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.
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