obscure but increasingly popular, allows building owners to launch renovations with no upfront payments…The idea is to build now, pay later.”

“Energy conservation is the key. Costs of improvements that increase energy efficiency are financed on the promise of future reductions in utility bills.”

To read the full story, including a list of projects and energy savings, visit the Denver Post.

Seminar Gives Energy Industry Opportunity to Teach

Cathy Proctor writes in the 4 August Denver Business Journal about an energy education seminar conducted last month in Colorado by the National Energy Education Development (NEED) agency, a nonprofit organization based in Manassas, Va.

“For the nearly 50 teachers from around the country, the natural gas drilling rig at the corner of a Weld County farmer's pasture -- a rig plunging pipe more than 7,000 feet underground -- was the first time they'd seen the source of natural gas…And teaching teachers about energy, so they can carry that information to the classroom and the next generation of consumers, is the goal of NEED, based in Manassas, Va.”

Proctor reports that the five-day seminar in Denver was “one of several that NEED runs around the country every year. The seminars teach the sources of energy, from wind to solar to geo-thermal to oil, natural gas and nuclear, as well as the issues facing the industries.”

Full story available on Denver Business Journal website.

Carbon Disclosure Project Looks at Businesses and Climate Change

In the 29 July Energy Pulse, Cameron Burns of the Rocky Mountain Institute writes “Businesses that emit a lot of carbon dioxide and other climate-changing compounds (like NOx, CFCs, and methane) are coming under a great deal of scrutiny. Mainstream institutional investment organizations are starting to warn their clients-and the emitters themselves-about the financial risks of turning potential profits into costly pollution.

About two years ago, a group of thirty-five large institutional investors, representing more than $4.5 trillion, created the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), an effort "to assess and provide hard data on a company's exposure to climate change through impacts of both extreme weather events and regulation of greenhouse gas emissions."

"The Carbon Disclosure Report [conducted in 2002] reveals that the financial impact of climate change extends well beyond the obvious, emissions-intensive sectors such as oil and gas and electric utilities," states a project press release. "Companies in the financial services, transportation, semiconductor, telecommunications and electronic equipment sectors, among others, will also be significantly affected. Further, industry sectors vary widely in their degree of risk exposure and the levels to which companies, in response, develop their risk management capabilities. Those at greatest risk were not necessarily those with the strongest risk management architecture."

Burns continues, “[t]he report also explained that firms that are quick to reduce greenhouse gas emissions "stand to gain competitive advantage, in terms of both cost and market risk management." One example cited is British Petroleum, which has, according to the CDP, cut carbon dioxide emissions at the company's plants by ten million metric tons, saving BP an estimated $650 million in ten-year net present value.”

ARPA Eyes Bond Issue for Wind Turbines

Virgil Cochran reports in the 28 July Lamar Daily News that the Arkansas River Power Authority (ARPA) is considering issuing revenue bonds to finance two 1.5 megawatt wind turbines it plans to buy from G.E. Wind.

Cochran writes that “ARPA had originally planned to pursue a loan through the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the federal government, but upward shifts in interest rates RUS charges may make it more financially lucrative for ARPA to obtain financing through a tax-free bond issue.”

Read Cochran’s entire story on the Lamar Daily News website

PureVision Technology Receives Second NSF Award

Coalition Member PureVision Technology, Inc. of Fort Lupton has announced a recent grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to evaluate a new method of producing clean fiber from biomass and waste materials. The new approach being pursued by PureVision seeks to convert waste agricultural residues such as wheat straw into usable pulp and paper products. The wheat straw recovery project is the second PureVision Technology proposal funded by NSF through the 2003 Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program.

The six-month project, entitled "Wheat Straw to Purified Cellulose Fiber utilizing Novel Reactive Fractionation Process" is directed by Dr. Dick Wingerson, PureVision's chief scientist. The PureVision project is being undertaken with the assistance of three other research organizations: the Western Research Institute (WRI) of Laramie, Wyoming; the University of Washington (UW) and Engineered Fibers Technology LLC (EFT) of Shelton, Conn.

The wheat straw recovery project is the second PureVision proposal funded by NSF this year. The first NSF award to PureVision announced in June is to undertake advanced research into producing bio-products from biomass and waste materials. The new approach being pursued by PureVision seeks to reduce the cost of converting biomass materials into sugars from which many usable products can be produced including ethanol.

During the last ten years PureVision has been developing waste recovery processes that use enzymes to convert biomass into useful resources.

CORE Receives Grant for Innovative, Affordable Housing

Coalition member Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) reports that Home Depot has just awarded CORE a grant of $25,000 for a Next Generation Home Project. This grant will support the design, construction and monitoring of two affordable Nex Gen Homes.

CORE reports that “[t]hese homes will create a new standard for energy efficient and "green design" for affordable housing.”

Vail Plans New Wind Farm at Ski Resort

Matt Renoux and Demetria Gallegos of 9News report in the __ July Denver Post that coalition member Vail ski resort plans to build its own wind farm---one of the first at a U.S. ski resort.

Renoux and Gallegos report that “Vail has been buying wind power from Holy Cross Energy since 1997.” Jen Brown, Vail Mountain's communications manager, said that "Now, with these turbines, we are looking to actually generate wind power."

The plan includes building either four or five 100-kilowatt towers at about 11,000 feet. They would power three of the resort's 34 ski lifts. Any leftover energy would be fed back into the local power grid.

To read the full article, visit the Denver Post website

Arizona and Northeast Energy Crises Energize New Mexico’s Governor

Shea Andersen reports in the 23 August Albuquerque Tribune that Gov. Bill Richardson has gathered a task force, charged with looking at everything from the state's electricity delivery system to its gasoline supply chain to the ways the state can increase its usage of renewable energy.

As with the Phoenix gasoline crisis and the northeastern blackout, Richardson said that "It could happen [in New Mexic], so we want to be prepared.”

Andersen reports that the Energy Task Force will have a “sweeping mandate: to make sure blackouts and gas shortages couldn't happen here, prep us if they do and find out how we can avoid either situation.”

Andersen also reported that the recent situations in Arizona and in the northeast have prompted Richardson to throw his full support behind a renewable energy policy passed by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission this year, requiring utility companies to diversify their power sources, making renewable energy like wind at least 10 percent of their portfolios by 2011.

“He's doing that by directing state agencies to intervene in a lawsuit filed against the PRC's rule by El Paso Corporation, a utility with a presence in New Mexico, against the rule. The lawsuit is pending,” Andersen writes.

Read Andersen’s full story in the Tribune.

Update from New Mexico Energy Office

Christopher Wentz, Director of the State of New Mexico’s Energy Conservation and Management Division, provides a comprehensive overview of recent accomplishments and activities in this recent message:

New Mexico Wind Energy Center

The Public Service Company of New Mexico--FPL Energy's New Mexico Wind Energy Center, a 204 MW wind farm in eastern New Mexico, came online in July. Testing of all equipment is continuing, but for all intents and purposes, the facility is operational. The N.M. Public Regulation Commission has approved PNM's 1.8 cent green tariff through which PNM will market the energy from the Center.

NREL Power Technologies Data Book Updated

In 2002, the National; Renewable Energy Lab's Energy Analysis Office developed the first version of the Power Technologies Data Book for the U.S. Department of Energy. The analysis group has now posted the updated 2003 edition of the data book at http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/power_databook/. This report compiles - in one central document - a comprehensive set of data about power technologies from diverse sources. It features more than 200 pages of energy-related data and complete technology profiles for renewable energy and distributed power technologies. Please contact Jørn Aabakken with any questions.

Global Warming Symposium

The N.M. Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) will be sponsoring a Global Warming Symposium from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, at the Inn at Loretto in Santa Fe. The Energy Conservation and Management Division of the NM Energy, minerals and Natural Resources Department (ECMD-EMNRD) is co-sponsoring this event. Please contact Brian Johnson (505-476-3313) of this office for additional information about the cost and agenda.

NMSEA Solar Fiesta

The annual N.M. Solar Energy Association's Solar Fiesta will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Always a great, first-rate slate of renewable energy exhibits and workshops to fill your plate. ECMD-EMNRD is also co-sponsoring this event. Go to www.nmsea.org for more info.

N.M. Environmental Health Conference

The annual N.M. Environmental Health Conference will be held October 20-22 at the Sheraton Old Town in Albuquerque. Tracks on Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy/Pollution Prevention are included. Go to www.nmehc.org for more info.

Border Energy Forum

The annual Border Energy Forum will be held October 23-24 in Austin, TX. Tracks on Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy are included. Go to www.glo.state.tx.us/energy/border for more info.

Past meetings:

Hydrogen Technology Partnership: The Hydrogen Technology Partnership (HyTeP) met on 13 August with a discussion on moving the state toward a hydrogen economy.

Geothermal Energy Working Group: The NM Geothermal Energy Working Group met on 20 August in Santa Fe.

Alternative Fuels Working Group: The NM Alternative Fuels Working Group also met on 20 August.

For information on any of these working groups or events, contact Chris Wentz, 505-476-3312

Into the Fray

Dan Shingler of the Albuquerque Tribune writes on 4 August that “[t]he Public Regulation Commission's recent foibles have frazzled the nerves of members and foes alike, but will they lead to the utility watchdog's undoing?”

“Now the PRC, the elected body whose main job is to regulate the state's telephone, gas and electric utilities, has a year and a half to improve its image, or legislators might try to curtail its power.”

Shingler’s complete article is available on the Tribune’s website.

Businessman Perls makes a run for PRC District 3 seat

In the New Mexico Business Weekly of 28 July, Dennis Domrzalski reports on the plans of Rio Rancho businessman and former legislator Bob Perls to run for election to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.

Domrzalski writes that “[s]ince the Regulation Commission began operating in 1998, the five-member body has been criticized as being too powerful. Some state legislators have complained that the commission has tried to set state energy policy, a job they say is the sole purview of the Legislature. Perls disagrees, and thinks the Commission should be more aggressive in setting energy policy. And so Perls, 45, who for 22 years has run his small medical supplies firm Monitech, Inc., is running for the PRC's District 3 seat.

“The commission must be more aggressive in setting policy in regards to renewable energy, health care and the telecommunications industry, Perls says. The state needs more renewable energy, a single-payer health care plan and high-speed Internet connections in rural New Mexico, he adds.”

Domrzalski’s entire article, which includes further details on Perls’ strong views on renewable energy policies in New Mexico, is available on the Business Weekly’s website.

Job Announcement – SWEEP New Mexico Representative

Coalition member Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is seeking a part-time representative in New Mexico (Santa Fe or Albuquerque). The responsibilities for this position include:

Outreach, coalition building, and advocacy related to state legislation that SWEEP is supporting;
Interaction with state policymakers and utilities to support and expand energy efficiency programs in New Mexico;
Coordination with other clean energy advocates;
Interaction with the press and general public on behalf of SWEEP.

The New Mexico representative will work closely with other SWEEP staff in developing policy positions and in preparing materials for use in these efforts. Given the time commitment and funding level (see below), this individual will be a contractor to rather than an employee of SWEEP.

Qualifications: Applicants should have experience working on energy efficiency issues and strong communications skills. Experience working on legislative campaigns is a plus, as is experience working for non-profit organizations. Last but not least, a personal commitment to a cleaner environment and more sustainable future is a must.

Compensation and time commitment: Proposed compensation is $1,000 per month on a contractual basis (i.e., without benefits or tax withholding). The proposed initial contract term is one year, with an expectation that the contract will be renewed if both parties so desire. It is anticipated that the New Mexico representative will work about 40 hours per month on average for SWEEP over the course of the year, with more time devoted to this work in some months (e.g., when the legislature is in session) and less time during others.

Application deadline: Sept. 1, 2003.

Start date: Oct. 1, 2003 or thereabouts.

To apply, send brief cover letter and resume (no phone calls, please) to:

New Mexico Representative Opening

SWEEP

2260 Baseline Rd. Suite 212

Boulder, CO 80302

SWEEP is a public interest organization focused on promoting greater energy efficiency and conservation in six states-Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

SWEEP is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination with regard to race, sex, color, age, religion, creed, class, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability.

Utah Wind Power Campaign Wins National Award

—Awards for Innovation at Interstate Renewable Energy Council Meeting

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) announced on 22 June the winners of its 2003 Innovation and Special Recognition Awards. The announcement was made at IREC’s Annual Meeting, a joint meeting with the Department of Energy’s Million Solar Roofs Initiative. Winners of the Innovation Award were the Sustainable Natural Alternative Power (SNAP) in the Pacific Northwest, the Chicago Solar Partnership, and the Utah Wind Power Campaign.

Partners in the Utah Wind Power Campaign include Western Resource Advocates, the Utah Clean Energy Alliance, State of Utah Energy Office and PacifiCorp/Utah Power. IREC notes that the Utah Wind Power Campaign is a cutting-edge, community-based grassroots marketing strategy that creates a clean energy ethic to drive market demand for clean energy from the ground up.

“Working in partnership with electricity providers, the Utah Energy Office and the Utah Clean Energy Alliance, the Utah Wind Power Campaign adds credibility to renewable energy options offered by electricity providers and uses grassroots organizing techniques to cost-effectively reach a broader set of potential customers. While the campaign performs outreach to residential customers through community events, its primary focus is to encourage renewable energy purchases by governmental agencies, municipalities, businesses, and non-profit organizations. These groups’ resources are then leveraged to further broadcast the clean energy ethic.”

From IREC press release via NCPV Hotline

San Juan County Commissioner Decries Lack of Wind Farms in Utah

In the 21 August issue of the Salt Lake Tribune, San Juan County Commissioner Ty Lewis writes:

“It's great to read that Utahns are buying more wind power ("Utah Power's 'Blue Sky' Program taking off after reducing cost," July 21). Too bad Utah doesn't have any wind farms.”

”All those Utah Power Blue Sky dollars are being spent and invested outside the state. When will Utah's legislators recognize the need to encourage wind development in Utah? Wind farms in Utah would keep Utah's energy dollars in the state, create jobs and economic opportunities in our drought-ridden rural communities and help clear Utah's skies. Utah can compete on an even playing field for wind energy.

“Misconceptions about solar heating”

Ashley Patterson writes in the 10 August Salt Lake Tribune that “the public, I believe, is mostly uninformed about alternative energy in general, particularly in a city setting where everyone is tied to the utility grid and simply uses power as they need it without much thought to its source.” Referring to a previously published article in the Tribune, Patterson writes that “while the Tribune article helped educate people in this community about solar power, I feel that two crucial pieces of information misled your readers: First, the article claimed that in order to go off the grid in the city and maintain the same lifestyle, it would cost about $50,000 to purchase and install a solar system. Last year, I purchased and installed a solar system for my home for $15,000. I also received $2,000 back from the state, so the entire tab was $13,000.”

“Utah should cash in on year-round wind power”

Edwin R. Stafford, Christine Watson and Cathy L. Hartman write in the 27 July Daily Herald, “As natural gas shortages send energy prices skyrocketing, renewable energy development is becoming increasingly urgent for the nation.”

“What's holding Utah back? A new study examining more than 25,000 property transactions near existing wind farms…finds no evidence that property values decrease as a result of being within view of commercial wind turbines. This is good news for landowners as it shows Americans accepting windmills as simply part of modern life.”

[…]

”Utah should follow the lead of other states to harvest its lucrative pockets of wind and capitalize on the economic and environmental opportunities of America's fastest-growing energy source. For Utahns who find wind turbines visually unsightly, perhaps they should see them for what they are -- 21st century icons of clean, price-stable, inexhaustible energy…Utah shouldn't get left behind.”

U.S. Senate Passes Compromise Federal Energy Bill

Reuters, 31 July: “The Republican-controlled Senate late on Thursday dusted off and passed a Democrat-written energy bill that originally cleared the chamber last year, breaking an impasse over the first major overhaul of U.S. energy policy in a decade…The passage revived hopes of Congress finalizing legislation this year to encourage more domestic oil and gas drilling, boost ethanol use and promote energy conservation.”

To review the 2002 energy bill that was revived and passed by the Senate on 31 July, and which includes a ten-percent national renewable energy standard for investor-owned utilities, visit http://energy.senate.gov/legislation/energybill/energybill2002.html.

Reactions to Energy Bill:

Senator Pete Domenici: “Domenici to Use Last Year's Energy Bill as Vehicle for this Year's Energy Provisions; Plans to Write-in Production, Research, Diversity Provisions”

Senate Energy Chairman Pete V. Domenici (R-N.M.) tonight announced plans to write this year’s energy provisions into last year’s energy bill during an autumn conference on the bill. Domenici tonight celebrated the passage of H.R. 6, which is the text of last year’s senate-passed energy bill, as a victory for Senate Republicans anxious to begin work on rewriting the bill in conference.

He announced plans to write into the conference report the production, diversity and research provisions contained in S. 14, the Energy Policy Act of 2003, which was crafted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee under Domenici’s leadership.

—Press release from Senator Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), 31 July 2003

Geothermal Energy Association: “Geothermal Industry Applauds Senate Energy Bill”

“We applaud the United States Senate for reaching a compromise and passing vital national energy legislation," said Karl Gawell, executive director of the Geothermal Energy Association. "Senators Domenici (R-N.M.) and Bingaman (D-N.M.) showed outstanding leadership in steering this legislation, which contains provisions vital to the growth of the geothermal power industry, through the sometimes treacherous waters of the U.S. Senate."

"The U.S. faces future shortages of affordable electricity, and the incentives in this bill will help clean, renewable power fill a significant part of that gap," GEA's executive director asserted. Of particular importance to the geothermal industry are the tax provisions that expand the Production Tax Credit (PTC) to new geothermal power plants. This tax credit has been widely credited with fueling the dramatic expansion of the wind industry over the past decade. Under the Senate's legislation, the PTC would be expanded to apply to new geothermal plants as well.

From Geothermal Energy Association press release of 31 July 2003

American Wind Energy Association: “U.S. Senate Makes History, Again, by Passing National Renewables Portfolio Standard”

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) applauded the passage by the U.S. Senate of the 2002 Senate energy bill that includes a national renewable energy portfolio standard ("renewables portfolio standard," or RPS), along with other key policy measures sought by the U.S. wind energy industry.

The bill's RPS provision requires 10% of the nation’s electricity to come from new renewable energy sources by 2020. Currently, approximately 2% of the nation’s electricity needs are generated by non-hydro renewable energy sources. In addition, the bill includes a three-year extension of the wind energy production tax credit (PTC) and a provision establishing a Small Turbine Investment Credit (STIC) for homes and farms installing small wind generators.

The Senate bill will now be sent to a joint House-Senate conference committee where differences between it and the House-passed energy bill passed earlier this year will be resolved. The House bill has no RPS provision or small turbine credit, but does also include a three-year PTC extension.

"We congratulate the Senate on moving forward with this legislation," commented AWEA Legislative Director Jaime Steve, "and urge the energy bill conferees to approve all three of these measures. Doing so would mean that Congress is serious about the goal of promoting clean, renewable energy development.

From American Wind Energy Association press release

Alliance to Save Energy: “Going ‘Back to the Future’ on Energy Bill, Senate Still Falls Short on Energy Efficiency”

“With the nation facing a natural gas crisis and transportation consuming over 60 percent of the oil used in the U.S., the American people deserve better energy policy than the reincarnated 2002 Senate bill.

“While that measure does contain valuable provisions to advance energy efficiency – including consumer and business tax incentives for energy-efficient homes, appliances, and vehicles and new efficiency standards for certain appliances and federal facilities – Congress is still evading the most-needed components of a national energy policy built on efficiency. Most critical is a strategy to address our nation’s growing oil dependence.

“Even if the President ultimately signs an energy bill this year, Congress’s work won’t be done. It still must increase fuel efficiency for cars and light trucks, institute a public benefits fund to advance efficiency in the electricity sector, and extend federal government energy efficiency programs beyond buildings.”

From Alliance to Save Energy press release of 1 August 2003

Resources on Northeastern Blackout

The Northeastern power blackout of 14-15 August demonstrated the frailty and vulnerability of our nation’s electric power grid, and has prompted new activism on electricity issues by policymakers and regulators at all levels of government. Here are a few links to blackout-related resources:

Updated News Roundup on Blackout:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/fc?cid=34&tmpl=fc&in=US&cat=Northeast_Blackout

U.S. Department of Energy’s new website of the Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution (OETD).

http://electricity.doe.gov

Western Governors’ Association: “Questions and Answers on the Implications of the Easter Power Outage for the West”

http://www.westgov.org/wga/initiatives/energy/q&a.pdf

Rocky Mountain Institute: Eastern Power Outage Unfortunate but Entirely Predictable
http://www.rmi.org/images/other/MR_PR_NEPwrOutage14Aug03.pdf

Segue Consulting (via Interstate Renewable Energy Council): Solar Energy – A Strategic Response to Power Outages

http://irecusa.org/articles/static/1/binaries/PressreleaseAug15.doc

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: Blackout Highlights the Need for Energy Efficiency

http://www.aceee.org/press/0308blackout.htm

Nebraska Conducts Deliberative Polls™ on Energy Issues

—NPPD Customers Make Informed Judgments on Energy Generation Choices

The Nebraska Public Power District held a one-day “Deliberative Poll™” in Grand Island on 9 August at which its customers’ “informed opinions” were gathered as part of the utility’s resource planning process.

“Nebraska’s public power system is built upon listening to customers-our owners,” said NPPD President and CEO Bill Fehrman. “NPPD characteristically seeks input from its wholesale and retail customers through monthly board meetings, quarterly customer meetings, and periodic opinion surveys.”

“The deliberative polling process takes listening to customers a step further by presenting customers with objective information, letting them ask questions of independent opinion leaders and then documenting their comments for consideration in NPPD’s resource planning process,” he said.

The daylong workshop, covering potential energy sources for the utility, such as wind, biomass and coal, featured expert panelists from the Nebraska Power Review Board, Center for Energy and Economic Development, state government and others.

“In developing an energy supply strategy, NPPD plans for its customers’ future energy needs while balancing the cost of constructing new facilities with customer satisfaction,” added Fehrman. “The opinions of our customers are important to us, and we will factor them into our business decisions-ultimately seeking to keep rates as low as possible for them.”