From a column by John LaForge of Nukewatch, a Wisconsin-based organization, in The Capital Times:
The owners of two 40-year-old nuclear reactors at Point Beach, on Lake Michigan north of Two Rivers, want to increase the power output for each unit by 17 percent -- from 1,540 megawatts to 1,800.
The gunning of rickety old nukes is getting a green light all over the region.
The Monticello reactor, 30 miles from Minneapolis, will boost its output to 120 percent of the original licensed limit -- from 613 megawatts to 684. Monticello’s been rattling along since 1971, and it rattles badly. In 2007, a 35,000-pound turbine control box (6 feet by 6 feet and 20 feet long) broke its welds and fell onto a large steam pipe that was cut open, causing the loss of so much pressure that an automatic reactor shutdown was tripped. Decades of intense vibration and poor welding were blamed for the crash. The reactor had been operating at 90 percent power. So why not push the limits to 120 percent?
In 2009 the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission rejected claims that the accident record at the two Prairie Island reactors, south of Minneapolis, is so bad that its license extension should be denied. In May 2006, one of them accidentally spewed radioactive iodine-131 gas over 110 of its own workers, who inhaled it. Internal radiation poisoning is the kind for which there is no decontamination. Even so, the NRC could soon OK letting the Prairie Island jalopies run until 2033 and 2034, respectively, rather than shut them down in 2013 and 2014 as the license now requires.
Back in Wisconsin, Point Beach’s “extended power uprate” (EPU) plan was published in the Federal Register by the NRC Dec. 10. The draft environmental assessment and “finding of no significant impact” are hair-raising. The public has until Jan. 8 to comment.
Should we be skeptical? Point Beach has received two of only four “Red findings” -- the worst failure warning available -- ever issued by the NRC. In 2006, the NRC found that operators had harassed a whistle-blower who documented technical violations. In 2005, Point Beach was fined $60,000 for deliberately giving false information to federal inspectors. In May 1996, it was the site of a potentially catastrophic explosion of hydrogen gas that upended the 3-ton lid on a huge cask filled with high-level radioactive waste. The lid was being robotically welded when the gas exploded.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Neenah budgets for wind turbines or solar project
From an article by Duke Behnke in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
NEENAH — Proponents of renewable energy have convinced the Neenah Common Council to budget $250,000 next year to build either a system based on solar power or wind turbines at the city garage.
The project would be designed to generate 50,000 kilowatt hours of energy annually, or about 25 percent of the electrical needs of the Tullar Road garage.
The city would fund the project by borrowing $100,000 and drawing $150,000 from cash reserves. Proponents anticipate receiving $150,000 in financial incentives — $100,000 from We Energies and $50,000 from Focus on Energy — to replenish the cash reserves.
The electrical costs at the city garage total about $20,000 a year. If the system covered 25 percent, or $5,000 annually, the payback period would be about 20 years.
Ald. John Ahles, co-chairman of the Sustainable Neenah Committee, asked the council not to forget about the educational and environmental benefits of the project.
"It will help educate this council, and it will help educate future councils," Ahles said.
NEENAH — Proponents of renewable energy have convinced the Neenah Common Council to budget $250,000 next year to build either a system based on solar power or wind turbines at the city garage.
The project would be designed to generate 50,000 kilowatt hours of energy annually, or about 25 percent of the electrical needs of the Tullar Road garage.
The city would fund the project by borrowing $100,000 and drawing $150,000 from cash reserves. Proponents anticipate receiving $150,000 in financial incentives — $100,000 from We Energies and $50,000 from Focus on Energy — to replenish the cash reserves.
The electrical costs at the city garage total about $20,000 a year. If the system covered 25 percent, or $5,000 annually, the payback period would be about 20 years.
Ald. John Ahles, co-chairman of the Sustainable Neenah Committee, asked the council not to forget about the educational and environmental benefits of the project.
"It will help educate this council, and it will help educate future councils," Ahles said.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wisconsin utilities continue progress toward renewable energy standard
From a news release issued by the Public Service Commissiion of Wisconsin:
MADISON – Two reports released today by the Public Service commission of Wisconsin (PSC) indicate that Wisconsin’s electric utilities and cooperatives continue to make steady progress in adding renewable energy to the state’s energy supplies. All of the electric providers meet or exceed state requirements and many offer incentives to customers who want to generate their own renewable electricity.
Renewable Portfolio Standard Compliance
Wisconsiin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) law requires retail electric providers to produce 66 percent of the state’s eelectricity from renewable resources by the year 2010, and 110 percent by 2015. each year, Wisconsin utilities and cooperatives are required to report to the PSC their progress in meeting thee renewable milestones. Today the PSC released the 2009 RPS compliance Report which indicates:
+ All 118 Wisconsin electric providers met their RPS requirement for 2009;
+ 113 providers exceeded their requirements for the year, creating excess renewable resource credits that can be banked and used for compliance in future years; and,
+ In 2009, 6.29 percent of the electricity sold by the state’s utilities and cooperatives was generated from renewable resources, up from 4.90 percent in 2008.
Distributed Renewable Generation
PSC also released a status report on its investigation into “advanced a term renewable tariffs,” a term used to describe long-term contracts whereby utilities and cooperatives offer to purchase electricity at premium prices from customers who generate electricity from small, renewable systems such as solar panels. Highlights of the status report include:
+ More than 300 of Wisconssin’s electric providers, representing about 90% of the state’ s electricity market, have voluntarily offered this kind of incentive;
+ Customers have responded by installing more than 10 MW of small, distributed capacity utilizing biogas (from manure digesters on farms), solar panels, and wind turbines; and,
+ An additional 8.2 MW off generation capacity, mostly from biogas projects, is under construction and will soon be generating electricity.
MADISON – Two reports released today by the Public Service commission of Wisconsin (PSC) indicate that Wisconsin’s electric utilities and cooperatives continue to make steady progress in adding renewable energy to the state’s energy supplies. All of the electric providers meet or exceed state requirements and many offer incentives to customers who want to generate their own renewable electricity.
Renewable Portfolio Standard Compliance
Wisconsiin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) law requires retail electric providers to produce 66 percent of the state’s eelectricity from renewable resources by the year 2010, and 110 percent by 2015. each year, Wisconsin utilities and cooperatives are required to report to the PSC their progress in meeting thee renewable milestones. Today the PSC released the 2009 RPS compliance Report which indicates:
+ All 118 Wisconsin electric providers met their RPS requirement for 2009;
+ 113 providers exceeded their requirements for the year, creating excess renewable resource credits that can be banked and used for compliance in future years; and,
+ In 2009, 6.29 percent of the electricity sold by the state’s utilities and cooperatives was generated from renewable resources, up from 4.90 percent in 2008.
Distributed Renewable Generation
PSC also released a status report on its investigation into “advanced a term renewable tariffs,” a term used to describe long-term contracts whereby utilities and cooperatives offer to purchase electricity at premium prices from customers who generate electricity from small, renewable systems such as solar panels. Highlights of the status report include:
+ More than 300 of Wisconssin’s electric providers, representing about 90% of the state’ s electricity market, have voluntarily offered this kind of incentive;
+ Customers have responded by installing more than 10 MW of small, distributed capacity utilizing biogas (from manure digesters on farms), solar panels, and wind turbines; and,
+ An additional 8.2 MW off generation capacity, mostly from biogas projects, is under construction and will soon be generating electricity.
Monday, December 20, 2010
WPS will buy electricity from landfill-gas-to-energy project
From a news release issued by Veolia Energy North America:
HILBERT, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Veolia Energy North America, a leading operator and developer of sustainable energy systems, announced its first landfill gas-to-energy project (LFGTE) in the United States at the Veolia Environmental Services North America Hickory Meadows landfill, located in eastern Wisconsin. The project, slated to commence operation in early summer 2011, will have the initial capacity to generate 42,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year, enough to power 2,800 homes.
“We are delighted to begin construction of our first renewable energy facility in North America”
Once complete, the 4.8-megawatt (MW) electrical generation facility will include three landfill reciprocating engine generator sets with a capacity of 1.6 MW each, fueled exclusively by the landfill gas. Landfill gas, which is normally burned off, will be captured and sent via the landfill’s existing gas collection system to the facility, where it will be transformed into electricity.
“We are delighted to begin construction of our first renewable energy facility in North America,” said Stewart A. Wood, President and CEO of Veolia Energy North America. “Veolia Energy is committed to maximizing environmental sustainability through a reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels and the introduction of renewable resources into the energy mix, and I am pleased that this project will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the people of Wisconsin.”
Veolia Energy has entered into a power purchase agreement with Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), the primary electricity and gas provider for northeastern Wisconsin residents. Upon completion, WPS will purchase all of the power generated by the plant, along with the Renewable Energy Credits associated with the energy output.
As part of the 2005 Wisconsin Act 141, Wisconsin established a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), requiring utilities to meet a gradually increasing percentage of retail sales with qualified renewable sources with the goal of providing 10% of the state's retail energy needs from renewable resources by 2015. In addition to its environmental benefits, landfill gas qualifies as an eligible resource under Wisconsin’s RPS. The Hickory Meadow landfill gas-to-energy project will help WPS meet its RPS requirements.
HILBERT, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Veolia Energy North America, a leading operator and developer of sustainable energy systems, announced its first landfill gas-to-energy project (LFGTE) in the United States at the Veolia Environmental Services North America Hickory Meadows landfill, located in eastern Wisconsin. The project, slated to commence operation in early summer 2011, will have the initial capacity to generate 42,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year, enough to power 2,800 homes.
“We are delighted to begin construction of our first renewable energy facility in North America”
Once complete, the 4.8-megawatt (MW) electrical generation facility will include three landfill reciprocating engine generator sets with a capacity of 1.6 MW each, fueled exclusively by the landfill gas. Landfill gas, which is normally burned off, will be captured and sent via the landfill’s existing gas collection system to the facility, where it will be transformed into electricity.
“We are delighted to begin construction of our first renewable energy facility in North America,” said Stewart A. Wood, President and CEO of Veolia Energy North America. “Veolia Energy is committed to maximizing environmental sustainability through a reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels and the introduction of renewable resources into the energy mix, and I am pleased that this project will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the people of Wisconsin.”
Veolia Energy has entered into a power purchase agreement with Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), the primary electricity and gas provider for northeastern Wisconsin residents. Upon completion, WPS will purchase all of the power generated by the plant, along with the Renewable Energy Credits associated with the energy output.
As part of the 2005 Wisconsin Act 141, Wisconsin established a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), requiring utilities to meet a gradually increasing percentage of retail sales with qualified renewable sources with the goal of providing 10% of the state's retail energy needs from renewable resources by 2015. In addition to its environmental benefits, landfill gas qualifies as an eligible resource under Wisconsin’s RPS. The Hickory Meadow landfill gas-to-energy project will help WPS meet its RPS requirements.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Green (student) thumbs: Moraine Park program focuses on hydroponics
From an article by Sharon Roznik in the Fond du Lac Reporter:
There’s a fresh smell of summer at Moraine Park Technical College — the scent of fragrant herbs, tender leaves of lettuce and stalks of bright green wheat grass.
Culinary art students are gaining green thumbs by growing their own food in Moraine Park Technical College’s new hydroponic garden.
The earthy addition to the college’s culinary arts program is meant to teach students about sustainability and using locally grown foods, said MPTC culinary arts instructor Ron Speich.
“When you look at what’s happening globally, the movement is toward fresh, whole foods. My students are learning to evaluate where products come from,” Speich said.
Gardens have been named the hottest trend in restaurants this year as more chefs involved with the local food movement decide to grow their own tomatoes, herbs and other produce.
There’s a fresh smell of summer at Moraine Park Technical College — the scent of fragrant herbs, tender leaves of lettuce and stalks of bright green wheat grass.
Culinary art students are gaining green thumbs by growing their own food in Moraine Park Technical College’s new hydroponic garden.
The earthy addition to the college’s culinary arts program is meant to teach students about sustainability and using locally grown foods, said MPTC culinary arts instructor Ron Speich.
“When you look at what’s happening globally, the movement is toward fresh, whole foods. My students are learning to evaluate where products come from,” Speich said.
Gardens have been named the hottest trend in restaurants this year as more chefs involved with the local food movement decide to grow their own tomatoes, herbs and other produce.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Brown County group opposes new wind turbine rules
From an article by Tony Walter in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
A group of Brown County residents opposing the rules for wind turbines in four communities located in the southern part of the county is accusing the regulatory agency that came up with the siting regulations of dirty politics.
"Brown County Citizens for Responsible Wind Energy believe these rules directly threaten the health, safety and financial well-being of countless rural Wisconsin communities," said Steve Deslauriers of Greenleaf, a spokesman for the group.
The PSC last week voted unanimously to send updated wind turbine siting rules back to the state Legislature.
The updated rules reduce the setback requirement from nonparticipating property owners to either 1,250 feet or three times the maximum blade tip height, whichever is less. They also reduce the amount of payments to nonparticipating property owners adjacent to land that includes a turbine.
According to Deslauriers, the new rules ignored concerns from a Senate committee and those of many organizations that the setbacks were insufficient and that there should be further study of the potential health impact of turbines.
He also said the timing of the rules update is unfair because the Legislature is in transition after the recent election and legislators are preparing for the holidays. He called the PSC action "the embodiment of dirty politics."
The House and Senate energy committees have until Dec. 23 to respond to the updated rules. If no action is taken, the rules will go into effect Jan. 1.
RENEW Wisconsin praised the new rules, as a "reasonable balance between protecting public health and safety and advancing wind energy generation, a proven pathway for creating well-paying jobs and increasing revenues to local governments."
A group of Brown County residents opposing the rules for wind turbines in four communities located in the southern part of the county is accusing the regulatory agency that came up with the siting regulations of dirty politics.
"Brown County Citizens for Responsible Wind Energy believe these rules directly threaten the health, safety and financial well-being of countless rural Wisconsin communities," said Steve Deslauriers of Greenleaf, a spokesman for the group.
The PSC last week voted unanimously to send updated wind turbine siting rules back to the state Legislature.
The updated rules reduce the setback requirement from nonparticipating property owners to either 1,250 feet or three times the maximum blade tip height, whichever is less. They also reduce the amount of payments to nonparticipating property owners adjacent to land that includes a turbine.
According to Deslauriers, the new rules ignored concerns from a Senate committee and those of many organizations that the setbacks were insufficient and that there should be further study of the potential health impact of turbines.
He also said the timing of the rules update is unfair because the Legislature is in transition after the recent election and legislators are preparing for the holidays. He called the PSC action "the embodiment of dirty politics."
The House and Senate energy committees have until Dec. 23 to respond to the updated rules. If no action is taken, the rules will go into effect Jan. 1.
RENEW Wisconsin praised the new rules, as a "reasonable balance between protecting public health and safety and advancing wind energy generation, a proven pathway for creating well-paying jobs and increasing revenues to local governments."
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Green Bay green drinks meets, Dec. 16
Hello Green Drinker! This Thursday, Dec. 16th from 6-10 PM at Kavarna, join us for Green Drinks. A potential political candidate for county executive may be joining us to share why they are running.
Also, have you checked out New Leaf Market Cooperative yet? Become a founding member today -- www.newleafmarket.org or www.facebook.com/newleafmarket
And don't forget about the Green Book Club that meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7 PM at the Daily Buzz (130 E. Walnut Street). See you there! Crystal
Green Bay, WI Green Drinks
"Green Bay Green Drinks" is a monthly 'social gathering' of environmentalists. We meet every third Thursday of the month at Kavarna Coffeehouse, on Broadway.
We start to gather shortly after 6 pm, but don't worry if you can't show up until much later. Peak attendance has been 7:00-9:00 pm so far. The hours you attend will influence who you may meet, however. People come and go all evening until Kavarna closes at 9 pm. Kavarna is a vegetarian coffeehouse/restaurant that sells bottled beers and wine. Soups, salads, chai and juices are among the many other offerings. All ages welcome. Feel free to bring your kids.
If some people suggest that "green" is your middle name, you'll probably find value in Green Bay Green Drinks. At this monthly "happy hour", people who have a passion for anything "environmental" meet for friendly conversation. Since we started in April 2005, we've been visited by folks with a wide variety of interests: science, art, politics, music, film, health, psychology, nutrition to name a few. Many work in an environmental field as professionals, educators, entrepreneurs or neighborhood activists. You never know who will be there! If you look elsewhere on the website www.greendrinks.org, you'll see that "Green Drinks" is an international movement.
See *http://www.kavarna.com for directions to Kavarna at 143 N. Broadway, located on downtown Green Bay's near west side.
You can usually find us in the "downstairs" area. Look for the group with a pile of "green books" on the table. First-timers get a free book! Also, please let Crystal (email below) know that you would like to be added to the email reminder list.
Hosting committee includes Rich Krieg; Crystal Osman, 920-562-2550, crystalosman20[at]gmail[dot]com; Kim Biederman 920.429.9008, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Institute
Also, have you checked out New Leaf Market Cooperative yet? Become a founding member today -- www.newleafmarket.org or www.facebook.com/newleafmarket
And don't forget about the Green Book Club that meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7 PM at the Daily Buzz (130 E. Walnut Street). See you there! Crystal
Green Bay, WI Green Drinks
"Green Bay Green Drinks" is a monthly 'social gathering' of environmentalists. We meet every third Thursday of the month at Kavarna Coffeehouse, on Broadway.
We start to gather shortly after 6 pm, but don't worry if you can't show up until much later. Peak attendance has been 7:00-9:00 pm so far. The hours you attend will influence who you may meet, however. People come and go all evening until Kavarna closes at 9 pm. Kavarna is a vegetarian coffeehouse/restaurant that sells bottled beers and wine. Soups, salads, chai and juices are among the many other offerings. All ages welcome. Feel free to bring your kids.
If some people suggest that "green" is your middle name, you'll probably find value in Green Bay Green Drinks. At this monthly "happy hour", people who have a passion for anything "environmental" meet for friendly conversation. Since we started in April 2005, we've been visited by folks with a wide variety of interests: science, art, politics, music, film, health, psychology, nutrition to name a few. Many work in an environmental field as professionals, educators, entrepreneurs or neighborhood activists. You never know who will be there! If you look elsewhere on the website www.greendrinks.org, you'll see that "Green Drinks" is an international movement.
See *http://www.kavarna.com for directions to Kavarna at 143 N. Broadway, located on downtown Green Bay's near west side.
You can usually find us in the "downstairs" area. Look for the group with a pile of "green books" on the table. First-timers get a free book! Also, please let Crystal (email below) know that you would like to be added to the email reminder list.
Hosting committee includes Rich Krieg; Crystal Osman, 920-562-2550, crystalosman20[at]gmail[dot]com; Kim Biederman 920.429.9008, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Institute
Friday, December 10, 2010
Executives: Being 'green' can save money
From an article by Larry Avila in The Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI:
Conference touts benefits of sustainability
TOWN OF MENASHA — Some business executives say doing what’s right for the planet puts too much strain on the bottom line.
Attendees at Wednesday’s Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council Conference, hosted by Miron Construction, wanted to debunk that way of thinking and say being green can save money as well as be a revenue generator.
“We know when you can bring in more natural light into a building, it just makes people feel better,” said Gary Kusnierz, vice president of performance excellence for Menasha-based Affinity Health System. “But another benefit is you pay less on your lighting costs.”
Shane Lauterbach, president of the Lauterbach Group, a Sussex-based printing and packaging firm, said sustainability is an important component of productivity at his company. The firm follows lean manufacturing or efficiency methods and found ways to increase productivity as well as reduce its carbon footprint.
“It does take some investment but common sense ideas also are involved,” Lauterbach said. When the company opened its new facility in 2009, many energy savings ideas were incorporated into its design.
Conference touts benefits of sustainability
TOWN OF MENASHA — Some business executives say doing what’s right for the planet puts too much strain on the bottom line.
Attendees at Wednesday’s Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council Conference, hosted by Miron Construction, wanted to debunk that way of thinking and say being green can save money as well as be a revenue generator.
“We know when you can bring in more natural light into a building, it just makes people feel better,” said Gary Kusnierz, vice president of performance excellence for Menasha-based Affinity Health System. “But another benefit is you pay less on your lighting costs.”
Shane Lauterbach, president of the Lauterbach Group, a Sussex-based printing and packaging firm, said sustainability is an important component of productivity at his company. The firm follows lean manufacturing or efficiency methods and found ways to increase productivity as well as reduce its carbon footprint.
“It does take some investment but common sense ideas also are involved,” Lauterbach said. When the company opened its new facility in 2009, many energy savings ideas were incorporated into its design.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
PSC approves final wind siting rule; improves clean energy outlook
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2010
MORE INFORMATION
RENEW Wisconsin
Michael Vickerman
608.255.4044
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org
December 9, 2010
MORE INFORMATION
RENEW Wisconsin
Michael Vickerman
608.255.4044
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org
Final Wind Siting Rule Improves Clean Energy Outlook
With the changes made at the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) open meeting today, wind developers in Wisconsin can look forward to a set of workable statewide permitting standards that will facilitate the development of well-designed wind projects.
At the meeting, the Commission adjusted the requirements on two issues of critical importance to the wind industry: set back distances and compensation to neighboring residents.
“Today’s decisions culminate a four-year effort to set Wisconsin’s permitting house in order,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide renewable energy advocacy organization.
“The final rules strike a reasonable balance between protecting public health and safety and advancing wind energy generation, a proven pathway for creating well-paying jobs and increasing revenues to local governments,” Vickerman said.
Initially, the rule did not specify a definite setback distance between turbines and residences and community buildings neighboring the host property.
“By setting a maximum setback distance of 1,250 feet, the rule would not impose economic burdens on wind developers seeking to install newer and larger wind turbines now available in the market, such as the 2.5 megawatt turbines being erected at the Shirley Wind Farm in Brown County,” according to Vickerman.
Regarding compensation to non-participating residences, the commission decided to uncouple the annual compensation level instead of linking the size of the payments to the payment received by the host landowner. The commission’s move resolved the most problematic feature that had been in the rule.
“We thank the Commissioners for their hard work and their willingness to work through a number of very complicated and thorny issues that do not lend themselves to easy resolution,” Vickerman added.
The rules promulgated by the PSC are a product of landmark legislation adopted in 2009 to establish statewide siting standards for wind energy siting. Legislative committees will have 10 days to review the rules after formally receiving them. If they take no action, the rules take effect on January 1, 2011.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Green Lake among school districts exceeding revenue caps for green projects
From an article by Amy Hetzner in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Voters in the Green Lake School District turned down three referendum proposals in 2010 to exceed spending limits, most recently a September request to pay for building work.
But many of the projects from that latest referendum - a new heating and ventilation system, replacing insulation and roofs as well as lights and computer monitors - are moving forward anyway, thanks to a new state law that allows school districts to exceed state-imposed revenue caps without voter approval if it's for energy efficiency projects.
"We're paying a short-term price for a long-term benefit," said Ken Bates, superintendent of the Green Lake School District, which has exceeded its revenue limits by $1.61 million over the past two years to pay for energy efficiency projects, more than any other school system in the state.
Statewide, the exception to state-imposed revenue caps that allows schools to increase their budgets for energy efficiency projects has paid for everything from solar panels and weather stripping to new boilers and air-conditioning cooling towers.
In all, officials with 46 Wisconsin school districts have spent or budgeted about $12 million on such initiatives since the 2009-'10 school year, when the new measure went into effect, according to figures reported to the state Department of Public Instruction. Of those districts, 13 have taken advantage of the exemption for both of the school years that it has been available.
Voters in the Green Lake School District turned down three referendum proposals in 2010 to exceed spending limits, most recently a September request to pay for building work.
But many of the projects from that latest referendum - a new heating and ventilation system, replacing insulation and roofs as well as lights and computer monitors - are moving forward anyway, thanks to a new state law that allows school districts to exceed state-imposed revenue caps without voter approval if it's for energy efficiency projects.
"We're paying a short-term price for a long-term benefit," said Ken Bates, superintendent of the Green Lake School District, which has exceeded its revenue limits by $1.61 million over the past two years to pay for energy efficiency projects, more than any other school system in the state.
Statewide, the exception to state-imposed revenue caps that allows schools to increase their budgets for energy efficiency projects has paid for everything from solar panels and weather stripping to new boilers and air-conditioning cooling towers.
In all, officials with 46 Wisconsin school districts have spent or budgeted about $12 million on such initiatives since the 2009-'10 school year, when the new measure went into effect, according to figures reported to the state Department of Public Instruction. Of those districts, 13 have taken advantage of the exemption for both of the school years that it has been available.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Power Report highlights Algoma Utilities renewable commitments
Algoma Utilities office building sports a 2.77 kW solar electric system.From an article in Power Reports, the newsletter of WPPI Energy:
With more than 100 years of dedicated service, Algoma Utilities was originally established by the citizens of Algoma to provide light to the downtown area and to encourage economic development. In 1980, Algoma Utilities was one of the 23 original members that created WPPI Energy. Today, Algoma’s locally owned and operated electric and water utility serves more than 2,000 homes and businesses. . . .
Through the utility’s Renewable Energy Program, customers can voluntarily purchase Green-e Energy Certified renewable energy for an additional $3 per month per 300-kilowatt-hour (kWh) block of renewable energy. Algoma residential customers currently purchase 49 blocks of renewable energy per year through this program. . . .
The Algoma Utility Commission voluntarily purchases 7,500 kWh of renewable energy per month, or about 33 percent of its usage, to power the municipal electric utility’s office building, substations and local well houses. A 2.77 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic awning was also installed on the Algoma Utilities office, providing a highly visible, local example of how renewable resources can benefit the community and the environment.
Town of Menasha firms get first sustainability designations
From an article by Michael King in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
TOWN OF MENASHA — SCA Tissue North America and Miron Construction Co. Inc., neighbors in a westside town business park, were recognized recently by the Town Board for their healthy and sustainable practices.
The firms were the first recipients of the town's Healthy, Sustainable Business Network designation that seeks to recognize and encourage collaborative efforts.
"This is the first in the state of Wisconsin for any business to be recognized as part of a Healthy, Sustainable Business Network," said Margie Weiss of the Weiss Health Group, a sustainability expert serving on the town advisory committee that reviewed business applications.
SCA Tissue has pursued alternative energy (solar and wind turbine) projects at its McMahon Business Park office, where it also works with Miron and McMahon in environmental research and restoration projects.
TOWN OF MENASHA — SCA Tissue North America and Miron Construction Co. Inc., neighbors in a westside town business park, were recognized recently by the Town Board for their healthy and sustainable practices.
The firms were the first recipients of the town's Healthy, Sustainable Business Network designation that seeks to recognize and encourage collaborative efforts.
"This is the first in the state of Wisconsin for any business to be recognized as part of a Healthy, Sustainable Business Network," said Margie Weiss of the Weiss Health Group, a sustainability expert serving on the town advisory committee that reviewed business applications.
SCA Tissue has pursued alternative energy (solar and wind turbine) projects at its McMahon Business Park office, where it also works with Miron and McMahon in environmental research and restoration projects.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Dual solar power will produce savings at Outagamie County airport
From an article by Pete Bach in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
GREENVILLE — The Outagamie County Regional Airport terminal has long basked in the sun. By this time next month, old Sol will shed its rays on two separate sets of rooftop solar panels to heat water and generate electricity.
The $903,000 project has already gotten funding commitments from the Department of Energy and state Board of Aeronautics, with grants from the pair totaling about $778,000. The county will pick up the balance of the cost assuming that Milwaukee-based utility We Energies or Focus on Energy of Madison doesn't match the gap.
Both systems combined may save the county $6,000 annually.
"We anticipate the return to be under 10 years," said Airport Director Marty Lenss.
Lenss said by itself, the $6,000 in savings isn't a huge sum. But anything a consuming entity can to do to counter upwardly spiraling utilities costs helps. And it builds benefits.
"Your dividends start to pay a little more higher return over time as utility rates go up," he said. The savings equate to about two or three cents per square foot on tenant rental rates.
The airport can gain in another way. By generating electricity it won't need for its own consumption, a clause with We Energies allows the airport to sell the excess power onto the utility grid on a dollar-for-dollar credit basis.
GREENVILLE — The Outagamie County Regional Airport terminal has long basked in the sun. By this time next month, old Sol will shed its rays on two separate sets of rooftop solar panels to heat water and generate electricity.
The $903,000 project has already gotten funding commitments from the Department of Energy and state Board of Aeronautics, with grants from the pair totaling about $778,000. The county will pick up the balance of the cost assuming that Milwaukee-based utility We Energies or Focus on Energy of Madison doesn't match the gap.
Both systems combined may save the county $6,000 annually.
"We anticipate the return to be under 10 years," said Airport Director Marty Lenss.
Lenss said by itself, the $6,000 in savings isn't a huge sum. But anything a consuming entity can to do to counter upwardly spiraling utilities costs helps. And it builds benefits.
"Your dividends start to pay a little more higher return over time as utility rates go up," he said. The savings equate to about two or three cents per square foot on tenant rental rates.
The airport can gain in another way. By generating electricity it won't need for its own consumption, a clause with We Energies allows the airport to sell the excess power onto the utility grid on a dollar-for-dollar credit basis.
Friday, December 3, 2010
High-speed rail draws big FdL crowd
From an article by Laurie Ritger in the Fond du Lac Reporter:
The prospect of a pricey high-speed rail project in Wisconsin packed a Fond du Lac meeting room Thursday night as the pros and cons of the project were debated.
Citizens interested in high-speed rail heard about a plan to construct a rail line that would be part of the Milwaukee-Twin Cities High Speed Rail Corridor. Many of those attending drove considerable distances to attend the meeting.
Charles Quandel, chief executive officer of Quandel Engineering Services of Chicago, led the presentation Thursday night. He noted much more work needs to be done as experts study numerous alternatives, including one that could travel through Fond du Lac, the Fox Valley and Stevens Point before heading to Eau Claire and Minnesota.
"What part of the message of Nov. 2 (election of Scott Walker as governor) do you not understand?" asked Ron Schmitz of Fond du Lac as applause rang out.
Walker has vowed not to accept $800 million in federal stimulus dollars earmarked for the rail line. Concerns have been raised about the estimated $7.5 million a year in ongoing costs to be paid by the state. . . .
David Sartori of the Milwaukee suburb of Cudahy said he is convinced high-speed rail is "the future."
He said it would create family-supporting jobs for future generations.
"This (federal) grant has been a real blessing, and it would be just devastating, just a shame if we returned this money to the government," he said.
Many in the audience laughed when he said the train is the "greatest invention since the invention of sliced Wisconsin cheese."
Andy Olsen, senior policy advocate with Environmental Law & Policy Center, based in Madison, was passionate in his statements about high-speed rail and how it makes sense for the state. Olsen was sitting near Kathy Lefebre of Green Bay, who said she enjoys riding the train.
The prospect of a pricey high-speed rail project in Wisconsin packed a Fond du Lac meeting room Thursday night as the pros and cons of the project were debated.
Citizens interested in high-speed rail heard about a plan to construct a rail line that would be part of the Milwaukee-Twin Cities High Speed Rail Corridor. Many of those attending drove considerable distances to attend the meeting.
Charles Quandel, chief executive officer of Quandel Engineering Services of Chicago, led the presentation Thursday night. He noted much more work needs to be done as experts study numerous alternatives, including one that could travel through Fond du Lac, the Fox Valley and Stevens Point before heading to Eau Claire and Minnesota.
"What part of the message of Nov. 2 (election of Scott Walker as governor) do you not understand?" asked Ron Schmitz of Fond du Lac as applause rang out.
Walker has vowed not to accept $800 million in federal stimulus dollars earmarked for the rail line. Concerns have been raised about the estimated $7.5 million a year in ongoing costs to be paid by the state. . . .
David Sartori of the Milwaukee suburb of Cudahy said he is convinced high-speed rail is "the future."
He said it would create family-supporting jobs for future generations.
"This (federal) grant has been a real blessing, and it would be just devastating, just a shame if we returned this money to the government," he said.
Many in the audience laughed when he said the train is the "greatest invention since the invention of sliced Wisconsin cheese."
Andy Olsen, senior policy advocate with Environmental Law & Policy Center, based in Madison, was passionate in his statements about high-speed rail and how it makes sense for the state. Olsen was sitting near Kathy Lefebre of Green Bay, who said she enjoys riding the train.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Manitowoc solar and energy conservation projects under way
From an article by Greg Buckley in the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter:
Work on energy-conserving measures at various city facilities, funded in large part with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is under way.
Just this week, contractors from Schaus Heating and Cooling completed installation of variable-speed drives on the blowers that move air through the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system at City Hall. Savings in electricity consumption from this project should exceed the $12,400 capital cost in just over two years.
Contracts recently were awarded to two area firms that will install solar water heating systems at other city buildings. GreenSky Energetics of Manitowoc was low bidder at $24,701 for a solar water heating system at the senior center. Jindra Plumbing of Manitowoc won the bid for installing a similar system at the fire department for $18,950.
There are contracts still to be set for lighting upgrades totaling about $50,000 at various city buildings. New energy-efficient fixtures will be installed at City Hall, Lester Public Library, the Public Works garage and the cemetery maintenance building.
Work on energy-conserving measures at various city facilities, funded in large part with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is under way.
Just this week, contractors from Schaus Heating and Cooling completed installation of variable-speed drives on the blowers that move air through the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system at City Hall. Savings in electricity consumption from this project should exceed the $12,400 capital cost in just over two years.
Contracts recently were awarded to two area firms that will install solar water heating systems at other city buildings. GreenSky Energetics of Manitowoc was low bidder at $24,701 for a solar water heating system at the senior center. Jindra Plumbing of Manitowoc won the bid for installing a similar system at the fire department for $18,950.
There are contracts still to be set for lighting upgrades totaling about $50,000 at various city buildings. New energy-efficient fixtures will be installed at City Hall, Lester Public Library, the Public Works garage and the cemetery maintenance building.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Wind farm proximity and property values
From a study by Jennifer L. Hinman, graduate student, Illinois State University, Department of Economics:
The estimation results provide evidence that a location effect exists such that before the wind farm was even approved, properties located near the eventual wind farm area were devalued in comparison to other areas. Additionally, the results show that property value impacts vary based on the different stages of wind farm development. These stages of wind farm development roughly correspond to the different levels of risk as perceived by local residents and potential homebuyers. Some of the estimation results support the existence of wind farm anticipation stigma theory, meaning that property values may have diminished due to a fear of the unknown: a general uncertainty surrounding a wind farm project regarding the aesthetic impacts on the landscape, the actual noise impacts from the wind turbines, and just how disruptive the wind farm will actually be.
However, during the operational stage of the wind farm project, as property owners, living in close proximity to Twin Groves I and II wind turbines, acquired additional information on the aesthetic impacts on the landscape and actual noise impacts of the wind turbines to see if any of their concerns materialized, property values rebounded and soared higher in real terms than they were even before wind farm approval. Thus, this study presents evidence that demonstrates close proximity to an operating wind farm does not necessarily negatively influence property value appreciation rates or property value levels (in percentage terms). The estimation results strongly reject the existence of wind farm area stigma theory for the area surrounding Twin Groves I and II.
The estimation results provide evidence that a location effect exists such that before the wind farm was even approved, properties located near the eventual wind farm area were devalued in comparison to other areas. Additionally, the results show that property value impacts vary based on the different stages of wind farm development. These stages of wind farm development roughly correspond to the different levels of risk as perceived by local residents and potential homebuyers. Some of the estimation results support the existence of wind farm anticipation stigma theory, meaning that property values may have diminished due to a fear of the unknown: a general uncertainty surrounding a wind farm project regarding the aesthetic impacts on the landscape, the actual noise impacts from the wind turbines, and just how disruptive the wind farm will actually be.
However, during the operational stage of the wind farm project, as property owners, living in close proximity to Twin Groves I and II wind turbines, acquired additional information on the aesthetic impacts on the landscape and actual noise impacts of the wind turbines to see if any of their concerns materialized, property values rebounded and soared higher in real terms than they were even before wind farm approval. Thus, this study presents evidence that demonstrates close proximity to an operating wind farm does not necessarily negatively influence property value appreciation rates or property value levels (in percentage terms). The estimation results strongly reject the existence of wind farm area stigma theory for the area surrounding Twin Groves I and II.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
High-speed rail hearing set for Fond du Lac, Dec. 2
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is holding a series of public hearings around the state in the next week, and these hearings could make or break the future of high speed rail in Wisconsin.
This is our chance to stand together and send a message loud and clear to our public leaders that Wisconsin supports high speed rail.
The meetings will run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and will take place in the following cities over the next week:
Thursday, Dec. 2 in Fond du Lac at UW-Fond du Lact campus, 400 University Drive in Fond du Lac.
Tuesday, Dec. 7 in Madison at the WisDOT Southwest Region Office, 2101 Wright Street
If you can't attend one of the hearings, you can still make your voice heard by signing our 'Save the Train' letter to Governor-elect Scott Walker at https://secure3.convio.net/pn/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=576.
This is our chance to stand together and send a message loud and clear to our public leaders that Wisconsin supports high speed rail.
The meetings will run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and will take place in the following cities over the next week:
Thursday, Dec. 2 in Fond du Lac at UW-Fond du Lact campus, 400 University Drive in Fond du Lac.
Tuesday, Dec. 7 in Madison at the WisDOT Southwest Region Office, 2101 Wright Street
If you can't attend one of the hearings, you can still make your voice heard by signing our 'Save the Train' letter to Governor-elect Scott Walker at https://secure3.convio.net/pn/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=576.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Northeast Wisconsin program fuels energy conservation
From an article by Richard Ryman in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
Allouez is one of three northeastern Wisconsin communities tabbed for pilot programs to encourage consumers to use less electricity and natural gas. The programs are a result of an agreement between WPS, the Citizens Utility Board and the state Public Service Commission to see if conservation can be brought about without coercive utility rates.
"One of the things we struggle with in our industry is what does it take to get residential customers to be interested? Nobody's really cracked that nut," said Dennis Derricks, director of electric regulatory policy and analysis for Integrys Energy Group, parent company of Wisconsin Public Service Corp.
Called iCanConserve, the program offers a variety of incentives for people to upgrade their houses and equipment, and to change behaviors. Focus on Energy, the utility-funded statewide energy efficiency organization, is providing steeply discounted home energy audits and other information and assistance in support of the program.
The first pilot program kicked off in Brillion last fall. The Allouez program began this fall and a central Wisconsin community likely will host the third. . . .
"Generally, people can save 20 percent (on utility bills) if they do these things," said Charlie Higley, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board.
Allouez is one of three northeastern Wisconsin communities tabbed for pilot programs to encourage consumers to use less electricity and natural gas. The programs are a result of an agreement between WPS, the Citizens Utility Board and the state Public Service Commission to see if conservation can be brought about without coercive utility rates.
"One of the things we struggle with in our industry is what does it take to get residential customers to be interested? Nobody's really cracked that nut," said Dennis Derricks, director of electric regulatory policy and analysis for Integrys Energy Group, parent company of Wisconsin Public Service Corp.
Called iCanConserve, the program offers a variety of incentives for people to upgrade their houses and equipment, and to change behaviors. Focus on Energy, the utility-funded statewide energy efficiency organization, is providing steeply discounted home energy audits and other information and assistance in support of the program.
The first pilot program kicked off in Brillion last fall. The Allouez program began this fall and a central Wisconsin community likely will host the third. . . .
"Generally, people can save 20 percent (on utility bills) if they do these things," said Charlie Higley, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Shirley Wind: An Auspicious Debut for Emerging Energies
Commentary
by Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin
November 10, 2010
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending a celebration of Shirley Wind, Wisconsin’s newest commercial wind installation. Located in the Brown County township of Glenmore, a mere 15 miles southeast of Lambeau Field, the project consists of eight Nordex N100 turbines rated at 2.5 megawatts (MW) apiece. All eight turbines are fully erected and will be turned on individually as part of the commissioning process. Commercial operation should begin in a few weeks.
There are many features of this project that stand out. The most obvious one is the turbines themselves, which are the tallest in Wisconsin and are among the tallest in North America. The nacelle is perched on a 100-meter tower (330 feet). Attached to the rotor are three blades extending 50 meters (165 feet). For comparison purposes, the tower is more than 60 feet taller than the next largest turbine in Wisconsin, the Vestas V82, and the blades are about 30 feet longer. According to Michels Wind, the general contractor for Shirley Wind, the spread foundations supporting these turbines are the largest in North America.
Between their height and blade length, Shirley Wind’s eight turbines will be the most productive wind generators in the state. The power conversion zone of a Nordex N100 is one-third larger than those of the Vestas and GE turbines located in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties. The turbine’s productivity is enhanced by the favorable wind resource that flows over the relatively flat terrain in southeast Brown County. All told, Shirley Wind’s turbines should produce about 64 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, which will exceed the annual output from the 20 turbines at the 30 MW Montfort installation in Iowa County, now in its 10th year of operation.
Another praiseworthy feature of Shirley Wind is the degree of local participation in the manufacturing and construction of the project. The towers were fabricated in Manitowoc by Tower Tech Systems. Manitowoc Crane supplied the giant crane that assembled the turbines. Brownsville-based Michels Wind Energy, which was also the general contractor for the 86-turbine Forward Energy Center surrounding its headquarters, organized and oversaw all facets of project construction. Numerous Wisconsin-based subcontractors, consulting engineers and natural resource professionals also made significant contributions to Shirley Wind. And Emerging Energies, the enterprising developer that started prospecting in this area in 2004 and drove the project forward across the finish line six years, is a Wisconsin corporation whose principals have deep roots in the Badger State.
It is no accident that the Shirley Wind project sets a new standard for Wisconsin content and participation. From its inception, Emerging Energies sought to maximize the benefits of windpower development to two important constituencies: Wisconsin businesses and the local community. As it turned out, its decision to partner with Tower Tech was a money-saving proposition, due to the very short distances needed to haul 80-ton tower sections from Manitowoc to the project site 25 miles away.
To build support among local officials, Emerging Energies agreed to set aside a portion of their receipts for compensating local governments and project neighbors, even though such payments are not required on power plants under 50 MW. The developer devised an innovative arrangement that allocates one-third of this revenue pool to the Town of Glenmore, one-third to Brown County, and one-third to project neighbors living within a certain distance of a wind turbine. This commitment to equitable distribution of revenues was no doubt instrumental in helping Emerging Energies secure a conditional use permit from the township in March 2007. This was no mean feat for a seasoned wind developer, let alone a relative newcomer to the industry.
With permit in hand, Emerging Energies set out to find an entity with an appetite for renewable energy. Initially, the developer approached Wisconsin utilities, which are required under 2005 Act 141 to increase the renewable energy content of the electricity they sell. However, by the time Emerging Energies started knocking on their doors, the utilities were already moving forward with their own acquisition plans, which emphasized owning and operating renewable generation sources over purchasing renewable electricity from third parties.
However, the same state law created another entity that needed to acquire renewable energy, namely, the State of Wisconsin. Under Act 141, which was signed into law in March of 2006, the State is obligated to source, by 2011, 20% of the electricity it consumes, or 184 million kilowatt-hours per year, from renewable resources. For state government officials, the purchasing requirement presented an opportunity to back an in-state wind project that could showcase Wisconsin’s prowess in manufacturing and construction as well as bolster the local economy. As a modest-sized project that had assembled a highly capable project development team, Shirley Wind shaped up to be an ideal fit for the State’s aspirations.
Because only utilities can legally sell electricity at retail, the State of Wisconsin and Emerging Energies needed to engage Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, the local utility, in a purchasing agreement that could allow the project to move forward. This was accomplished under a novel arrangement that allows Wisconsin Public Service to purchase both electricity and renewable energy credits from Shirley Wind under a 20-year contract and resell the credits to the State of Wisconsin.
With this three-way arrangement in place, Emerging Energies then sold a 90% stake in Shirley Wind in late 2009 to an outside investor, Central Hudson Enterprise Corporation, a Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based company. The other 10% of the project remains with Emerging Energies. Having consummated that investment, Shirley Wind cleared the last remaining preconstruction hurdle. Project construction commenced in April.
When fully operational, Shirley Wind will produce enough electricity to equal the annual consumption of approximately 8,000 households without discharging so much as an ounce of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. At the same time, the project as well as generate thousands of dollars each year in supplemental income to host landowners and their neighbors. At every step of this six-year endeavor, Emerging Energies pursued its vision of locally beneficial renewable energy development in a patient and transparent manner, which eventually bore fruit when the State of Wisconsin decided to apply the power of the public purse to seal the deal for Shirley Wind. Shirley Wind represents an auspicious debut for Emerging Energies. Hopefully, there will be more projects coming through that particular pipeline.
Michael Vickerman is executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a sustainable energy advocacy organization. RENEW Wisconsin hosts and updates the on-line Wisconsin Wind Information Center (http://www.wiwindinfo.net) and facilitates the Wisconsin Wind Working Group. These commentaries also posted on RENEW’s blog: http://renewwisconsinblog.org.
by Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin
November 10, 2010
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending a celebration of Shirley Wind, Wisconsin’s newest commercial wind installation. Located in the Brown County township of Glenmore, a mere 15 miles southeast of Lambeau Field, the project consists of eight Nordex N100 turbines rated at 2.5 megawatts (MW) apiece. All eight turbines are fully erected and will be turned on individually as part of the commissioning process. Commercial operation should begin in a few weeks.
There are many features of this project that stand out. The most obvious one is the turbines themselves, which are the tallest in Wisconsin and are among the tallest in North America. The nacelle is perched on a 100-meter tower (330 feet). Attached to the rotor are three blades extending 50 meters (165 feet). For comparison purposes, the tower is more than 60 feet taller than the next largest turbine in Wisconsin, the Vestas V82, and the blades are about 30 feet longer. According to Michels Wind, the general contractor for Shirley Wind, the spread foundations supporting these turbines are the largest in North America.
Between their height and blade length, Shirley Wind’s eight turbines will be the most productive wind generators in the state. The power conversion zone of a Nordex N100 is one-third larger than those of the Vestas and GE turbines located in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties. The turbine’s productivity is enhanced by the favorable wind resource that flows over the relatively flat terrain in southeast Brown County. All told, Shirley Wind’s turbines should produce about 64 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, which will exceed the annual output from the 20 turbines at the 30 MW Montfort installation in Iowa County, now in its 10th year of operation.
Another praiseworthy feature of Shirley Wind is the degree of local participation in the manufacturing and construction of the project. The towers were fabricated in Manitowoc by Tower Tech Systems. Manitowoc Crane supplied the giant crane that assembled the turbines. Brownsville-based Michels Wind Energy, which was also the general contractor for the 86-turbine Forward Energy Center surrounding its headquarters, organized and oversaw all facets of project construction. Numerous Wisconsin-based subcontractors, consulting engineers and natural resource professionals also made significant contributions to Shirley Wind. And Emerging Energies, the enterprising developer that started prospecting in this area in 2004 and drove the project forward across the finish line six years, is a Wisconsin corporation whose principals have deep roots in the Badger State.
It is no accident that the Shirley Wind project sets a new standard for Wisconsin content and participation. From its inception, Emerging Energies sought to maximize the benefits of windpower development to two important constituencies: Wisconsin businesses and the local community. As it turned out, its decision to partner with Tower Tech was a money-saving proposition, due to the very short distances needed to haul 80-ton tower sections from Manitowoc to the project site 25 miles away.
To build support among local officials, Emerging Energies agreed to set aside a portion of their receipts for compensating local governments and project neighbors, even though such payments are not required on power plants under 50 MW. The developer devised an innovative arrangement that allocates one-third of this revenue pool to the Town of Glenmore, one-third to Brown County, and one-third to project neighbors living within a certain distance of a wind turbine. This commitment to equitable distribution of revenues was no doubt instrumental in helping Emerging Energies secure a conditional use permit from the township in March 2007. This was no mean feat for a seasoned wind developer, let alone a relative newcomer to the industry.
With permit in hand, Emerging Energies set out to find an entity with an appetite for renewable energy. Initially, the developer approached Wisconsin utilities, which are required under 2005 Act 141 to increase the renewable energy content of the electricity they sell. However, by the time Emerging Energies started knocking on their doors, the utilities were already moving forward with their own acquisition plans, which emphasized owning and operating renewable generation sources over purchasing renewable electricity from third parties.
However, the same state law created another entity that needed to acquire renewable energy, namely, the State of Wisconsin. Under Act 141, which was signed into law in March of 2006, the State is obligated to source, by 2011, 20% of the electricity it consumes, or 184 million kilowatt-hours per year, from renewable resources. For state government officials, the purchasing requirement presented an opportunity to back an in-state wind project that could showcase Wisconsin’s prowess in manufacturing and construction as well as bolster the local economy. As a modest-sized project that had assembled a highly capable project development team, Shirley Wind shaped up to be an ideal fit for the State’s aspirations.
Because only utilities can legally sell electricity at retail, the State of Wisconsin and Emerging Energies needed to engage Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, the local utility, in a purchasing agreement that could allow the project to move forward. This was accomplished under a novel arrangement that allows Wisconsin Public Service to purchase both electricity and renewable energy credits from Shirley Wind under a 20-year contract and resell the credits to the State of Wisconsin.
With this three-way arrangement in place, Emerging Energies then sold a 90% stake in Shirley Wind in late 2009 to an outside investor, Central Hudson Enterprise Corporation, a Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based company. The other 10% of the project remains with Emerging Energies. Having consummated that investment, Shirley Wind cleared the last remaining preconstruction hurdle. Project construction commenced in April.
When fully operational, Shirley Wind will produce enough electricity to equal the annual consumption of approximately 8,000 households without discharging so much as an ounce of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. At the same time, the project as well as generate thousands of dollars each year in supplemental income to host landowners and their neighbors. At every step of this six-year endeavor, Emerging Energies pursued its vision of locally beneficial renewable energy development in a patient and transparent manner, which eventually bore fruit when the State of Wisconsin decided to apply the power of the public purse to seal the deal for Shirley Wind. Shirley Wind represents an auspicious debut for Emerging Energies. Hopefully, there will be more projects coming through that particular pipeline.
Michael Vickerman is executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a sustainable energy advocacy organization. RENEW Wisconsin hosts and updates the on-line Wisconsin Wind Information Center (http://www.wiwindinfo.net) and facilitates the Wisconsin Wind Working Group. These commentaries also posted on RENEW’s blog: http://renewwisconsinblog.org.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wisconsin Wind Works sees success
From a news release issued by the New North:
The Wisconsin Wind Works has seen significant growth over the past year in growing the wind energy industry in the State. The Wisconsin Wind Works is a consortium of wind energy suppliers and manufacturers established by the New North, Inc.
This year the Wisconsin Wind Works Supply Chain Directory, a listing of companies involved in producing components and providing services to the industry added 40 companies. This has brought the statewide total to 279. Of the companies 68 percent reported they are currently supplying the wind energy market. This is a 24 percent increase from 2009.
Jerry Murphy, Executive Director of the New North, Inc. is pleased with the statistics and results of the New North and Wisconsin Wind Works to promote the assets of Wisconsin and capabilities of the companies within it. “With our state’s excellent advanced manufacturers and the success of our technical colleges in training workers for this industry, people across the country are recognizing that Wisconsin is the ideal place for component production and other wind energy services. . . .”
The 7th annual New North Summit will be held at the Kolf Sports Center at UW-Oshkosh on December 3. The efforts of Wisconsin Wind Works will be highlighted during the event, which will also feature Oshkosh-based Renewegy, LLC demonstrating their model wind turbine.
For more information on the Summit, please visit http://www.newnorthsummit.com.
The Wisconsin Wind Works has seen significant growth over the past year in growing the wind energy industry in the State. The Wisconsin Wind Works is a consortium of wind energy suppliers and manufacturers established by the New North, Inc.
This year the Wisconsin Wind Works Supply Chain Directory, a listing of companies involved in producing components and providing services to the industry added 40 companies. This has brought the statewide total to 279. Of the companies 68 percent reported they are currently supplying the wind energy market. This is a 24 percent increase from 2009.
Jerry Murphy, Executive Director of the New North, Inc. is pleased with the statistics and results of the New North and Wisconsin Wind Works to promote the assets of Wisconsin and capabilities of the companies within it. “With our state’s excellent advanced manufacturers and the success of our technical colleges in training workers for this industry, people across the country are recognizing that Wisconsin is the ideal place for component production and other wind energy services. . . .”
The 7th annual New North Summit will be held at the Kolf Sports Center at UW-Oshkosh on December 3. The efforts of Wisconsin Wind Works will be highlighted during the event, which will also feature Oshkosh-based Renewegy, LLC demonstrating their model wind turbine.
For more information on the Summit, please visit http://www.newnorthsummit.com.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Menasha Corp. adds wind as power source
From an article by Kathleen Gallagher in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
A little more than two years after it was founded, and a month after starting full-scale production, an Oshkosh manufacturing company expects to have as many as 30 of its wind turbines up and running for customers by the end of the year.
Renewegy LLC's most recently-announced sale was to Menasha Corp.
Privately held Menasha plans to install five wind turbines to generate electricity for its offices in Neenah, along Highway 41. The five 20-kilowatt turbines stand 115 tall, about the height of a stadium light pole. The cost of the plan was not disclosed.
The project will be the largest wind installation at a business in northeastern Wisconsin, said Nancy Whitton, Menasha's corporate communications director.
Other Wisconsin organizations that have turned to Renewegy for turbines include Orion Energy Systems Inc. in Manitowoc, SCA Tissue in the town of Menasha, Bergstrom Corp.'s new Mini Cooper dealership, Kaukauna High School and Neenah-based J. J. Keller.
Renewegy, which has 17 employees, also recently signed agreements with distributors in Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska and is looking for more in other states, said Jeff Ehlers, the company's president.
A little more than two years after it was founded, and a month after starting full-scale production, an Oshkosh manufacturing company expects to have as many as 30 of its wind turbines up and running for customers by the end of the year.
Renewegy LLC's most recently-announced sale was to Menasha Corp.
Privately held Menasha plans to install five wind turbines to generate electricity for its offices in Neenah, along Highway 41. The five 20-kilowatt turbines stand 115 tall, about the height of a stadium light pole. The cost of the plan was not disclosed.
The project will be the largest wind installation at a business in northeastern Wisconsin, said Nancy Whitton, Menasha's corporate communications director.
Other Wisconsin organizations that have turned to Renewegy for turbines include Orion Energy Systems Inc. in Manitowoc, SCA Tissue in the town of Menasha, Bergstrom Corp.'s new Mini Cooper dealership, Kaukauna High School and Neenah-based J. J. Keller.
Renewegy, which has 17 employees, also recently signed agreements with distributors in Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska and is looking for more in other states, said Jeff Ehlers, the company's president.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Rally for trains this Saturday! Noon, Nov. 20, Oshkosh
Join us as we tell Scott Walker that Wisconsin can't afford to say NO over $800 million dollars in federal grant funds for this project, 9,570 permanent jobs, and increased property values.
When: Saturday, November 20th, 12:00PM - 12:45 PM
Where: Rainbow Memorial Park (corner of Veterans Trail and Rainbow Dr; To Be Confirmed)
Who: Paul Aird, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Janet Moldenhauer, Sierra Club - Fox Valley Group, and You. More details.
If we want to save this train, we need to speak up now! Join us as we tell Scott Walker that Wisconsin can't afford to say NO over $800 million dollars in federal grant funds for this project, 9,570 permanent jobs, and increased property values. Let's extend the popular Hiawatha service connecting Chicago and Milwaukee. Let's create a safe, convenient efficient way to travel throughout the Midwest. We can make a difference, IF we stand together. Please attend and bring a friend!
When: Saturday, November 20th, 12:00PM - 12:45 PM
Where: Rainbow Memorial Park (corner of Veterans Trail and Rainbow Dr; To Be Confirmed)
Who: Paul Aird, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Janet Moldenhauer, Sierra Club - Fox Valley Group, and You. More details.
If we want to save this train, we need to speak up now! Join us as we tell Scott Walker that Wisconsin can't afford to say NO over $800 million dollars in federal grant funds for this project, 9,570 permanent jobs, and increased property values. Let's extend the popular Hiawatha service connecting Chicago and Milwaukee. Let's create a safe, convenient efficient way to travel throughout the Midwest. We can make a difference, IF we stand together. Please attend and bring a friend!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Green Bay School Offers District's First "Green Science" Class
From a story on WBAY-TV, Green Bay:
"Green collar" jobs are expected to boom in the coming years as more people look to save the environment. Green Bay's Southwest High School is teaching students about what going green is all about.
"Putting the solar panels up on the top of the roof. That surprised me," says senior Liz Meisel. Students in the district's first green science class are learning about energy and how to conserve it. They're looking into the energy around them, and how they can make it work better.
"How is it managed? How do we take energy resources and use it to provide the type of energy that we need in the space like this or a space like a home?" says Scott Liddicoat, Southwest teacher.
Liddicoat has been developing this class for several years and it's not only captured these students attention, but could also lead to some lucrative careers. "Wisconsin is a state that only has renewable energy sources to it within its borders, so we've got quite a group of students here who can become leaders in areas from everything from marketing that concept to becoming electricians and plumbers and installers and everything in between," says Liddicoat.
"Green collar" jobs are expected to boom in the coming years as more people look to save the environment. Green Bay's Southwest High School is teaching students about what going green is all about.
"Putting the solar panels up on the top of the roof. That surprised me," says senior Liz Meisel. Students in the district's first green science class are learning about energy and how to conserve it. They're looking into the energy around them, and how they can make it work better.
"How is it managed? How do we take energy resources and use it to provide the type of energy that we need in the space like this or a space like a home?" says Scott Liddicoat, Southwest teacher.
Liddicoat has been developing this class for several years and it's not only captured these students attention, but could also lead to some lucrative careers. "Wisconsin is a state that only has renewable energy sources to it within its borders, so we've got quite a group of students here who can become leaders in areas from everything from marketing that concept to becoming electricians and plumbers and installers and everything in between," says Liddicoat.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Green Bay home energy rebates help some, but not all
From an article by Charles Davis in the Fond du Lac Reporter:
Nancy Rein is falling through the cracks, and so is the heat in her home.
The 57-year-old unemployed homeowner from Green Bay said it's hard to qualify for energy-efficiency assistance to lower her heating bill.
"I have no money for anything, I need a roof right now, and I can't find any help," she said.
Rein is one of many homeowners seeking city and federal resources to make home improvements that would lower heating costs in preparation for winter.
Wisconsin Public Service Corp. predicts the typical residential customer could pay $13.50 more for heat this winter than last winter, totaling about $544 for natural gas between Nov. 1 and March 31.
With a $1 million federal grant, the city's Home Energy Audit Rebate Program helps homeowners make repairs. Homeowners can qualify for a $100 rebate on a home-energy audit, which usually costs $300 to $350.
If at least two upgrades are made within six months, the homeowner can receive another $100 rebate.
Nancy Rein is falling through the cracks, and so is the heat in her home.
The 57-year-old unemployed homeowner from Green Bay said it's hard to qualify for energy-efficiency assistance to lower her heating bill.
"I have no money for anything, I need a roof right now, and I can't find any help," she said.
Rein is one of many homeowners seeking city and federal resources to make home improvements that would lower heating costs in preparation for winter.
Wisconsin Public Service Corp. predicts the typical residential customer could pay $13.50 more for heat this winter than last winter, totaling about $544 for natural gas between Nov. 1 and March 31.
With a $1 million federal grant, the city's Home Energy Audit Rebate Program helps homeowners make repairs. Homeowners can qualify for a $100 rebate on a home-energy audit, which usually costs $300 to $350.
If at least two upgrades are made within six months, the homeowner can receive another $100 rebate.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Trainmaker Talgo says future in Wisconsin uncertain
From a story on WISN-TV, Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE -- Trainmaker Talgo Inc. said Friday it can't promise it will stay in Milwaukee if Wisconsin scuttles its plans for a high-speed rail project as Gov.-elect Scott Walker has proposed.
Talgo has enough work to keep it in Wisconsin through early 2012, but its prospects beyond that are as uncertain as the rail project's future, company spokeswoman Nora Friend said.
"Until two days ago we were telling (employees) there was definitely potential for growth," she told The Associated Press. "Now we have to tell them the truth, that it all depends on what the government decides to do."
Walker, the Republican who was elected governor this week, has criticized the high-speed rail project that would link Madison and Milwaukee as a waste of taxpayer money. He has vowed to shut down the $810 million project, which is being funded by federal stimulus money.
Outgoing Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle on Thursday ordered contractors to suspend work on the train line while his administration considered the potential impact of killing the project.
Neither he nor Walker immediately returned a message Friday.
Talgo agreed to locate its Wisconsin site at a former automotive plant in Milwaukee in March after the city agreed to invest $3 million to convert and upgrade the facility. Talgo said at the time it planned to create 125 local jobs, not including additional work for vendors and suppliers.
Friend said the company expected to have 40 employees by the end of the month, but said she could no longer make any staffing predictions beyond that.
MILWAUKEE -- Trainmaker Talgo Inc. said Friday it can't promise it will stay in Milwaukee if Wisconsin scuttles its plans for a high-speed rail project as Gov.-elect Scott Walker has proposed.
Talgo has enough work to keep it in Wisconsin through early 2012, but its prospects beyond that are as uncertain as the rail project's future, company spokeswoman Nora Friend said.
"Until two days ago we were telling (employees) there was definitely potential for growth," she told The Associated Press. "Now we have to tell them the truth, that it all depends on what the government decides to do."
Walker, the Republican who was elected governor this week, has criticized the high-speed rail project that would link Madison and Milwaukee as a waste of taxpayer money. He has vowed to shut down the $810 million project, which is being funded by federal stimulus money.
Outgoing Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle on Thursday ordered contractors to suspend work on the train line while his administration considered the potential impact of killing the project.
Neither he nor Walker immediately returned a message Friday.
Talgo agreed to locate its Wisconsin site at a former automotive plant in Milwaukee in March after the city agreed to invest $3 million to convert and upgrade the facility. Talgo said at the time it planned to create 125 local jobs, not including additional work for vendors and suppliers.
Friend said the company expected to have 40 employees by the end of the month, but said she could no longer make any staffing predictions beyond that.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Help make walking, running, and biking in Grand Chute more safe, convenient, and enjoyable!
The Town of Grand Chute will be developing a Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategy over the next few months. When completed, this document will help the Town set priorities for future projects, leverage funding and grants, and create policies that help ensure future development provides facilities for walkers and bicyclists.
Please join us at our first workshop!
Tuesday, November 9th @ 7 p.m.
Grand Chute Town Hall, 1900 Grand Chute Boulevard from CTH “OO” (Northland Avenue), go north on CTH “A” (Lynndale Drive) one mile
We need your help locating areas that are unsafe for walking or biking, identifying places that are difficult to reach by foot or bike, and recommending improvements that we could make.
Please contact Kevin J. Vonck, Special Projects Coordinator @ #920-380-2910 with any questions.
Please join us at our first workshop!
Tuesday, November 9th @ 7 p.m.
Grand Chute Town Hall, 1900 Grand Chute Boulevard from CTH “OO” (Northland Avenue), go north on CTH “A” (Lynndale Drive) one mile
We need your help locating areas that are unsafe for walking or biking, identifying places that are difficult to reach by foot or bike, and recommending improvements that we could make.
Please contact Kevin J. Vonck, Special Projects Coordinator @ #920-380-2910 with any questions.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Menasha Packaging gets OK from Neenah for five turbines
From an article by in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
NEENAH — Menasha Packaging Co. has secured city approval to install five 20-kilowatt wind turbines outside its headquarters at 1645 Bergstrom Road.
The turbines would be the first in Neenah and would be similar to the four turbines installed at SCA Tissue's Service Excellence Center along U.S. 10 in the Town of Menasha.
April Mielke, Neenah's deputy director of community development and assessment, said the turbines would be highly visible to motorists on U.S. 41 and would serve as a daily reminder of sustainable practices.
"It shows that the city is committed to working with the business community to help companies become more energy conscious," Mielke said.
The Neenah Plan Commission unanimously approved the site plan for the project.
Morgan Wiswall, purchasing manager for Menasha Packaging, declined to discuss the project last week because the company had not yet committed to full funding.
Mielke said the turbines could be installed yet this year.
"You would see this move forward really quickly if it is approved (for funding)," she said.
The wind turbines, manufactured by Renewegy of Oshkosh, would generate electricity to support the power needs of Menasha Packaging. Mielke said the turbines are only one component of the company's efforts.
NEENAH — Menasha Packaging Co. has secured city approval to install five 20-kilowatt wind turbines outside its headquarters at 1645 Bergstrom Road.
The turbines would be the first in Neenah and would be similar to the four turbines installed at SCA Tissue's Service Excellence Center along U.S. 10 in the Town of Menasha.
April Mielke, Neenah's deputy director of community development and assessment, said the turbines would be highly visible to motorists on U.S. 41 and would serve as a daily reminder of sustainable practices.
"It shows that the city is committed to working with the business community to help companies become more energy conscious," Mielke said.
The Neenah Plan Commission unanimously approved the site plan for the project.
Morgan Wiswall, purchasing manager for Menasha Packaging, declined to discuss the project last week because the company had not yet committed to full funding.
Mielke said the turbines could be installed yet this year.
"You would see this move forward really quickly if it is approved (for funding)," she said.
The wind turbines, manufactured by Renewegy of Oshkosh, would generate electricity to support the power needs of Menasha Packaging. Mielke said the turbines are only one component of the company's efforts.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Top 10 things a Wisconsin voter should know for Election Day
From a news release issued by the Government Accountability Board:
MADISON, WI – The Government Accountability Board today released its list of the top 10 things a Wisconsin voter should know for Election Day, Tuesday, November 2.
The number one thing voters should know is that they can register at the polling place on Election Day.
“Election Day registration ensures that everyone who is qualified to vote will get to vote,” said Kevin Kennedy, director and general counsel of the G.A.B. “Unlike many other states, Wisconsin has registration at the polls, so very few voters will likely be forced to vote on a provisional ballot.”
To register on Election Day, Wisconsin voters must provide proof of residence, which includes a current utility bill, lease, university ID card or other official document showing the voter’s name and current address. Voters who have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID card will be required to use their license number to complete the registration form. Otherwise, they may use the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Number two on the list is that voters can check their registration status with their municipal clerk, or on the state’s Voter Public Access website: https://vpa.wi.gov.
MADISON, WI – The Government Accountability Board today released its list of the top 10 things a Wisconsin voter should know for Election Day, Tuesday, November 2.
The number one thing voters should know is that they can register at the polling place on Election Day.
“Election Day registration ensures that everyone who is qualified to vote will get to vote,” said Kevin Kennedy, director and general counsel of the G.A.B. “Unlike many other states, Wisconsin has registration at the polls, so very few voters will likely be forced to vote on a provisional ballot.”
To register on Election Day, Wisconsin voters must provide proof of residence, which includes a current utility bill, lease, university ID card or other official document showing the voter’s name and current address. Voters who have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID card will be required to use their license number to complete the registration form. Otherwise, they may use the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Number two on the list is that voters can check their registration status with their municipal clerk, or on the state’s Voter Public Access website: https://vpa.wi.gov.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Students aim to turn pavement to prairie
From an article by Sharon Roznik in the Fond du Lac Reporter:
Some barren land at Fond du Lac High School is set to bloom.
Teens from Margie Winter's environmental science class have taken on the task of restoring school grounds to a natural and native Wisconsin prairie.
On a recent warm day, the students partnered with grade-schoolers from Lakeshore Elementary School to teach them how to "broadcast" seeds — scattering a mix of prairie plants to the wind.
"We love the outdoors and the beauty that surrounds us. As neighbors, it makes sense for us to partner with the high school," said Lakeshore teacher Julie Gedemer.
The project, which includes a walking path, amphitheater and observation deck at the school's east geothermal pond, is being funded by a $47,600 State Farm Insurance Youth Advisory Board Grant, awarded for environmental responsibility.
Some barren land at Fond du Lac High School is set to bloom.
Teens from Margie Winter's environmental science class have taken on the task of restoring school grounds to a natural and native Wisconsin prairie.
On a recent warm day, the students partnered with grade-schoolers from Lakeshore Elementary School to teach them how to "broadcast" seeds — scattering a mix of prairie plants to the wind.
"We love the outdoors and the beauty that surrounds us. As neighbors, it makes sense for us to partner with the high school," said Lakeshore teacher Julie Gedemer.
The project, which includes a walking path, amphitheater and observation deck at the school's east geothermal pond, is being funded by a $47,600 State Farm Insurance Youth Advisory Board Grant, awarded for environmental responsibility.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
WPS Customer Advice for Anticipated Electric Power Outages
Green Bay, WI - With the forecast of a high winds causing the potential for electric power interruptions, Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) is offering the following advice to customers.
Preparing for a Storm
•Keep a portable, battery-operated radio handy to hear local weather forecasts and other important news bulletins for your area.
•Make sure flashlights are working and readily available. Always keep a supply of extra batteries on hand.
•Make sure cell phones are fully charged. Have at least one traditional analog phone in your home that does not require electricity to operate. Cordless phones and phones with built-in answering machines will not operate during a power outage.
•If you have an emergency power source or back-up electrical generator, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for proper use.
During a Storm
•If you experience a power outage, call WPS at 800-450-7240.
•Consider all downed power lines and anything touching them energized and DANGEROUS! Stay away from them and report the problem to WPS.
Customers who can access the WPS website can view electric outage information and status at: http://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/home/outages.aspx.
After a Storm
•Don't try to cut or remove downed trees or branches unless you are absolutely certain power lines are not involved.
•Common sense is strongly urged. If you have an emergency back-up heater or power source, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for proper safe use.
•Replenish your supplies of batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food items in preparation for future storms.
Downed Power Lines
•Stay away from downed or sagging power lines, and do not touch anything that is on or near them (i.e., trees or tree limbs, cars, ladders).
•Keep children and family pets away from areas where lines may have fallen (backyards, fields, school yards, etc.).
•Report all power line hazards to WPS or your local public safety agency.
For More Information, Contact:
•Lisa Prunty - Public Relations Manager
920-606-1961
•Jenny Short
715-927-1133
Marinette, Menomonee, Crivitz, Wabeno, Wausaukee
•Leah Van Zile
715-902-0809
Rhinelander, Minocqua
•Lynn Kroll
920-655-1949
Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay
•Kelly Zagrebski
715-573-7815
Wausau, Stevens Point
•Bob Hernke
920-609-2330
Oshkosh, Brillion, Sheboygan
•Wisconsin Public Service Customer Service
800-450-7260
Preparing for a Storm
•Keep a portable, battery-operated radio handy to hear local weather forecasts and other important news bulletins for your area.
•Make sure flashlights are working and readily available. Always keep a supply of extra batteries on hand.
•Make sure cell phones are fully charged. Have at least one traditional analog phone in your home that does not require electricity to operate. Cordless phones and phones with built-in answering machines will not operate during a power outage.
•If you have an emergency power source or back-up electrical generator, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for proper use.
During a Storm
•If you experience a power outage, call WPS at 800-450-7240.
•Consider all downed power lines and anything touching them energized and DANGEROUS! Stay away from them and report the problem to WPS.
Customers who can access the WPS website can view electric outage information and status at: http://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/home/outages.aspx.
After a Storm
•Don't try to cut or remove downed trees or branches unless you are absolutely certain power lines are not involved.
•Common sense is strongly urged. If you have an emergency back-up heater or power source, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for proper safe use.
•Replenish your supplies of batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food items in preparation for future storms.
Downed Power Lines
•Stay away from downed or sagging power lines, and do not touch anything that is on or near them (i.e., trees or tree limbs, cars, ladders).
•Keep children and family pets away from areas where lines may have fallen (backyards, fields, school yards, etc.).
•Report all power line hazards to WPS or your local public safety agency.
For More Information, Contact:
•Lisa Prunty - Public Relations Manager
920-606-1961
•Jenny Short
715-927-1133
Marinette, Menomonee, Crivitz, Wabeno, Wausaukee
•Leah Van Zile
715-902-0809
Rhinelander, Minocqua
•Lynn Kroll
920-655-1949
Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay
•Kelly Zagrebski
715-573-7815
Wausau, Stevens Point
•Bob Hernke
920-609-2330
Oshkosh, Brillion, Sheboygan
•Wisconsin Public Service Customer Service
800-450-7260
Monday, October 25, 2010
Appleton-based Boldt Company picked for coal plant conversion to biomass
From an article in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
MADISON — The Appleton-based Boldt Company will partner with an international engineering firm on a $250 million state project converting a coal-fired heating plant into one using biomass for fuel.
Gov. Jim Doyle on Monday announced the project converting the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Charter Street Heating Plant to a cleaner, renewable fuel source.
“Today, we are breaking ground on the Charter Street biomass plant and taking a major step forward to make this goal a reality,” Doyle said. “The Charter Street plant will turn a waste stream into clean energy, it will keep energy dollars in our communities, and it will help clean our air and water.”
Boldt, which operates offices in Madison and 10 other Wisconsin communities, will partner with AMEC, an international engineering and project management firm with expertise in coal-to-biomass boiler conversion.
The two companies were partners in building an addition to a Manitowoc Public Utilities plant in 2006.
Boldt President Bob DeKoch said the project will be the largest biomass conversion project in Wisconsin.
“There are a lot of larger (conversions) out there but this is a very large one,” Koch said. “Nearly all of the biomass would be supplied from sources within the state of Wisconsin.”
The plant, which provides steam and heat for UW-Madison campus buildings, now burns 108,000 tons of coal per year. Once converted, it will burn renewable materials — such as forest waste, wood scraps created in the wood-harvesting process and paper mill residues — as its primary source of fuel.
MADISON — The Appleton-based Boldt Company will partner with an international engineering firm on a $250 million state project converting a coal-fired heating plant into one using biomass for fuel.
Gov. Jim Doyle on Monday announced the project converting the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Charter Street Heating Plant to a cleaner, renewable fuel source.
“Today, we are breaking ground on the Charter Street biomass plant and taking a major step forward to make this goal a reality,” Doyle said. “The Charter Street plant will turn a waste stream into clean energy, it will keep energy dollars in our communities, and it will help clean our air and water.”
Boldt, which operates offices in Madison and 10 other Wisconsin communities, will partner with AMEC, an international engineering and project management firm with expertise in coal-to-biomass boiler conversion.
The two companies were partners in building an addition to a Manitowoc Public Utilities plant in 2006.
Boldt President Bob DeKoch said the project will be the largest biomass conversion project in Wisconsin.
“There are a lot of larger (conversions) out there but this is a very large one,” Koch said. “Nearly all of the biomass would be supplied from sources within the state of Wisconsin.”
The plant, which provides steam and heat for UW-Madison campus buildings, now burns 108,000 tons of coal per year. Once converted, it will burn renewable materials — such as forest waste, wood scraps created in the wood-harvesting process and paper mill residues — as its primary source of fuel.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Piggly Wiggly, Compost Joe's join forces to 'go green'
From an article by Sharon Roznik in the Fond du Lac Reporter:
Piggly Wiggly is doing its part to lessen the burden on local landfills.
A recent partnership between the Fond du Lac grocery store and a local composting business is turning rotten produce into recycled, saleable material.
Three times a week Compost Joe's Premium Soils & Organics LLC picks up recycling bins full of overripe and rotten produce from Piggly Wiggly on Johnson Street and hauls it to its 88-acre yard-waste site in Van Dyne to begin the process of turning garbage into 100 percent organic compost.
It is the first food composting pilot project in Fond du Lac County, said David Misterek, solid waste management specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
"This is something that we highly promote. If we can recycle or add to the materials we reuse, it's a win-win situation for everyone," he said.
Since the recycling effort began back in June, Piggly Wiggly has donated more than 10,000 pounds of produce waste to the cause.
"That's 10,000 pounds that would have otherwise gone into a landfill," said produce manager Tammy Guelig.
Piggly Wiggly is doing its part to lessen the burden on local landfills.
A recent partnership between the Fond du Lac grocery store and a local composting business is turning rotten produce into recycled, saleable material.
Three times a week Compost Joe's Premium Soils & Organics LLC picks up recycling bins full of overripe and rotten produce from Piggly Wiggly on Johnson Street and hauls it to its 88-acre yard-waste site in Van Dyne to begin the process of turning garbage into 100 percent organic compost.
It is the first food composting pilot project in Fond du Lac County, said David Misterek, solid waste management specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
"This is something that we highly promote. If we can recycle or add to the materials we reuse, it's a win-win situation for everyone," he said.
Since the recycling effort began back in June, Piggly Wiggly has donated more than 10,000 pounds of produce waste to the cause.
"That's 10,000 pounds that would have otherwise gone into a landfill," said produce manager Tammy Guelig.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Manitowoc company gets $260K from Wisconsin for solar power, saving 200 jobs
From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle:
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced $260,000 in funding for Orion Energy Systems to invest in their operations and help retain more than 200 jobs in the state. The funding comes from the State Energy Program (SEP), which is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“My top priority has been to help companies and communities move forward and create good-paying jobs for Wisconsin families,” Governor Doyle said. “We are moving Wisconsin forward in difficult national economic times by investing in our businesses and making them more efficient and competitive. With this funding, we will be able to help Orion Energy Systems upgrade their leading energy efficiency technologies and retain hundreds of jobs in Wisconsin.”
“’Permanent Distributed Load Reduction’ as demonstrated here at Orion is the best course to chart for America’s energy future,” said Orion Chief Executive Officer Neal Verfuerth. “When energy use is reduced and renewable energy generated at an end-user’s facility, there is no need for costly transmission and the energy loss associated with it.”
Orion Energy Systems (Orion) produces energy management systems for companies worldwide, including energy-efficient light fixtures, wireless control technologies and ”direct use” renewable technologies. The company used SEP funds to purchase solar photovoltaic panels, wiring, and cabling for their Manitowoc facility. The photovoltaic system will allow Orion to capture solar radiation for the purpose of generating renewable electricity. The project is a $1.3 million investment.
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced $260,000 in funding for Orion Energy Systems to invest in their operations and help retain more than 200 jobs in the state. The funding comes from the State Energy Program (SEP), which is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“My top priority has been to help companies and communities move forward and create good-paying jobs for Wisconsin families,” Governor Doyle said. “We are moving Wisconsin forward in difficult national economic times by investing in our businesses and making them more efficient and competitive. With this funding, we will be able to help Orion Energy Systems upgrade their leading energy efficiency technologies and retain hundreds of jobs in Wisconsin.”
“’Permanent Distributed Load Reduction’ as demonstrated here at Orion is the best course to chart for America’s energy future,” said Orion Chief Executive Officer Neal Verfuerth. “When energy use is reduced and renewable energy generated at an end-user’s facility, there is no need for costly transmission and the energy loss associated with it.”
Orion Energy Systems (Orion) produces energy management systems for companies worldwide, including energy-efficient light fixtures, wireless control technologies and ”direct use” renewable technologies. The company used SEP funds to purchase solar photovoltaic panels, wiring, and cabling for their Manitowoc facility. The photovoltaic system will allow Orion to capture solar radiation for the purpose of generating renewable electricity. The project is a $1.3 million investment.
WPS sister company invests heavily in solar electricity
From a blog post by Tom Content on JSonline:
Wisconsin-based Integrys Energy Services will invest $90 million in new solar power projects around the country under an agreement through a partnership with Duke Energy of North Carolina and Smart Energy Capital of New York.
Under the partnership, Duke and Integrys said they will each invest $90 million over the next two years in distributed solar projects, which will be operated and maintained by the two energy companies.
Smart Energy Capital, a finance and investment company focused exclusively on the North American solar electric industry, will develop the projects and arrange financing under the partnership.
Integrys has been actively pursuing solar projects since 2008.
“We have invested more than $65 million in 20 different distributed generation solar projects across the U.S. with a combined capacity of more than 10 megawatts,” said Joel Jansen, managing director at Integrys Energy Services, in a statement.
Duke and Integrys said they believe most growth in the solar market over the next several years will involve commercial-scale applications on building roofs and ground-mounted systems. . . .
Integrys Energy Services is based south of Green Bay and is a national energy company that markets natural gas as well as electricity in states like Illinois that have opened up their power markets to competition. It is a sister company of Wisconsin Public Service Corp., the electric and natural gas utility serving northeastern Wisconsin.
Wisconsin-based Integrys Energy Services will invest $90 million in new solar power projects around the country under an agreement through a partnership with Duke Energy of North Carolina and Smart Energy Capital of New York.
Under the partnership, Duke and Integrys said they will each invest $90 million over the next two years in distributed solar projects, which will be operated and maintained by the two energy companies.
Smart Energy Capital, a finance and investment company focused exclusively on the North American solar electric industry, will develop the projects and arrange financing under the partnership.
Integrys has been actively pursuing solar projects since 2008.
“We have invested more than $65 million in 20 different distributed generation solar projects across the U.S. with a combined capacity of more than 10 megawatts,” said Joel Jansen, managing director at Integrys Energy Services, in a statement.
Duke and Integrys said they believe most growth in the solar market over the next several years will involve commercial-scale applications on building roofs and ground-mounted systems. . . .
Integrys Energy Services is based south of Green Bay and is a national energy company that markets natural gas as well as electricity in states like Illinois that have opened up their power markets to competition. It is a sister company of Wisconsin Public Service Corp., the electric and natural gas utility serving northeastern Wisconsin.
Monday, October 18, 2010
More energy efficiency could create 9,000 jobs in Wisconsin
From an article by Larry Bivins in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
WASHINGTON — In the absence of a national policy that puts a cap on carbon emissions, some environmental activists see an opportunity to place more emphasis on efficiency as part of the solution to climate change.
Advocates say the potential benefits to the environment, the economy and individual pocketbooks cannot be ignored. One 2007 study estimates the U.S. could reap $1.2 trillion in electricity savings by investing $520 billion in energy efficiency measures by 2020.
In Wisconsin, a 2009 report by the Energy Center of Wisconsin said the state could create 7,000 to 9,000 jobs by 2012 and generate $900 million in savings by tripling its investment in energy efficiency.
President Barack Obama's administration set aside $16.8 billion in economic recovery act money for research and development, building retrofits, renewable energy projects and weatherization, among other things.
Wisconsin was awarded a $20 million grant in April for its Wisconsin Energy Efficiency (WE2) program to retrofit commerical, industrial and residential buildings.
"Wisconsin has made big steps forward in recent years through energy conservation, energy efficiency and by investing in a clean energy economy," Gov. Jim Doyle said in a statement declaring October to be Energy Awareness Month. "Through greater awareness we can continue to increase our energy independence, save money for families and businesses and create thousands of new clean-energy jobs in Wisconsin."
WASHINGTON — In the absence of a national policy that puts a cap on carbon emissions, some environmental activists see an opportunity to place more emphasis on efficiency as part of the solution to climate change.
Advocates say the potential benefits to the environment, the economy and individual pocketbooks cannot be ignored. One 2007 study estimates the U.S. could reap $1.2 trillion in electricity savings by investing $520 billion in energy efficiency measures by 2020.
In Wisconsin, a 2009 report by the Energy Center of Wisconsin said the state could create 7,000 to 9,000 jobs by 2012 and generate $900 million in savings by tripling its investment in energy efficiency.
President Barack Obama's administration set aside $16.8 billion in economic recovery act money for research and development, building retrofits, renewable energy projects and weatherization, among other things.
Wisconsin was awarded a $20 million grant in April for its Wisconsin Energy Efficiency (WE2) program to retrofit commerical, industrial and residential buildings.
"Wisconsin has made big steps forward in recent years through energy conservation, energy efficiency and by investing in a clean energy economy," Gov. Jim Doyle said in a statement declaring October to be Energy Awareness Month. "Through greater awareness we can continue to increase our energy independence, save money for families and businesses and create thousands of new clean-energy jobs in Wisconsin."
Earth Charter Oshkosh events kick off this week
This is the 10th anniversary of Earth Charter Summits at UW Oshkosh.
What is Earth Charter? -- It is a declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century.
We have an entire week's worth of events -- and I though some might be of interest to you. Here’s an abbreviated version of the 2010 Schedule. For more complete descriptions, please visit our web site. http://www.uwosh.edu/earthcharter/summit10.php
Parking will be available in lots 34 and 15 during events.
http://www.uwosh.edu/parking/
Feel free to forward this email to other folks that you think might be interested
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2010
•3:00-6:00 pm Community Garden Fall Clean-up Bash
Come out to help us clean up the garden for winter or just to enjoy some live music and chili.
Contact: Paul VanAuken, vanaukep@uwosh.edu
MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010
Banquet: (Reeve Ballroom, Rm 227)
•5:00-6:00 pm - Local Food Information Fair -- Come learn about local sustainable food during the social hour.
•6:00-7:00 pm - Dinner featuring local, organic food (Ticket required, available at Titan Central A suggested donation at the banquet of $5.00 for students and $15.00 for non-students is appreciated)
•7:00-8:00 pm - Presentation by Rick Brooks -- Start Here: Chart the Earth Beneath Your Feet,,,Walk and Eat Slowly (http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/pda/bios/brooks.htm)
Rick is outreach program manager at UW Madison. Rick brings a background in applied anthropology, community and international development to his current work in sustainability. He is chair of the board of Sarvodaya USA, the support organization for a grassroots empowerment movement in 15,000 villages in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and now, Haiti. He specialized in the facilitation of health and social change. A former Robert F. Kennedy Fellow, he has worked with community service organizations and taught first graders through graduate and continuing education students for more than three decades.
Contact Maureen Muldoon with questions (muldoon@uwosh.edu)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2010
•9:40- 11:10 am Green Jobs Panel (Reeve Union 214)
Contact: Jim Feldman, feldmanj@uwosh.edu
•4:45-5:45 pm - Fair Trade speaker (Reeve Union Theater)
Jean Johnson will talk about SERRV, one of the largest Fair Trade vendors in the country.
Contact: David Barnhill, barnhill@uwosh.edu
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2010
•10:00 am-2:00 pm - Bicycle Commuting Tips (Reeve Concourse)
Contact: Misty McPhee, mcpheem@uwosh.edu
•2:30-4:00 pm- UWO Bike Club Community Ride (meet at Student Rec & Wellness Center)
Contact: Greg Batten, batteng@uwosh.edu
•4:00-6:00 pm - Public Meeting on UWO's bicycle and pedestrian plan (Reeve 202)
Contact: Mike Lizotte, lizotte@uwosh.edu
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2010 (Reeve Theater, 3rd Fl)
•4:30-5:30 pm - Returned Peach Corps Volunteers Panel
Contact: Maureen Muldoon, muldoon@uwosh.edu
•6:00-7:30 pm - Film: The Dark Side of Chocolate, sponsored by SEAC
Contact: Robyn Anderson, anderr91@wosh.edu
•7:30-8:30 pm - American Democracy Project Debate
Contact: David Litman, litmad33@uwosh.edu
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010
HOMECOMING!
•11:00 am - Tour de Titan. Hop on your bike for a ride to promote a bike-friendly Oshkosh. Cyclists depart from the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and end at Tent City.
•11:30 am-1:30 pm - Pre-game Celebration at Tent City. Come visit the Campus Sustainability Council/Earth Charter tent.
Maureen Muldoon
UW-Oshkosh
Dept. of Geology
800 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh, WI 54901-8649
phone: 920-424-4461
FAX: 920-424-0240
email: muldoon@uwosh.edu
http://www.uwosh.edu/faculty_staff/muldoon/
What is Earth Charter? -- It is a declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century.
We have an entire week's worth of events -- and I though some might be of interest to you. Here’s an abbreviated version of the 2010 Schedule. For more complete descriptions, please visit our web site. http://www.uwosh.edu/earthcharter/summit10.php
Parking will be available in lots 34 and 15 during events.
http://www.uwosh.edu/parking/
Feel free to forward this email to other folks that you think might be interested
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2010
•3:00-6:00 pm Community Garden Fall Clean-up Bash
Come out to help us clean up the garden for winter or just to enjoy some live music and chili.
Contact: Paul VanAuken, vanaukep@uwosh.edu
MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010
Banquet: (Reeve Ballroom, Rm 227)
•5:00-6:00 pm - Local Food Information Fair -- Come learn about local sustainable food during the social hour.
•6:00-7:00 pm - Dinner featuring local, organic food (Ticket required, available at Titan Central A suggested donation at the banquet of $5.00 for students and $15.00 for non-students is appreciated)
•7:00-8:00 pm - Presentation by Rick Brooks -- Start Here: Chart the Earth Beneath Your Feet,,,Walk and Eat Slowly (http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/pda/bios/brooks.htm)
Rick is outreach program manager at UW Madison. Rick brings a background in applied anthropology, community and international development to his current work in sustainability. He is chair of the board of Sarvodaya USA, the support organization for a grassroots empowerment movement in 15,000 villages in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and now, Haiti. He specialized in the facilitation of health and social change. A former Robert F. Kennedy Fellow, he has worked with community service organizations and taught first graders through graduate and continuing education students for more than three decades.
Contact Maureen Muldoon with questions (muldoon@uwosh.edu)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2010
•9:40- 11:10 am Green Jobs Panel (Reeve Union 214)
Contact: Jim Feldman, feldmanj@uwosh.edu
•4:45-5:45 pm - Fair Trade speaker (Reeve Union Theater)
Jean Johnson will talk about SERRV, one of the largest Fair Trade vendors in the country.
Contact: David Barnhill, barnhill@uwosh.edu
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2010
•10:00 am-2:00 pm - Bicycle Commuting Tips (Reeve Concourse)
Contact: Misty McPhee, mcpheem@uwosh.edu
•2:30-4:00 pm- UWO Bike Club Community Ride (meet at Student Rec & Wellness Center)
Contact: Greg Batten, batteng@uwosh.edu
•4:00-6:00 pm - Public Meeting on UWO's bicycle and pedestrian plan (Reeve 202)
Contact: Mike Lizotte, lizotte@uwosh.edu
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2010 (Reeve Theater, 3rd Fl)
•4:30-5:30 pm - Returned Peach Corps Volunteers Panel
Contact: Maureen Muldoon, muldoon@uwosh.edu
•6:00-7:30 pm - Film: The Dark Side of Chocolate, sponsored by SEAC
Contact: Robyn Anderson, anderr91@wosh.edu
•7:30-8:30 pm - American Democracy Project Debate
Contact: David Litman, litmad33@uwosh.edu
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010
HOMECOMING!
•11:00 am - Tour de Titan. Hop on your bike for a ride to promote a bike-friendly Oshkosh. Cyclists depart from the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and end at Tent City.
•11:30 am-1:30 pm - Pre-game Celebration at Tent City. Come visit the Campus Sustainability Council/Earth Charter tent.
Maureen Muldoon
UW-Oshkosh
Dept. of Geology
800 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh, WI 54901-8649
phone: 920-424-4461
FAX: 920-424-0240
email: muldoon@uwosh.edu
http://www.uwosh.edu/faculty_staff/muldoon/
Friday, October 15, 2010
Energy reform energizes debate between 88th Assembly candidates John Klenke, Jim Soletski
From an article by Scott Williams in the Green Bay Press Gazette:
A failed attempt at comprehensive energy reform in Wisconsin is energizing the race for 88th Assembly District in Green Bay.
Rep. Jim Soletski, the Democratic incumbent and a chief sponsor of the rejected bill, says he hopes to try again at energy reform.
Republican challenger John Klenke, a retired Schneider National trucking executive, opposes Soletski's efforts, which he says could become an "albatross around our necks."
The two candidates are vying in the Nov. 2 election to represent the 88th District, which includes most of Green Bay's east side and a small portion of the west side.
Soletski, who is seeking his third term, worked hard to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act and its mandate that 25 percent of Wisconsin's power come from renewable resources by 2025. Despite months of effort by him and other backers, the measure died in committee this year.
Soletski, a former nuclear power plant worker, said he would, if re-elected, propose a different version of the concept, requiring that 25 percent of all replacement energy development in Wisconsin involve renewable sources.
He said he favors, for example, lifting the state's ban on new nuclear power plant construction.
"Everybody has been kicking this problem down the road for 30 years," he said. "We have alternatives that we should be using."
Klenke, who is making his first bid for elected office, said he was motivated partly by Soletski's work on energy reform.
The challenger said he, too, supports more nuclear energy development, as well as natural gas exploration. But a state mandate on industry would drive up utility costs for everyone, he said.
"The government's role should be to do no harm," he said.
A failed attempt at comprehensive energy reform in Wisconsin is energizing the race for 88th Assembly District in Green Bay.
Rep. Jim Soletski, the Democratic incumbent and a chief sponsor of the rejected bill, says he hopes to try again at energy reform.
Republican challenger John Klenke, a retired Schneider National trucking executive, opposes Soletski's efforts, which he says could become an "albatross around our necks."
The two candidates are vying in the Nov. 2 election to represent the 88th District, which includes most of Green Bay's east side and a small portion of the west side.
Soletski, who is seeking his third term, worked hard to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act and its mandate that 25 percent of Wisconsin's power come from renewable resources by 2025. Despite months of effort by him and other backers, the measure died in committee this year.
Soletski, a former nuclear power plant worker, said he would, if re-elected, propose a different version of the concept, requiring that 25 percent of all replacement energy development in Wisconsin involve renewable sources.
He said he favors, for example, lifting the state's ban on new nuclear power plant construction.
"Everybody has been kicking this problem down the road for 30 years," he said. "We have alternatives that we should be using."
Klenke, who is making his first bid for elected office, said he was motivated partly by Soletski's work on energy reform.
The challenger said he, too, supports more nuclear energy development, as well as natural gas exploration. But a state mandate on industry would drive up utility costs for everyone, he said.
"The government's role should be to do no harm," he said.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Wisconsin's green economy offers 15,100 jobs
From a report published by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, The Green Tier Porgram at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Wisconsin School of Business:
By 2007, 68,203 businesses in the United States had generated more than 770,000 jobs in the green economy (Pew Charitable Trust, 2009). Every state has a piece of America’s green economy. The leading states include Oregon, Maine,California, Colorado, Massachusetts and Minnesota. Wisconsin is not currently among the leading states:
SOURCE: PEW Charitable Trusts, 2009, based on the National Establishment Time Series 2007 Database; analysis by Pew Center on the Statesand Collaborative Economics
Green job growth in Wisconsin through the 2001 recession (where WI lost 100,000 manufacturing jobs that were never recovered) was anemic. Wisconsin has lost an additional 70,000 manufacturing jobs (through July, 2010) because of the recession of 2008 (Center on Wisconsin Strategy, 2010).
While Wisconsin ranks either first or second in the nation in manufacturing jobs per capita, there is still a great deal of idle capacity in Wisconsin.
In 2007, jobs associated with the green economy accounted for 0.49 percent of all jobs nationally. WI was slightly below the national average with 3,150,000 total jobs and 0.48 percent of them being green.
A closer look at the data reveals that Wisconsin ranks as a top ten state in energy efficiency jobs. Energy efficiency is one of the five types of green jobs identified in the Pew report. Wisconisn ranked sixth in energy efficiency with 2,801 jobs. Midwestern states generally did well in all sectors, with Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois appearing among the top 10 states in multiple sectors.
In 2007, jobs associated with the green economy accounted for 0.49 percent of all jobs nationally. WI was slightly below the national average with 3,150,000 total jobs and 0.48 percent of them being green.
A closer look at the data reveals that Wisconsin ranks as a 2,801 jobs. Midwestern states generally did well in all sectors, with Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois appearing amongthe top 10 states in multiple sectors.
The report concludes:
The United States, and Wisconsin, will be focused on job creation over the next five to ten years. Creating green jobs has to be a part of the future if we hope to maintain our roleas a manufacturing state. Green jobs will gravitate towards states that are the most attractive, or to states that actively increase their attractiveness relative to competing states. The states that actively recruit green businesses will prosper in the longer run.
Wisconsin has a long history of manufacturing strength, and we are increasingly attracting manufacturing companies that are creating green jobs. But we can do more. We have only to look at our neighboring states of Iowa or Minnesota to see the benefit of establsihing Wisconsin as a hotbed of green expertise.
New green businesses can create jobs, generate revenues, and help Wisconsin re-emerge as a bell-weather state in the heartland of America.
By 2007, 68,203 businesses in the United States had generated more than 770,000 jobs in the green economy (Pew Charitable Trust, 2009). Every state has a piece of America’s green economy. The leading states include Oregon, Maine,California, Colorado, Massachusetts and Minnesota. Wisconsin is not currently among the leading states:
SOURCE: PEW Charitable Trusts, 2009, based on the National Establishment Time Series 2007 Database; analysis by Pew Center on the Statesand Collaborative Economics
Green job growth in Wisconsin through the 2001 recession (where WI lost 100,000 manufacturing jobs that were never recovered) was anemic. Wisconsin has lost an additional 70,000 manufacturing jobs (through July, 2010) because of the recession of 2008 (Center on Wisconsin Strategy, 2010).
While Wisconsin ranks either first or second in the nation in manufacturing jobs per capita, there is still a great deal of idle capacity in Wisconsin.
In 2007, jobs associated with the green economy accounted for 0.49 percent of all jobs nationally. WI was slightly below the national average with 3,150,000 total jobs and 0.48 percent of them being green.
A closer look at the data reveals that Wisconsin ranks as a top ten state in energy efficiency jobs. Energy efficiency is one of the five types of green jobs identified in the Pew report. Wisconisn ranked sixth in energy efficiency with 2,801 jobs. Midwestern states generally did well in all sectors, with Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois appearing among the top 10 states in multiple sectors.
In 2007, jobs associated with the green economy accounted for 0.49 percent of all jobs nationally. WI was slightly below the national average with 3,150,000 total jobs and 0.48 percent of them being green.
A closer look at the data reveals that Wisconsin ranks as a 2,801 jobs. Midwestern states generally did well in all sectors, with Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois appearing amongthe top 10 states in multiple sectors.
The report concludes:
The United States, and Wisconsin, will be focused on job creation over the next five to ten years. Creating green jobs has to be a part of the future if we hope to maintain our roleas a manufacturing state. Green jobs will gravitate towards states that are the most attractive, or to states that actively increase their attractiveness relative to competing states. The states that actively recruit green businesses will prosper in the longer run.
Wisconsin has a long history of manufacturing strength, and we are increasingly attracting manufacturing companies that are creating green jobs. But we can do more. We have only to look at our neighboring states of Iowa or Minnesota to see the benefit of establsihing Wisconsin as a hotbed of green expertise.
New green businesses can create jobs, generate revenues, and help Wisconsin re-emerge as a bell-weather state in the heartland of America.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Green Bay Preble High School dedicates solar panels
From a story on WBAY-TV, Green Bay:
Green Bay Preble High School is the latest in Northeast Wisconsin to have solar panels installed on its roof as part of the Wisconsin Public Service Solar-Wise for Schools program.
"We had installed some solar panels and some computer technology in the building which would fit into a curriculum that kids in physical science and physics and some of our other tech ed. classes can use to understand solar energy and what impact it might have on our environment and on their lives," principal Jeff Sielaff said.
Green Bay Preble High School is the latest in Northeast Wisconsin to have solar panels installed on its roof as part of the Wisconsin Public Service Solar-Wise for Schools program.
"We had installed some solar panels and some computer technology in the building which would fit into a curriculum that kids in physical science and physics and some of our other tech ed. classes can use to understand solar energy and what impact it might have on our environment and on their lives," principal Jeff Sielaff said.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
More cities going solar to power up signs
From an article in the Fond du Lac Reporter:
Growing numbers of cities and towns are turning to solar-powered road warning and school safety signs to inform the public and save money and energy.
Similar signs were installed in Fond du Lac locations seven years ago.
Illuminated stop signs powered by the sun are in place at Sixth and Park streets and solar-powered school crossing signs are in place near Riverside School, said Fond du Lac Police Department Capt. Steve Klein.
"They are a good visual reminder," he said, "and have proven to be quite effective."
When the Highway 151 Bypass was plagued with accidents shortly after it opened around Fond du Lac several years ago, the city installed LED solar signs along the route, said Fond du Lac Department of Public Works Director Mark Lentz.
But the Wisconsin Department of Transportation quickly notified the city the signs were not approved for use on a state highway and sternly requested the city take them down, Lentz recalled.
"Well, we were having problems on the Bypass and we thought the signs could help, so we left them up," he said. "The DOT had a maintenance person come and take them down and leave them at my office. We put them back up and then we didn't hear back from the DOT."
Growing numbers of cities and towns are turning to solar-powered road warning and school safety signs to inform the public and save money and energy.
Similar signs were installed in Fond du Lac locations seven years ago.
Illuminated stop signs powered by the sun are in place at Sixth and Park streets and solar-powered school crossing signs are in place near Riverside School, said Fond du Lac Police Department Capt. Steve Klein.
"They are a good visual reminder," he said, "and have proven to be quite effective."
When the Highway 151 Bypass was plagued with accidents shortly after it opened around Fond du Lac several years ago, the city installed LED solar signs along the route, said Fond du Lac Department of Public Works Director Mark Lentz.
But the Wisconsin Department of Transportation quickly notified the city the signs were not approved for use on a state highway and sternly requested the city take them down, Lentz recalled.
"Well, we were having problems on the Bypass and we thought the signs could help, so we left them up," he said. "The DOT had a maintenance person come and take them down and leave them at my office. We put them back up and then we didn't hear back from the DOT."
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Kewaunee County will produce more renewable energy than the total energy consumed by its residents
From an article by Leigh Ann Wagner Kroening in the Green Bay Press Gazette:
Operating a 2,800-cow dairy operation right on the border of Door and Kewaunee counties has offered Don Niles an opportunity to view the differences between both communities and the residents who live in them.
"I think the folks to our north kind of look down on us," Niles said. "They think we're very blue collar, small-town people. The reality is we're producers, and they're consumers, and I think that's a good thing."
In addition to the milk provided by his Dairy Dreams farm in the town of Lincoln, Niles is producing something his farming counterparts to the north are not — a renewable source of energy that provides power for about 600 homes. He recently installed a $3.2-million methane digester, which supplies energy for the grid owned by Wisconsin Public Service.
"All the methane our cows produce is being captured, destroyed and put to good use," Niles said. "We're excited about the green power and the benefits to our environment."
The recent addition of the digester in Lincoln brings the total number of homes powered by renewable energy sources in Kewaunee County to nearly 8,000. The number of households in Kewaunee County according to the 2000 Census was 7,623 and according to projections from that survey, that number now likely also is close to 8,000.
"I think it's amazing and pretty impressive that one of the smallest counties in Wisconsin really is ahead of the game in the production of green energy," Niles said. "I think that's a positive thing for our community."
Operating a 2,800-cow dairy operation right on the border of Door and Kewaunee counties has offered Don Niles an opportunity to view the differences between both communities and the residents who live in them.
"I think the folks to our north kind of look down on us," Niles said. "They think we're very blue collar, small-town people. The reality is we're producers, and they're consumers, and I think that's a good thing."
In addition to the milk provided by his Dairy Dreams farm in the town of Lincoln, Niles is producing something his farming counterparts to the north are not — a renewable source of energy that provides power for about 600 homes. He recently installed a $3.2-million methane digester, which supplies energy for the grid owned by Wisconsin Public Service.
"All the methane our cows produce is being captured, destroyed and put to good use," Niles said. "We're excited about the green power and the benefits to our environment."
The recent addition of the digester in Lincoln brings the total number of homes powered by renewable energy sources in Kewaunee County to nearly 8,000. The number of households in Kewaunee County according to the 2000 Census was 7,623 and according to projections from that survey, that number now likely also is close to 8,000.
"I think it's amazing and pretty impressive that one of the smallest counties in Wisconsin really is ahead of the game in the production of green energy," Niles said. "I think that's a positive thing for our community."
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Seek assistance before heating moratorium begins
From a news release issued by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin:
Heating moratorium begins November 1
MADISON – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) urges energy consumers to contact their local utility if their heat is currently disconnected. The PSC also encourages residents to take advantage of energy-efficiency programs and the state’s low-income bill payment assistance programs to reduce the burden of utility bills this winter.
Wisconsin law states that consumers cannot be disconnected during the heating moratorium period from November 1 to April 15, if they are connected at the start of the moratorium. Consumers who are currently disconnected must make arrangements with their local utility to pay outstanding bills in order to have service restored. If a consumer has not made arrangements to pay an outstanding bill, the utility is not required to reconnect the service until payment arrangements have been made.
Consumers who need to set up a payment agreement should call their local utility. Phone numbers for the largest utilities in Wisconsin are listed below. If consumers cannot reach an agreement with their utility, they may contact the PSC at 1-608-266-2001 or 1-800-225-7729.
Alliant Energy, 1-800-862-6222
Madison Gas & Electric, 1-608-252-7144
Superior Water, Light & Power, 1-715-394-2200
We Energies, 1-800-842-4565
Wisconsin Public Service Corp., 1-800-450-7260
Xcel Energy, 1-800-895-4999
Energy Assistance
Due to recent changes in program eligibility, many more households across the state may be eligible for heating assistance this winter. Consumers may qualify for assistance in paying their heating bills through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), which provides financial assistance to low-income residents. WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home Energy Plus program which provides assistance with emergency energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, conservation service, and weatherizing for low-income households.
Heating moratorium begins November 1
MADISON – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) urges energy consumers to contact their local utility if their heat is currently disconnected. The PSC also encourages residents to take advantage of energy-efficiency programs and the state’s low-income bill payment assistance programs to reduce the burden of utility bills this winter.
Wisconsin law states that consumers cannot be disconnected during the heating moratorium period from November 1 to April 15, if they are connected at the start of the moratorium. Consumers who are currently disconnected must make arrangements with their local utility to pay outstanding bills in order to have service restored. If a consumer has not made arrangements to pay an outstanding bill, the utility is not required to reconnect the service until payment arrangements have been made.
Consumers who need to set up a payment agreement should call their local utility. Phone numbers for the largest utilities in Wisconsin are listed below. If consumers cannot reach an agreement with their utility, they may contact the PSC at 1-608-266-2001 or 1-800-225-7729.
Alliant Energy, 1-800-862-6222
Madison Gas & Electric, 1-608-252-7144
Superior Water, Light & Power, 1-715-394-2200
We Energies, 1-800-842-4565
Wisconsin Public Service Corp., 1-800-450-7260
Xcel Energy, 1-800-895-4999
Energy Assistance
Due to recent changes in program eligibility, many more households across the state may be eligible for heating assistance this winter. Consumers may qualify for assistance in paying their heating bills through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), which provides financial assistance to low-income residents. WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home Energy Plus program which provides assistance with emergency energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, conservation service, and weatherizing for low-income households.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Meet Butler Ridge, Wisconsin’s Newest Wind Project
By Michael Vickerman
September 30, 2010
On September 23, Alex DePillis and I hopped on board a tour bus filled with natural resource professionals and gave an overview of wind development in Wisconsin as we headed to the 54 MW Butler Ridge Wind Facility. The project is located in the Town of Herman in southeast Dodge County, a few miles west of State Highway 175. Most of the project’s 36 turbines are located south of State Highway 33.
The project was developed by Midwest Wind, which also developed the Cedar Ridge project owned by Alliant Energy. The project was sold to Babcock & Brown’s U.S. division, which then constructed the facility. The general contractor for that project was RES Americas. Butler Ridge was placed in commercial operation in March 2009. Right now, it is the newest utility-scale wind project in Wisconsin, but that distinction will only late this year, when Shirley Wind comes on-line.
In December 2009, NextEra Energy (formerly FPL Energy) bought Butler Ridge from Babcock and Brown. NextEra is also the owner of the Montfort project in Iowa County.
It turned out to be an excellent day to see wind generation in action. Thanks to a strengthening low pressure system to the west, there was a steady southerly air flow sweeping over southern Wisconsin that morning. Every flag we saw that morning was stiff as could be and pointing due north. Wind speeds at hub height ranged between 20 and 25 mph. The GE turbines were producing at about 75% of their rated capacity.
We stopped at Butler Ridge’s operations and maintenance center on Illinois Road. From the vantage point of the facility, we could see wind turbines in every direction. The closest turbine, at about 1,100 feet away, was audible but barely so.
September 30, 2010
On September 23, Alex DePillis and I hopped on board a tour bus filled with natural resource professionals and gave an overview of wind development in Wisconsin as we headed to the 54 MW Butler Ridge Wind Facility. The project is located in the Town of Herman in southeast Dodge County, a few miles west of State Highway 175. Most of the project’s 36 turbines are located south of State Highway 33.
The project was developed by Midwest Wind, which also developed the Cedar Ridge project owned by Alliant Energy. The project was sold to Babcock & Brown’s U.S. division, which then constructed the facility. The general contractor for that project was RES Americas. Butler Ridge was placed in commercial operation in March 2009. Right now, it is the newest utility-scale wind project in Wisconsin, but that distinction will only late this year, when Shirley Wind comes on-line.
In December 2009, NextEra Energy (formerly FPL Energy) bought Butler Ridge from Babcock and Brown. NextEra is also the owner of the Montfort project in Iowa County.
It turned out to be an excellent day to see wind generation in action. Thanks to a strengthening low pressure system to the west, there was a steady southerly air flow sweeping over southern Wisconsin that morning. Every flag we saw that morning was stiff as could be and pointing due north. Wind speeds at hub height ranged between 20 and 25 mph. The GE turbines were producing at about 75% of their rated capacity.
We stopped at Butler Ridge’s operations and maintenance center on Illinois Road. From the vantage point of the facility, we could see wind turbines in every direction. The closest turbine, at about 1,100 feet away, was audible but barely so.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Don't fall for the myths about CFLs; now is the time to start saving
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
When you install ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) there are financial and energy savings to be realized; however, there are a few misconceptions about CFLs that have kept some homeowners on the fence. Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, is tackling those myths in an effort to educate Wisconsin residents and help them switch to CFLs. Starting Oct. 1, 2010, and for a limited time, Focus on Energy is offering CFLs for a discounted price at participating retail locations throughout the state.
"We are thrilled with the number of residents throughout Wisconsin who have reduced their energy use and utility bills by installing ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, but there are still many who have not made the switch," said Linda Mae Schmitt, program manager for Focus on Energy. "It's my hope that by exposing common misconceptions about CFLs, we can encourage more people to take advantage of the many benefits of energy-efficient lighting. And now is the perfect time get on board. Why wouldn't you want to save money while also helping Wisconsin's environment?"
The release goes on to present the facts about the following myths:
Myth #1: CFLs are expensive.
Myth #2: CFLs won't fit in my fixtures.
Myth #3: CFLs are hazardous.
Myth #4: CFLs are hard to find.
When you install ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) there are financial and energy savings to be realized; however, there are a few misconceptions about CFLs that have kept some homeowners on the fence. Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, is tackling those myths in an effort to educate Wisconsin residents and help them switch to CFLs. Starting Oct. 1, 2010, and for a limited time, Focus on Energy is offering CFLs for a discounted price at participating retail locations throughout the state.
"We are thrilled with the number of residents throughout Wisconsin who have reduced their energy use and utility bills by installing ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, but there are still many who have not made the switch," said Linda Mae Schmitt, program manager for Focus on Energy. "It's my hope that by exposing common misconceptions about CFLs, we can encourage more people to take advantage of the many benefits of energy-efficient lighting. And now is the perfect time get on board. Why wouldn't you want to save money while also helping Wisconsin's environment?"
The release goes on to present the facts about the following myths:
Myth #1: CFLs are expensive.
Myth #2: CFLs won't fit in my fixtures.
Myth #3: CFLs are hazardous.
Myth #4: CFLs are hard to find.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Open house of solar homes and businesses, Oct. 2
Visit homes and businesses around the state to see renewable energy up close. In addition to showcasing solar and wind power, houses will feature energy efficiency, green building techniques, and sustainable living ideas. Speak with home and business owners and find out how renewable energy works for them. Self selected driving tours will be available throughout the state.
Tours are FREE and open to the public between 10 am and 4 pm. To view the locations and details of the sites in your area, go to http://www.the-mrea.org/solartour.php.
The Wisconsin solar tours are part of the National Solar Tours of the American Solar Energy Society that are happening in states across the country on the same day.
Tours are FREE and open to the public between 10 am and 4 pm. To view the locations and details of the sites in your area, go to http://www.the-mrea.org/solartour.php.
The Wisconsin solar tours are part of the National Solar Tours of the American Solar Energy Society that are happening in states across the country on the same day.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Efficiency efforts a good investment
From an editorial in the Green Bay Press Gazette:
Some 20 area homeowners already are taking advantage of a home energy audit program that is a win-win for residents, businesses and the city of Green Bay.
It's a solid start for the grant-funded program after Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt introduced it slightly more than a week ago. Officials hope 1,000 city homeowners will sign up for the Home Energy Audit Rebate program, which offers up to $200 in rebates for residents who comply with certain requirements.
Residents who hire a certified contractor to conduct a home-energy audit — generally at a cost of $300 to $350 — can qualify for a $100 rebate through the program. If homeowners implement at least two of the audit's recommendations within six months, they can earn an additional $100 rebate from the city.
The audit program, funded through a $1 million grant as part of the federal stimulus, is designed to create jobs in home improvement industries by giving homeowners incentives to make upgrades. Grant awards were made based on city populations, and go directly from the federal government to local governments, Schmitt said Thursday.
Many municipalities are using the funds to complete energy upgrades for municipal buildings, traffic lights and in other areas — in many cases, improvements Green Bay already has made, Schmitt said. So city officials decided to focus on savings for the homeowner.
Some 20 area homeowners already are taking advantage of a home energy audit program that is a win-win for residents, businesses and the city of Green Bay.
It's a solid start for the grant-funded program after Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt introduced it slightly more than a week ago. Officials hope 1,000 city homeowners will sign up for the Home Energy Audit Rebate program, which offers up to $200 in rebates for residents who comply with certain requirements.
Residents who hire a certified contractor to conduct a home-energy audit — generally at a cost of $300 to $350 — can qualify for a $100 rebate through the program. If homeowners implement at least two of the audit's recommendations within six months, they can earn an additional $100 rebate from the city.
The audit program, funded through a $1 million grant as part of the federal stimulus, is designed to create jobs in home improvement industries by giving homeowners incentives to make upgrades. Grant awards were made based on city populations, and go directly from the federal government to local governments, Schmitt said Thursday.
Many municipalities are using the funds to complete energy upgrades for municipal buildings, traffic lights and in other areas — in many cases, improvements Green Bay already has made, Schmitt said. So city officials decided to focus on savings for the homeowner.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wastewater plant will produce more electricity with upgrade
From an article by Bob Petrie in the Sheboygan Press:
It took a giant crane and a giant tug and about an hour longer than expected, but the job of lifting the huge lid off a huge anaerobic digester at the Sheboygan Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant was finally completed Wednesday morning.
Now comes the next step: clean, sandblast, paint and rehabilitate the 750,000-gallon digester so it can produce more methane gas, which will be used to help generate gas and electricity to provide nearly all the heat and power needed to operate the treatment plant at 3333 Lakeshore Drive.
The $4.5 million project to upgrade the plant also includes installing two, 200-kilowatt Capstone microturbines, which will boost the on-site electrical generation capacity from 225 kilowatts to about 525 kilowatts per hour, enough to take care of between 90 and 100 percent of the electricity needed to run the plant. The two new turbines bring the total number at the plant to 12.
The job of the digester is to take the sludge created at the plant, churn it up to create the methane and send the biogas to run the turbines.
Exhaust from running the turbines will be used to heat water, the buildings and the digesters at the plant.
"I guess from the standpoint of sustainability, it's something about doing the right thing," said Dale Doerr, Sheboygan wastewater superintendent. "This isn't costing us a lot of money, when you look at we had to do some of these things anyhow."
It took a giant crane and a giant tug and about an hour longer than expected, but the job of lifting the huge lid off a huge anaerobic digester at the Sheboygan Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant was finally completed Wednesday morning.
Now comes the next step: clean, sandblast, paint and rehabilitate the 750,000-gallon digester so it can produce more methane gas, which will be used to help generate gas and electricity to provide nearly all the heat and power needed to operate the treatment plant at 3333 Lakeshore Drive.
The $4.5 million project to upgrade the plant also includes installing two, 200-kilowatt Capstone microturbines, which will boost the on-site electrical generation capacity from 225 kilowatts to about 525 kilowatts per hour, enough to take care of between 90 and 100 percent of the electricity needed to run the plant. The two new turbines bring the total number at the plant to 12.
The job of the digester is to take the sludge created at the plant, churn it up to create the methane and send the biogas to run the turbines.
Exhaust from running the turbines will be used to heat water, the buildings and the digesters at the plant.
"I guess from the standpoint of sustainability, it's something about doing the right thing," said Dale Doerr, Sheboygan wastewater superintendent. "This isn't costing us a lot of money, when you look at we had to do some of these things anyhow."
Green Home Building/Remodeling, Oct. 7
ECOS-FV hosts VHBA Green Building Presentation October 7th
The October 7th meeting of ECOS-FV will feature VHBA member Cindi MacSwain, of Vanney-MacSwain Home Planning as she presents Green Building practices and issues from the builder’s point of view.
Her presentation will:
• Describe community local ordinances supportive of good green building practices as seen by the home building and re-conditioning businesses of the Valley Home Builders Association (VHBA).
• Convey what are seen as the financial road-blocks to encouraging green home improvements.
• Provide information on green building certification programs, the building blocks of green building and examples of green residential projects here in the Fox Valley area.
October 7th Green Home Building/Remodeling
VHBA member Cindi MacSwain, Vanney-MacSwain Home Planning
6:30 to 8:00 PM
Menasha Public Library, Company E Room
Free and Open to the Public
This meeting will be a great opportunity for an exchange of ideas on how cities, businesses and citizens can “work jointly” to encourage wider community home improvement across the Fox Valley. The association will have a number of members here to help answer the audience questions.
Please plan to attend and encourage others that work with these community development issues to attend as well! We want to get this meeting on the appointment calendars of key area leaders as far in advance of the meeting as we can.
Attention: Community Sustainability and City Development/Finance Leaders!
As this is a rather special presentation, it would be great to know who will be attending so that we can be sure that we have conveyed this information to as many of the communities in the Valley possible. While not required, we would appreciate a quick RSVP to us by return e-mail at ecos.foxvalley@gmail.com so that we can ensure we are reaching as many different communities in the area as possible.
If you have questions about this event, please call Roger or Connie 722-6438.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Proposed Door County biogas plant offers green energy solution
From an article by Ramelle Bintz in the Door County Advocate:
The prospect of a new miniature power plant supplying electricity for 400 homes in Door County also lit up the imaginations of Sturgeon Bay Plan Commission members Wednesday.
Owners of Efrim Industries LLC previewed how waste products could be processed at a dairy farm or other waste site and brought to the former Door County Highway Department shop at 916 N. 14th Ave. for conversion into electricity.
Efrim proposes to lease or purchase the vacant 30,000-square-foot industrial building from the county and retrofit it for non-toxic fuel storage, a biomass fuel feeding system, a "gasifier," steam turbine and baghouse.
The presentation sparked several questions about what type of waste can be recycled in Sturgeon Bay and why the company chose Door County to launch their new prototype. Owners said they also want to convert the facility to use as corporate headquarters, showcase the model here and market it worldwide.
The large farms in nearby Kewaunee and Brown counties, as well as those of Door County are a major reason Efrim Industries was attracted to the area, co-founder and president Raphael Fink told commissioners.
"The recent downturn in the shipbuilding trade has left Door County with many skilled and highly trained people available to construct and operate the Sturgeon Bay facility," Fink said. "The state of Wisconsin and the federal government are providing many financial incentives for businesses willing to establish themselves and create jobs in Sturgeon Bay. The port of Sturgeon Bay also allows easy access to Lake Michigan."
Door County Economic Development Corp. Director Bill Chaudoir and city Community Development Director Marty Olejniczak have been working behind the scenes with the firm and were also at Wednesday's meeting. Efrim also has been in negotiations with the county government, which owns the site that has been vacant several years.
The prospect of a new miniature power plant supplying electricity for 400 homes in Door County also lit up the imaginations of Sturgeon Bay Plan Commission members Wednesday.
Owners of Efrim Industries LLC previewed how waste products could be processed at a dairy farm or other waste site and brought to the former Door County Highway Department shop at 916 N. 14th Ave. for conversion into electricity.
Efrim proposes to lease or purchase the vacant 30,000-square-foot industrial building from the county and retrofit it for non-toxic fuel storage, a biomass fuel feeding system, a "gasifier," steam turbine and baghouse.
The presentation sparked several questions about what type of waste can be recycled in Sturgeon Bay and why the company chose Door County to launch their new prototype. Owners said they also want to convert the facility to use as corporate headquarters, showcase the model here and market it worldwide.
The large farms in nearby Kewaunee and Brown counties, as well as those of Door County are a major reason Efrim Industries was attracted to the area, co-founder and president Raphael Fink told commissioners.
"The recent downturn in the shipbuilding trade has left Door County with many skilled and highly trained people available to construct and operate the Sturgeon Bay facility," Fink said. "The state of Wisconsin and the federal government are providing many financial incentives for businesses willing to establish themselves and create jobs in Sturgeon Bay. The port of Sturgeon Bay also allows easy access to Lake Michigan."
Door County Economic Development Corp. Director Bill Chaudoir and city Community Development Director Marty Olejniczak have been working behind the scenes with the firm and were also at Wednesday's meeting. Efrim also has been in negotiations with the county government, which owns the site that has been vacant several years.
Friday, September 17, 2010
PSC sets public hearing in DePere on WPS rate increase request, Sept. 21
From a news release issued by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin:
MADISON – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) will hold public hearings on Tuesday, September 21 at locations in DePere, Wausau and Madison on Wisconsin Public Service Corporation’s (WPSC) request to adjust its electric and natural gas rates. WPSC has requested to increase their electric rates by 6.9 percent and natural gas rates by 1.20 percent.
When a utility requests a change in rates, the Commission conducts a thorough audit of the utility’s expenses and revenues. The agency will look at the amount WPSC needs to provide a reliable source of energy to customers, which includes costs of fuel, maintenance, new construction and environmental protection.
Public comments on WPSC’s application will be included in the record the Commission will review to make a decision. The Commission has the authority to approve, deny or modify the application.
Citizens are encouraged to attend the hearings, which will be broadcast live simultaneously from three locations at the following times:
Tuesday, September 21
3:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
St. Norbert College Campus
F.K. Bemis International Center
100 Grant Street, Room 114AB
DePere, WI UW-Marathon County
MADISON – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) will hold public hearings on Tuesday, September 21 at locations in DePere, Wausau and Madison on Wisconsin Public Service Corporation’s (WPSC) request to adjust its electric and natural gas rates. WPSC has requested to increase their electric rates by 6.9 percent and natural gas rates by 1.20 percent.
When a utility requests a change in rates, the Commission conducts a thorough audit of the utility’s expenses and revenues. The agency will look at the amount WPSC needs to provide a reliable source of energy to customers, which includes costs of fuel, maintenance, new construction and environmental protection.
Public comments on WPSC’s application will be included in the record the Commission will review to make a decision. The Commission has the authority to approve, deny or modify the application.
Citizens are encouraged to attend the hearings, which will be broadcast live simultaneously from three locations at the following times:
Tuesday, September 21
3:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
St. Norbert College Campus
F.K. Bemis International Center
100 Grant Street, Room 114AB
DePere, WI UW-Marathon County
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
UW-Oshkosh works to modernize facilities with renewable energy
From an article by Doug Zellmer in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
Work is expected to start soon on a $32 million suite-style residence hall, and the new $40 million academic building started about a year ago should be completed by next summer.
Also, a groundbreaking ceremony will take place Wednesday for the nation's first commercial-scale dry fermentation anaerobic biodigester.
"We're very excited. What we're trying to provide is the right kind of facilities for staff, students and the community," said Tom Sonnleitner, vice chancellor for administrative services at UWO. . . .
The suite-style residence hall will have a geothermal heating and cooling field that will provide 50 percent of the building's
heat. . . .
It is expected to save the school an estimated $182,000 a year in energy costs. A thin layer of indigenous drought resistant plant species will be placed on a portion of the new academic building roof to absorb heat and control stormwater runoff. Solar heat panels will heat water in the building. . . .
Officials from UWO reported the renewable energy facility (biodigester) located on Dempsey Trail adjacent to the Campus Services Center, will include heat and power generators, which will produce up to 10 percent of the campus's electricity and heat. The majority of the 8,000 tons of organic biodegradable waste needed per year will be produced by campus and community sources.
Work is expected to start soon on a $32 million suite-style residence hall, and the new $40 million academic building started about a year ago should be completed by next summer.
Also, a groundbreaking ceremony will take place Wednesday for the nation's first commercial-scale dry fermentation anaerobic biodigester.
"We're very excited. What we're trying to provide is the right kind of facilities for staff, students and the community," said Tom Sonnleitner, vice chancellor for administrative services at UWO. . . .
The suite-style residence hall will have a geothermal heating and cooling field that will provide 50 percent of the building's
heat. . . .
It is expected to save the school an estimated $182,000 a year in energy costs. A thin layer of indigenous drought resistant plant species will be placed on a portion of the new academic building roof to absorb heat and control stormwater runoff. Solar heat panels will heat water in the building. . . .
Officials from UWO reported the renewable energy facility (biodigester) located on Dempsey Trail adjacent to the Campus Services Center, will include heat and power generators, which will produce up to 10 percent of the campus's electricity and heat. The majority of the 8,000 tons of organic biodegradable waste needed per year will be produced by campus and community sources.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Solar hot water goes up at Lakeshore Technical College
Friday, September 10, 2010
Wind generation reduces climate-changing emissions
From a report titled "The Facts about Wind Energy’s Emissions Savings" prepared by the American Wind Energy Association:
. . . four of the seven major independent grid operators in the
U.S. have studied the emissions impact of adding wind energy to their power grids, and all four have found that adding wind energy drastically reduces emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants. While the emissions savings depend somewhat on the existing share of coal-fired versus gas-fired generation in the region, as one would expect, it is impossible to dispute the findings of these four independent grid operators that adding wind energy to their grids has significantly reduced emissions. . . .
DOE data show that wind and other renewables’ share of Texas’s
electric mix increased from 1.3% in 2005 to 4.4% in 2008, an increase in share of 3.1 percentage points. During that period, electric sector carbon dioxide emissions declined by 3.3%, even though electricity use actually increased by 2% during that time. Because of wind energy, the state of Texas was able to turn what would have been a carbon emissions increase into a decrease of 8,690,000 metric tons per year, equal to the emissions savings of taking around 1.5 million cars off the road.
. . . four of the seven major independent grid operators in the
U.S. have studied the emissions impact of adding wind energy to their power grids, and all four have found that adding wind energy drastically reduces emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants. While the emissions savings depend somewhat on the existing share of coal-fired versus gas-fired generation in the region, as one would expect, it is impossible to dispute the findings of these four independent grid operators that adding wind energy to their grids has significantly reduced emissions. . . .
DOE data show that wind and other renewables’ share of Texas’s
electric mix increased from 1.3% in 2005 to 4.4% in 2008, an increase in share of 3.1 percentage points. During that period, electric sector carbon dioxide emissions declined by 3.3%, even though electricity use actually increased by 2% during that time. Because of wind energy, the state of Texas was able to turn what would have been a carbon emissions increase into a decrease of 8,690,000 metric tons per year, equal to the emissions savings of taking around 1.5 million cars off the road.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Newsletter: Siting council, Cashton wind, Cascade wind, and more
RENEW Wisconisn's summer newsletter includes these articles:
Council Backs Compromise on Siting Standards
After four months of intensive review and debate, the 15-member Wind Siting Council presented to the Public Service Commission (PSC) its final recommendations on the statewide permitting rule under development. The Council’s report comes at a critical juncture; the PSC will issue a fi nal rule on this proceeding before the end of August.
Community Wind on Move in Cashton
What may become Wisconsin’s first example of a Community Wind project cleared a significant hurdle in June when the Village of Cashton in Monroe County issued a permit to allow the construction of two Vestas V90 turbines, totaling 3.6 megawatts (MW), inside its business park.
Seventh Generation Pioneers Wind
Unusual from its start as a not-for- profit in the business of renewable energy, Seventh Generation Energy Systems (commonly called Seventh Gen) continues to pioneer organizationally and technically with the addition of Jim Yockey, executive director, and Ry Thompson, project manager. Alicia Leinberger, one of the founders of Seventh Gen, oversees marketing and business development for the eight-year-old organization.
Making Sense of the Gulf Disaster
About 100 people gathered in downtown Madison in early July to take part in “Hands Across the hands,” an internationally organized protest against continued oil drilling in and along the world’s coastal waters. Against the backdrop of the weed-choked waters of Lake Monona, they joined hands for 15 minutes to express their fervent desire to see a cleaner, less destructive energy future emerge from the liquid melanoma spreading across the Gulf of Mexico.
No doubt the protestors would like to do more, much more, than simply engage in a ritualized protest in front of a few camera crews. But we live in a society that is organized around the expectation of a limitless supply of nonrenewable hydrocarbons feeding concentrated energy into our economic bloodstream. Most of us have not bothered to comprehend the yawning gulf that lies between our best intentions and our abject dependence on the wealth-producing properties of petroleum.
Turbines Power Cascade Wastewater
With the start-up of two 100-kilowatt (kW) wind turbines, the Village of Cascade became the first Wisconsin community to power its municipal wastewater treatment plant with 100 percent locally produced wind energy.
The impetus behind Cascade’s embrace of wind power was the avoided utility expenditures associated with operating a wastewater treatment plant. In the first year of operation, Cascade
stands to save $30,000.
Calendar
Sept. 29 -- Solar Decade Conference, Milwaukee, WI. A comprehensive solar energy educational opportunity for your home, business, and career. Sponsored by Focus on Energy, We Energies, and others. For details see www.solardecade.com.
Sept. 30 - Oct. 1 -- 2010Solar Thermal ‘10, Milwaukee, WI. A national solar heating and cooling conference and expo for solar thermal professionals. For details see www.the-mrea.org.
October 2, 2010 -- Solar Tour of Homes and Businesses. All across Wisconsin. Owners open their doors to let people see how renewable energy is practical, reliable, and affordable in today’s economy. The homes and businesses often include other energy efficiency and renewable technologies. For details see www.the-mrea.org.
October 13, 2010 -- Wisconsin Wind Energy Supply Chain Workshop, Milwaukee, WI. Learn how to join the wind energy supply chain from fi rst tier and aftermarket manufacturers. For details see www.thenewnorth.com.
Mar. 9 - 12, 2011 -- Green Energy Summit: The Green Frontier, Milwaukee, WI. An acclaimed professional/academic conference featuring keynote speakers, workshops, demonstrations, and exhibits. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Technical College System Foundation and others. For details see www.greenenergysummit.us.
Council Backs Compromise on Siting Standards
After four months of intensive review and debate, the 15-member Wind Siting Council presented to the Public Service Commission (PSC) its final recommendations on the statewide permitting rule under development. The Council’s report comes at a critical juncture; the PSC will issue a fi nal rule on this proceeding before the end of August.
Community Wind on Move in Cashton
What may become Wisconsin’s first example of a Community Wind project cleared a significant hurdle in June when the Village of Cashton in Monroe County issued a permit to allow the construction of two Vestas V90 turbines, totaling 3.6 megawatts (MW), inside its business park.
Seventh Generation Pioneers Wind
Unusual from its start as a not-for- profit in the business of renewable energy, Seventh Generation Energy Systems (commonly called Seventh Gen) continues to pioneer organizationally and technically with the addition of Jim Yockey, executive director, and Ry Thompson, project manager. Alicia Leinberger, one of the founders of Seventh Gen, oversees marketing and business development for the eight-year-old organization.
Making Sense of the Gulf Disaster
About 100 people gathered in downtown Madison in early July to take part in “Hands Across the hands,” an internationally organized protest against continued oil drilling in and along the world’s coastal waters. Against the backdrop of the weed-choked waters of Lake Monona, they joined hands for 15 minutes to express their fervent desire to see a cleaner, less destructive energy future emerge from the liquid melanoma spreading across the Gulf of Mexico.
No doubt the protestors would like to do more, much more, than simply engage in a ritualized protest in front of a few camera crews. But we live in a society that is organized around the expectation of a limitless supply of nonrenewable hydrocarbons feeding concentrated energy into our economic bloodstream. Most of us have not bothered to comprehend the yawning gulf that lies between our best intentions and our abject dependence on the wealth-producing properties of petroleum.
Turbines Power Cascade Wastewater
With the start-up of two 100-kilowatt (kW) wind turbines, the Village of Cascade became the first Wisconsin community to power its municipal wastewater treatment plant with 100 percent locally produced wind energy.
The impetus behind Cascade’s embrace of wind power was the avoided utility expenditures associated with operating a wastewater treatment plant. In the first year of operation, Cascade
stands to save $30,000.
Calendar
Sept. 29 -- Solar Decade Conference, Milwaukee, WI. A comprehensive solar energy educational opportunity for your home, business, and career. Sponsored by Focus on Energy, We Energies, and others. For details see www.solardecade.com.
Sept. 30 - Oct. 1 -- 2010Solar Thermal ‘10, Milwaukee, WI. A national solar heating and cooling conference and expo for solar thermal professionals. For details see www.the-mrea.org.
October 2, 2010 -- Solar Tour of Homes and Businesses. All across Wisconsin. Owners open their doors to let people see how renewable energy is practical, reliable, and affordable in today’s economy. The homes and businesses often include other energy efficiency and renewable technologies. For details see www.the-mrea.org.
October 13, 2010 -- Wisconsin Wind Energy Supply Chain Workshop, Milwaukee, WI. Learn how to join the wind energy supply chain from fi rst tier and aftermarket manufacturers. For details see www.thenewnorth.com.
Mar. 9 - 12, 2011 -- Green Energy Summit: The Green Frontier, Milwaukee, WI. An acclaimed professional/academic conference featuring keynote speakers, workshops, demonstrations, and exhibits. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Technical College System Foundation and others. For details see www.greenenergysummit.us.
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