Electric Co-op Today

TOUGH DAYS FOR SOLAR?

Tom Corbett

In Pennsylvania, environmentalists are worried that funding for solar programs may vanish when the new governor takes office. The state has more than 100 megawatts of installed solar capacity and has authorized $650 million to support renewable projects and $100 million specifically for solar projects. However, governor-elect Tom Corbett has promised to cut the state’s $5 million budget shortfall, so the funds might not come through, said Jan Jarrett, president and CEO of PennFuture. The state is currently third in solar installations in the nation.

SOLAR STORAGE

New Mexico’s largest electric utility is helping federal scientists and researchers at two colleges to develop a method to store solar energy. Public Service Company of New Mexico will use more than $2 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a battery system in conjunction with an eight-acre solar array near southern Albuquerque. The project will be operating by next summer and the battery system will be able to store about two megawatt hours of electricity.

WE WON’T PAY!

In Wisconsin, consumer and business groups are blasting the millions of dollars in bonuses collected by executives of investor-owned utilities. In particular, opponents are protesting a proposal by state regulators that says the bonuses are business expenses that must be paid for by customers. Last year, the CEOs collected $54 million in compensation, including $44 million in bonuses. The top bonus went to Gale Klappa, CEO of We Energies, who, in addition to his $1.13 million salary, received $10.45 million in incentives.

SOLAR MAPS

Early next year, New York will be the latest city to develop an online, interactive solar map to help residents and developers figure out where to locate new installations. The maps are partially financed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar America Cities program and provide details such as roof size, cost, energy savings, incentives and installers. San Francisco was the first city to adopt the technology in 2007, followed by Los Angeles; Portland, Ore.; and, most recently, Salt Lake City and Denver.

Based on news and wire reports

Tags: News Roundup