In these difficult economic times, and with the State of California periodically experiencing energy shortages, it is essential that the residents of the greater Fresno area have their basic energy needs met. If Fresno can become partially sustainable through renewable energy by helping provide this basic need with a minimal cost to Fresno (and California) we have a win-win situation.
An innovative solar energy plan has been proposed by Duke Energy Carolinas for the residents of the State of North Carolina. If approved, the residents of North Carolina will have an integral role in harnessing solar energy close to customers rather than from large, centralized power plants. Here is how their proposed Solar Distributate Generation Program works and why Fresno should be interested.
Duke Energy Carolinas has proposed a $100 million dollar plan to install electricity generating solar panels at up to 850 North Carolina sites to include homes, schools, stores and factories. If approved by regulators, Duke Energy Carolinas would spend two years installing approximately 20 megawatts of distributed solar generation on rooftops of businesses and homes or on ground sites within their service area.
Duke Energy would own and operate the solar equipment and the power produced by each rooftop installation. The power generated would be used to serve the utility's customers. The electricity would not be owned and or used by host sites. Instead, customers would sign long-term leases with Duke Energy Carolinas to allow the use of solar panels at customer's respective locations. Customers would get the benefit of ongoing rental compensation based on the size of the installation and the amount of energy it produces, without having to purchase the solar system or maintain it.
The company plans to recover its $100 million investment through North Carolina's new Renewable and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) cost recovery mechanism. The company estimates that, over its life, the program will increase the average customer's bill by no more than 25 cents a month. For those individuals who have elected to participate in the program, their rental income from the solar panels will far surpass the proposed 25 cent per month increase in their utility bill. For all others in the state, this is a small amount considering the sustainability and "green" benefits to energy users.
As a former councilmember, I brought to the Fresno City Council the recommendation that they request staff to work with PG&E to determine the feasibility of establishing a plan similar to Duke Energy Carolina's Solar Distributed Generation Program to be piloted in the City of Fresno. The Council agreed and requested staff to return with the feasibility report. It is unknown at this time what, if any, action has been taken.
The Stimulus Program recently approved by Congress includes a $50 billion renewable energy appropriation. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Fresno to work with PG&E to access some of these monies to be beta site for solar energy collection and distribution benefiting both Fresno and the State of California.
Contact Mr. Rene Ramirez, City of Fresno Utilities Director at 621-8600 or Ms. Cynthia Sterling, City Council President, at 621-8000.
Coming attractions...
1) Whither the shrinking newspaper 2) Reprise the 2001 City of Fresno Opportunities and Solutions Summit 3) Nine years of standing on Fresno's street corners.
Your comments are always welcome. Simply click on "comments" below.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment