From an article by Kathy Walsh Nufer in the Appleton Post Crescent:
APPLETON — The Appleton Area School District has received an Energy Star Rating from the federal government for high energy performance in 23 of its 26 school buildings.
And that, school officials say, translates into money saved.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rating system helps assess how efficiently buildings use energy when compared to similar buildings nationwide.
A rating of 50 on the 1-100 scale indicates average energy performance, while a rating of 75 or better indicates top performance.
Bob Zuehlsdorf, director of facilities and operations, told Board of Education members last week that the strong rating is "huge" for Appleton. "That's the gold standard from the federal standpoint."
Zuehlsdorf noted that the three school buildings that did not get the top rating "just missed" the 75 mark needed. Badger Elementary School had a 74, and Wilson Middle School and the Morgan Building each received a 73.
Energy Star plaques will be posted in the schools soon.
Appleton's public school buildings take up the equivalent of 2,300 houses in space, and the district has made a concerted effort to cut back on energy usage in the last few years.
That has paid off, said Zuehlsdorf. Even though electric, gas and water rates continue to rise, expenses are staying about the same or going down. Energy costs are projected to run $269,000, or 8.8 percent under budget this year.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Energy groups oppose bill to undermine Wisconsin's renewable energy commitment
From statements issued by three groups in opposition to Assembly Bill 146:
"Clearly, this bill is a drastic step in the wrong direction for our state. The Wisconsin Energy Business Association therefore opposes this attack on renewable energy in our state." - Wisconsin Energy Business Association. Full statement.
We strongly recommend that this bill not be approved as it solves no known problem in Wisconsin and seeks only to roll-back policies on renewable energy that have served the state well and are otherwise benefitting Wisconsin residents with cleaner air and lower prices for electricity. - Wind on the Wires. Full statement.
Fresh attack on Wisconsin voters’ desire for a renewable energy standard would kill wind projects and sap state’s economy, say wind energy advocates - American Wind Energy Association. Full statement.
"Clearly, this bill is a drastic step in the wrong direction for our state. The Wisconsin Energy Business Association therefore opposes this attack on renewable energy in our state." - Wisconsin Energy Business Association. Full statement.
We strongly recommend that this bill not be approved as it solves no known problem in Wisconsin and seeks only to roll-back policies on renewable energy that have served the state well and are otherwise benefitting Wisconsin residents with cleaner air and lower prices for electricity. - Wind on the Wires. Full statement.
Fresh attack on Wisconsin voters’ desire for a renewable energy standard would kill wind projects and sap state’s economy, say wind energy advocates - American Wind Energy Association. Full statement.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
WI utility agrees to buy Canadian hydroelectric power
While RENEW opposes counting hydro toward a utility's renewable portofio standard, Wisconsin Public Service agreed to buy 100 MW from Manitoba Hyrdo, according to an article in The Lac du Bonnet Leader:
Premier Greg Selinger announced today that Manitoba Hydro has signed agreements for a 250megawatt (MW) sale of electricity to Minnesota Power and a 100-MW sale to Wisconsin Public Service. Combined with a previously completed 125 MW sale to Northern States Power, these sales total 475 MW with an estimated value of $4 billion, Selinger said.
The premier said these sales will require the construction of new hydroelectric generating capacity in Manitoba. They will trigger the development of the 695-MW Keeyask (Cree for gull) Generating Station located on the lower Nelson River 175 km northeast of Thompson in the Split Lake Resource Management Area. Keeyask is to be developed by a partnership consisting of Manitoba Hydro and the Keeyask Cree Nations-Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation, and York Factory First Nation. The $5.6-billion project will provide some 4,500 person-years of construction employment, said Selinger. . .
The 250-MW power sale to Minnesota Power over a 15-year period from 2020 to 2035 requires an additional interconnection between Manitoba and the United States which will provide increased export capability and reliability benefits for Manitoba, said Selinger.
The 100-MW power sale agreement to Wisconsin Public Service covers the 2021-2027 period. Negotiations are continuing to expand the Wisconsin sale to 500 MW which would require construction of the Conawapa Generating Station, the premier said, adding with these sales, Manitoba Hydro and its partners are reviewing scheduling and other requirements for moving forward with Keeyask.
Premier Greg Selinger announced today that Manitoba Hydro has signed agreements for a 250megawatt (MW) sale of electricity to Minnesota Power and a 100-MW sale to Wisconsin Public Service. Combined with a previously completed 125 MW sale to Northern States Power, these sales total 475 MW with an estimated value of $4 billion, Selinger said.
The premier said these sales will require the construction of new hydroelectric generating capacity in Manitoba. They will trigger the development of the 695-MW Keeyask (Cree for gull) Generating Station located on the lower Nelson River 175 km northeast of Thompson in the Split Lake Resource Management Area. Keeyask is to be developed by a partnership consisting of Manitoba Hydro and the Keeyask Cree Nations-Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation, and York Factory First Nation. The $5.6-billion project will provide some 4,500 person-years of construction employment, said Selinger. . .
The 250-MW power sale to Minnesota Power over a 15-year period from 2020 to 2035 requires an additional interconnection between Manitoba and the United States which will provide increased export capability and reliability benefits for Manitoba, said Selinger.
The 100-MW power sale agreement to Wisconsin Public Service covers the 2021-2027 period. Negotiations are continuing to expand the Wisconsin sale to 500 MW which would require construction of the Conawapa Generating Station, the premier said, adding with these sales, Manitoba Hydro and its partners are reviewing scheduling and other requirements for moving forward with Keeyask.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Fox Valley Lutheran High School receives solar energy grant
From an article in the Appleton Post Crescent:
APPLETON — Fox Valley Lutheran High School has received a $150,000 solar energy grant from Wisconsin Focus on Energy and We Energies.
In April, 156 solar panels were installed on the roof of the school's media center. The goal is to generate electricity and lower energy costs at the school. According to estimates, the 36-kilowatt photovoltaic system will help reduce the school's energy costs by nearly $4,300 annually.
School officials said this renewable energy system generates electricity in a quiet and reliable way without creating air or water pollution. The panels cost $247,455 to install.
An interactive page has been posted to the school's website, www.fvlh.org, to teach students about solar energy and other renewable energy technologies, and to monitor the output of the solar cells.
APPLETON — Fox Valley Lutheran High School has received a $150,000 solar energy grant from Wisconsin Focus on Energy and We Energies.
In April, 156 solar panels were installed on the roof of the school's media center. The goal is to generate electricity and lower energy costs at the school. According to estimates, the 36-kilowatt photovoltaic system will help reduce the school's energy costs by nearly $4,300 annually.
School officials said this renewable energy system generates electricity in a quiet and reliable way without creating air or water pollution. The panels cost $247,455 to install.
An interactive page has been posted to the school's website, www.fvlh.org, to teach students about solar energy and other renewable energy technologies, and to monitor the output of the solar cells.
Careers in wind energy industry
Job seekers talk about their interests in wind at Windpower2011, the American Wind Energy Association's annual meeting and expo in Annaheim, CA.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Donations fund Sturgeon Bay school's solar panels
From an article by Samantha Hernandez in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
The Sturgeon Bay School Board has received a donation from Sturgeon Bay Utilities to help offset the costs of the district's new solar panels.
The board accepted the grants Wednesday from Jim Stawicki, SBU general manager.
Stawicki, acting as a representative for both Sturgeon Bay Utilities and Wisconsin Public Power Inc., presented the two grants, from WPPI for $25,000 and one from SBU for $19,000.
The district also received a grant for about $20,000 from Wisconsin Focus on Energy.
The grants will be used to offset the costs of the district's solar panels, the monitoring system, and the new touch-screen kiosk in the front entrance of the high school. The kiosk allows users to view various statistics that pertain to the solar panels including the amount of energy produced and a diagram of the panels.
The panels were installed in March on the roof of the high school, said Russ Cross, district manager of buildings and grounds.
There are two rows of solar panels, 22 in all, and each panels has 60 photovoltaic cells. The panels are visible from Michigan Street, which runs past the high school.
Cross is not certain how much the panels will save the school in the long run.
"It's hard to speculate. The amount of power it's supposed to generate (is) roughly equivalent to powering two average-size homes for a year," Cross said.
The Sturgeon Bay School Board has received a donation from Sturgeon Bay Utilities to help offset the costs of the district's new solar panels.
The board accepted the grants Wednesday from Jim Stawicki, SBU general manager.
Stawicki, acting as a representative for both Sturgeon Bay Utilities and Wisconsin Public Power Inc., presented the two grants, from WPPI for $25,000 and one from SBU for $19,000.
The district also received a grant for about $20,000 from Wisconsin Focus on Energy.
The grants will be used to offset the costs of the district's solar panels, the monitoring system, and the new touch-screen kiosk in the front entrance of the high school. The kiosk allows users to view various statistics that pertain to the solar panels including the amount of energy produced and a diagram of the panels.
The panels were installed in March on the roof of the high school, said Russ Cross, district manager of buildings and grounds.
There are two rows of solar panels, 22 in all, and each panels has 60 photovoltaic cells. The panels are visible from Michigan Street, which runs past the high school.
Cross is not certain how much the panels will save the school in the long run.
"It's hard to speculate. The amount of power it's supposed to generate (is) roughly equivalent to powering two average-size homes for a year," Cross said.
Friday, May 20, 2011
UWO, partners dedicate innovative biodigester
From an article by Amanda Wimmer on UW Oshkosh Today:
Once up and running, the nation’s first commercial-scale dry fermentation anaerobic biodigester — an innovative system transforming heaps of food waste and lawn clippings into renewable energy — will produce enough electricity for at least 210 homes per year.
It will also pump out enough energy to heat another, at least, 180 homes per year.
And it will accomplish all this from its modest corner at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus, which itself expects to benefit, with about 10 percent of its electricity and heat emanating from the innovative plant.
UW Oshkosh hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication May 18 to celebrate one more of the institution’s many renewable and sustainable energy initiatives.
“We need to expand the notion of sustainability so it gets highlighted and integrated into all we do,” said Chancellor Richard Wells. “This facility really represents that…it allows us to enhance the state-of-the-art teaching and research happening here.”
Once up and running, the nation’s first commercial-scale dry fermentation anaerobic biodigester — an innovative system transforming heaps of food waste and lawn clippings into renewable energy — will produce enough electricity for at least 210 homes per year.
It will also pump out enough energy to heat another, at least, 180 homes per year.
And it will accomplish all this from its modest corner at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus, which itself expects to benefit, with about 10 percent of its electricity and heat emanating from the innovative plant.
UW Oshkosh hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication May 18 to celebrate one more of the institution’s many renewable and sustainable energy initiatives.
“We need to expand the notion of sustainability so it gets highlighted and integrated into all we do,” said Chancellor Richard Wells. “This facility really represents that…it allows us to enhance the state-of-the-art teaching and research happening here.”
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Conservation Voters object to bill that would allow renewable energy to come from Canada
From an article in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
Wisconsin utilities could count power from a Canadian hydroelectric plant as a renewable source of energy under a bill quickly moving through the Legislature, despite objections from environmental groups.
The bill modifies an existing law that requires 10 percent of the electricity providers sell to come from renewable sources by 2015, but specifies any hydroelectric source must produce less than 60 megawatts of power.
That provision, meant to ensure electric providers would use Wisconsin-based hydroelectric facilities, is rewritten to also allow newly constructed plants in Manitoba, Canada, that produce more than 60 megawatts of power.
The state Senate approved the measure in a 21-11 vote Tuesday afternoon. The bill wouldn’t take effect until Dec. 31, 2015.
“There’s a number of electric companies that want to find ways to meet their 2015-and-beyond mandates, and they want to do it in the most economical manner,” said Sen. Frank Lasee, R-Ledgeview, the bill’s chief sponsor. “The Left has got it wrong on jobs and green energy. We can’t take more from all the businesses and ratepayers in Wisconsin just to foster green energy jobs.”
Conservationists say allowing companies to purchase hydroelectric power from Canada undermines the efforts of Wisconsin’s clean energy industry.
“They’re basically allowing Manitoba power to flood the renewable energy market in Wisconsin,” said Jennifer Giegerich, legislative director for the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters. “Once this is allowed to be counted, we’re concerned utilities will dump their current contracts and get this cheap energy from Canada. That puts Wisconsin energy jobs at risk.”
Wisconsin utilities could count power from a Canadian hydroelectric plant as a renewable source of energy under a bill quickly moving through the Legislature, despite objections from environmental groups.
The bill modifies an existing law that requires 10 percent of the electricity providers sell to come from renewable sources by 2015, but specifies any hydroelectric source must produce less than 60 megawatts of power.
That provision, meant to ensure electric providers would use Wisconsin-based hydroelectric facilities, is rewritten to also allow newly constructed plants in Manitoba, Canada, that produce more than 60 megawatts of power.
The state Senate approved the measure in a 21-11 vote Tuesday afternoon. The bill wouldn’t take effect until Dec. 31, 2015.
“There’s a number of electric companies that want to find ways to meet their 2015-and-beyond mandates, and they want to do it in the most economical manner,” said Sen. Frank Lasee, R-Ledgeview, the bill’s chief sponsor. “The Left has got it wrong on jobs and green energy. We can’t take more from all the businesses and ratepayers in Wisconsin just to foster green energy jobs.”
Conservationists say allowing companies to purchase hydroelectric power from Canada undermines the efforts of Wisconsin’s clean energy industry.
“They’re basically allowing Manitoba power to flood the renewable energy market in Wisconsin,” said Jennifer Giegerich, legislative director for the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters. “Once this is allowed to be counted, we’re concerned utilities will dump their current contracts and get this cheap energy from Canada. That puts Wisconsin energy jobs at risk.”
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
State clean energy mandates have little effect on electricity rates so far
From an article by Don Huagen in Midwest Energy News:
One of the larger reviews of renewable portfolio standards was a 2008 report (PDF) from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The study looked at data on a dozen state renewable policies enacted before 2007. The estimated impact on electricity rates varied by state, but it was a fraction of a percent in most cases and just over 1 percent in two states, Connecticut and Massachusetts. “There is little evidence of a sizable impact on average retail electricity rates so far,” the report concluded.
One of the report’s co-authors, Galen Barbose, said in an interview that they are collecting data for an updated version of the report. So far he said he hasn’t seen any new information to suggest their conclusion about rate impacts will change significantly in the next edition.
A 2009 study by the U.S. Energy Information Administration modeled the potential impact of a 25 percent nationwide renewable electricity standard. It, too, noted that rate impacts would vary by state, with renewable-rich regions like the Great Plains and Northwest meeting the targets more easily. Overall, though, it projected no impact on rates through 2020, followed by a less than 3 percent increase by 2025. By 2030, however, it projected little difference in rates with or without a national renewable mandate.
The Minnesota Free Market Institute and American Tradition Institute reached a very different conclusion in an April 2011 report (PDF), which claims Minnesota’s renewable electricity standard is going to cause rates in the state to skyrocket by as much as 37 percent by 2025.
Utilities’ experiences vary
Xcel Energy, the state’s largest utility, has come up with a much smaller number: $0.003. That’s the difference Xcel forecasts between its projected per-kilowatt-hour energy price in 2025 under its proposed wind expansion plan compared to a hypothetical scenario in which it stopped adding new wind capacity after 2012.
Asked to comment on the Free Market Institute’s study, Xcel Energy spokesman Steve Roalstad said, “It doesn’t seem to be moving in that direction.” The cost of adding renewable energy sources, especially wind, continues to fall and has become very competitive with traditional generating sources, he said.
One of the larger reviews of renewable portfolio standards was a 2008 report (PDF) from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The study looked at data on a dozen state renewable policies enacted before 2007. The estimated impact on electricity rates varied by state, but it was a fraction of a percent in most cases and just over 1 percent in two states, Connecticut and Massachusetts. “There is little evidence of a sizable impact on average retail electricity rates so far,” the report concluded.
One of the report’s co-authors, Galen Barbose, said in an interview that they are collecting data for an updated version of the report. So far he said he hasn’t seen any new information to suggest their conclusion about rate impacts will change significantly in the next edition.
A 2009 study by the U.S. Energy Information Administration modeled the potential impact of a 25 percent nationwide renewable electricity standard. It, too, noted that rate impacts would vary by state, with renewable-rich regions like the Great Plains and Northwest meeting the targets more easily. Overall, though, it projected no impact on rates through 2020, followed by a less than 3 percent increase by 2025. By 2030, however, it projected little difference in rates with or without a national renewable mandate.
The Minnesota Free Market Institute and American Tradition Institute reached a very different conclusion in an April 2011 report (PDF), which claims Minnesota’s renewable electricity standard is going to cause rates in the state to skyrocket by as much as 37 percent by 2025.
Utilities’ experiences vary
Xcel Energy, the state’s largest utility, has come up with a much smaller number: $0.003. That’s the difference Xcel forecasts between its projected per-kilowatt-hour energy price in 2025 under its proposed wind expansion plan compared to a hypothetical scenario in which it stopped adding new wind capacity after 2012.
Asked to comment on the Free Market Institute’s study, Xcel Energy spokesman Steve Roalstad said, “It doesn’t seem to be moving in that direction.” The cost of adding renewable energy sources, especially wind, continues to fall and has become very competitive with traditional generating sources, he said.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Notre Dame Academy installs new solar electric system
From an article by Richard Ryman in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
Green Bay Notre Dame Academy dedicated a new solar electric system on Monday and is preparing for renovation of its auditorium over the summer.
The Catholic high school dedicated a system designed and installed by Solar Innovations of Waukesha. Solar Innovations is owned by former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann.
Robert Pauly, president of Notre Dame, 610 Maryhill Drive, Green Bay, said the system cost about $181,000, and was paid for in part by a $143,000 grant from Focus on Energy and Wisconsin Public Service Corp. He credited science teacher Steve Kircher with discovering and applying for the grant.
The solar panels will generate 41,400 kilowatts a year and save $4,261 annually in electric costs, giving it about a seven-year payback on the school's portion of the project. It will save an estimated $95,000 over 15 years and $216,300 over 25 years, taking into account escalating energy costs, Pauly said. It is rated to last 30 to 50 years.
"Solar Innovations told us it is the largest solar system in Northeastern Wisconsin," Pauly said.
Green Bay Notre Dame Academy dedicated a new solar electric system on Monday and is preparing for renovation of its auditorium over the summer.
The Catholic high school dedicated a system designed and installed by Solar Innovations of Waukesha. Solar Innovations is owned by former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann.
Robert Pauly, president of Notre Dame, 610 Maryhill Drive, Green Bay, said the system cost about $181,000, and was paid for in part by a $143,000 grant from Focus on Energy and Wisconsin Public Service Corp. He credited science teacher Steve Kircher with discovering and applying for the grant.
The solar panels will generate 41,400 kilowatts a year and save $4,261 annually in electric costs, giving it about a seven-year payback on the school's portion of the project. It will save an estimated $95,000 over 15 years and $216,300 over 25 years, taking into account escalating energy costs, Pauly said. It is rated to last 30 to 50 years.
"Solar Innovations told us it is the largest solar system in Northeastern Wisconsin," Pauly said.
Monday, May 16, 2011
We Energies Terminates Its Renewable Energy Program
For immediate release
May 13, 2011
More information
RENEW Wisconsin
Michael Vickerman
608.255.4044
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org
“It’s a sad day when the state’s largest utility decides to walk away from its commitment to a clean energy future,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide organization advocating for public policies and private initiatives that advance renewable energy.
As indicated in various filings with the Public Service Commission, We Energies had committed to spend $6 million a year over 10 years to increase its renewable energy supplies and make renewable energy more affordable to its customers through grants and incentives. We Energies’ commitment came in the wake of a settlement with RENEW over the utility’s plans to build two coal-fired power stations in southeast Wisconsin.
Of the $60 million committed, the utility has spent approximately $30 million since 2006. This program will be zeroed out in We Energies’ next rate filing, which will cover 2012 and 2013.
This program supported numerous customer-sited renewable energy installations [see list below], conferences and workshops, research and development activities, and innovative buyback rates.
“Perhaps not coincidently, the decision to terminate this program comes just months after We Energies placed its second coal-fired plant in service. The $6 million a year was a small price to pay for the all of the renewable energy advances that occurred while the utility built two coal plants,” said Vickerman.
“Now that the coal plant is up and running, it appears that the program has outlived its usefulness to We Energies,” Vickerman said.
Six million dollars equates to about .025 percent of We Energies’ annual expenditures.
“This cancellation comes as a blow to area contractors and businesses that were relying on the program to create jobs and clean energy,” said Vickerman. “The achievements leveraged far outweigh the program’s negligible cost.”
“Between utility program cutbacks and state government rollbacks, Wisconsin’s policy framework for supporting renewable energy will be largely dismantled by the end of the year.”
May 13, 2011
More information
RENEW Wisconsin
Michael Vickerman
608.255.4044
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org
We Energies Terminates Its Renewable Energy Program
Utility Pulls Plug on $6 Million a Year Commitment
“It’s a sad day when the state’s largest utility decides to walk away from its commitment to a clean energy future,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide organization advocating for public policies and private initiatives that advance renewable energy.
As indicated in various filings with the Public Service Commission, We Energies had committed to spend $6 million a year over 10 years to increase its renewable energy supplies and make renewable energy more affordable to its customers through grants and incentives. We Energies’ commitment came in the wake of a settlement with RENEW over the utility’s plans to build two coal-fired power stations in southeast Wisconsin.
Of the $60 million committed, the utility has spent approximately $30 million since 2006. This program will be zeroed out in We Energies’ next rate filing, which will cover 2012 and 2013.
This program supported numerous customer-sited renewable energy installations [see list below], conferences and workshops, research and development activities, and innovative buyback rates.
“Perhaps not coincidently, the decision to terminate this program comes just months after We Energies placed its second coal-fired plant in service. The $6 million a year was a small price to pay for the all of the renewable energy advances that occurred while the utility built two coal plants,” said Vickerman.
“Now that the coal plant is up and running, it appears that the program has outlived its usefulness to We Energies,” Vickerman said.
Six million dollars equates to about .025 percent of We Energies’ annual expenditures.
“This cancellation comes as a blow to area contractors and businesses that were relying on the program to create jobs and clean energy,” said Vickerman. “The achievements leveraged far outweigh the program’s negligible cost.”
“Between utility program cutbacks and state government rollbacks, Wisconsin’s policy framework for supporting renewable energy will be largely dismantled by the end of the year.”
--END- -
RENEW Wisconsin is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that acts as a catalyst to advance a sustainable energy future through public policy and private sector initiatives. More information on RENEW’s Web site at www.renewwisconsin.org.Customer-owned renewable energy success stories and live data
A growing number of customers have their own renewable energy facilities. The links below go to summaries of the projects and/or real-time production data from the solar photovoltaic, solar hot water and wind renewable energy generation systems.
Solar electric photovoltaic
Ascension Lutheran Church
Cedar Community
City of Brookfield Safety Building
Concordia University Wisconsin
Cooper Elementary School
Cross Lutheran Church
Crown of Life Lutheran Church
Energy Producing Home #1
Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ - Waukesha
Fairview Charter School
Family Enrichment Center of Ozaukee County
First Congregational Church - Port Washington
First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee
Fox River Christian Church
Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Gateway Technical College Horizon Center Solar Tracker
GE Healthcare
GE Research Park
Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church and School
Growing Power - Milwaukee
HOPE Christian School
Johnson Foundation
Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School
La Casa de Esperanza
Lake Country School
Lake Park Lutheran Church
Lawrence University
Madison Area Technical College - Fort Atkinson Campus
Madison College - Fort Atkinson
Menomonee Falls North Middle School
Milwaukee Area Tech College - Oak Creek
Milwaukee Central Library
Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Milwaukee Recycling Education Facility
MSOE:Fat Spaniel Tech MSOE Monitor
Navarino Nature Center
North Shore Presbyterian Church
Our Savior Lutheran Church
Outpost Natural Foods
Pragmatic Construction Home 1 - PV
Purdy Elementary School - Fort Atkinson
Racine City Hall Annex
Racine Eco-Justice Center
Racine St. Catherine's High School
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
Shoreland Lutheran High School
Shorewood School District
Still Point Zen Center
The Order of Julian of Norwich
Town of Greenville
Town of Menasha
Unitarian Universalist Church West
United Community Center
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin - Parkside
Urban Ecology Center
Village of Marshall Wastewater Treatment Facility
Village of Wind Point
Walden III Middle and Senior High School
Waukesha County Technical College
Wauwatosa Fire Department
Whitewater Innovation Center
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Wisconsin State Fair Park
Solar water heating
Fort Atkinson High School Solar Thermal
Fort Atkinson Middle School Solar Thermal
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity SHW 1
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity SHW 2
We Energies HQ: Fat Spaniel Tech Wired Solar
Solar electric photovoltaic and wind
Discovery World
Lakeshore Technical College
Mequon Nature Preserve
Milwaukee Area Tech College - Mequon
Wind
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee – Camp Whitcomb Mason
Village of Cascade Wastewater Treatment Plant
List from We Energies' Web site -- http://www.we-energies.com/residential/energyeff/active_installdata.htm
Friday, May 6, 2011
Third large Wisconsin wind project cancelled due to legislative blockage
From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Moves to restrict wind farm development in Wisconsin led a Madison utility to take a $5 million charge, citing the difficulty of being able to build the project in Green Lake and Fond du Lac counties.
“Events arising in the first quarter of 2011 lead us to conclude it would be difficult to effectively use the
site for wind development,” said Bill Harvey, Alliant chairman and chief executive, during an investor conference call.
Alliant Energy Corp. had bought development rights to the project several years ago from NextEra Energy Resources, at a time the state was looking to increase its renewable energy targets.
The $5 million charge is in recognition of the fact that it will be much more difficult to build the wind farm given uncertainty in the state’s wind siting requirements, said utility spokesman Steve Schultz.
During his first month in office, Gov. Scott Walker announced a property rights bill that aimed to restrict wind farm development to move turbines farther away from nearby properties. Local groups that have challenged wind farms supported the move, but wind energy developers said it would make it tough to build wind farms in the state.
Walker’s bill is on hold, and the Legislature has moved to suspend a statewide siting standard that the wind developers had said they could live with.
As a result, no statewide standard currently exists, and the Legislature and Public Service Commission are continuing to discuss how to address wind standards.
Uncertainty in the state’s wind siting rules led two developers to cancel wind farm development in the state earlier this year.
Moves to restrict wind farm development in Wisconsin led a Madison utility to take a $5 million charge, citing the difficulty of being able to build the project in Green Lake and Fond du Lac counties.
“Events arising in the first quarter of 2011 lead us to conclude it would be difficult to effectively use the
site for wind development,” said Bill Harvey, Alliant chairman and chief executive, during an investor conference call.
Alliant Energy Corp. had bought development rights to the project several years ago from NextEra Energy Resources, at a time the state was looking to increase its renewable energy targets.
The $5 million charge is in recognition of the fact that it will be much more difficult to build the wind farm given uncertainty in the state’s wind siting requirements, said utility spokesman Steve Schultz.
During his first month in office, Gov. Scott Walker announced a property rights bill that aimed to restrict wind farm development to move turbines farther away from nearby properties. Local groups that have challenged wind farms supported the move, but wind energy developers said it would make it tough to build wind farms in the state.
Walker’s bill is on hold, and the Legislature has moved to suspend a statewide siting standard that the wind developers had said they could live with.
As a result, no statewide standard currently exists, and the Legislature and Public Service Commission are continuing to discuss how to address wind standards.
Uncertainty in the state’s wind siting rules led two developers to cancel wind farm development in the state earlier this year.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wind technician rescue training
Jenny Heinzen, president of RENEW Wisconsin board, lowered a student to the ground during a wind technician training exercise at Lakeshore Technical College. His giggles are the ones you hear at the end. Jenny remained on the platform 90 feet above the ground.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Budget commitee slashes energy efficiency funding
From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:
Cuts to key environmental programs continue in Wisconsin, with a sharp reduction in future funding for Focus on Energy, a statewide energy efficiency effort.
On a party-line vote Tuesday, the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee rolled back the budget for Focus on Energy to less than $100 million annually. The monies come from a tax on electric utility revenues and are distributed to businesses and individuals for energy savings projects.
The Focus on Energy program has been administered over the past years by the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp., a Madison-based non-profit. But the contract was awarded earlier this year to the Shaw Group, a Baton Rouge, La., firm with offices in Milwaukee.
The Public Service Commission in November 2010 had proposed new energy savings goals for Focus on Energy by hiking the utility assessment. Those budgets were then approved by the Democratic majority in Joint Finance and would have upped money in the program from $120 million in 2011 to $256 million by 2014.
But with the committee action, funding for Focus on Energy will remain flat for the foreseeable future.
Co-chairman Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, led opposition to the increase, calling it a redistribution of utility ratepayer dollars.
Launched in 2001, Focus on Energy has helped residents and businesses save nearly $2 billion on their energy bills, supporters of the program say.
Cuts to key environmental programs continue in Wisconsin, with a sharp reduction in future funding for Focus on Energy, a statewide energy efficiency effort.
On a party-line vote Tuesday, the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee rolled back the budget for Focus on Energy to less than $100 million annually. The monies come from a tax on electric utility revenues and are distributed to businesses and individuals for energy savings projects.
The Focus on Energy program has been administered over the past years by the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp., a Madison-based non-profit. But the contract was awarded earlier this year to the Shaw Group, a Baton Rouge, La., firm with offices in Milwaukee.
The Public Service Commission in November 2010 had proposed new energy savings goals for Focus on Energy by hiking the utility assessment. Those budgets were then approved by the Democratic majority in Joint Finance and would have upped money in the program from $120 million in 2011 to $256 million by 2014.
But with the committee action, funding for Focus on Energy will remain flat for the foreseeable future.
Co-chairman Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, led opposition to the increase, calling it a redistribution of utility ratepayer dollars.
Launched in 2001, Focus on Energy has helped residents and businesses save nearly $2 billion on their energy bills, supporters of the program say.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Green Bay-based renewable fuels company will study new use for Menasha steam plant
From an article by Michael King in the Appleton Post Crescent:
MENASHA — The defunct Menasha Utilities steam plant, closed since October 2009, could come back to life burning environmentally friendly pellets instead of coal.
The Menasha Common Council on Monday voted 8-0 to approve a letter of intent that allows Greenwood Fuels, a Green Bay-based renewable fuels company, to study the steam plant at 198 River St. for potential conversion to generate electricity by burning pellets made from paper sludge at its Green Bay facility.
"We produce a fuel pellet that is considered by the state to be renewable," said Ted Hansen, general manager of Greenwood Fuels, which started up in 2009 and has grown to 30 employees.
"There's a lot of questions and a lot of hurdles and we just want to start the process," he said. "We basically are trying to solve some of the world's problems with burning too much coal."
Besides avoiding coal burning emissions, the fuel pellets also help the environment by diverting waste from landfills.
"It (the letter of intent) is strictly an investigative document where we would work with the city (and) begin to study the plant," Hansen said.
He said Greenwood Fuels has already been in contact with the Sierra Club, which had filed a lawsuit against the city for allegedly violating its coal-burning permit.
The feasibility study and business plan are expected to take 60 to 90 days to complete.
MENASHA — The defunct Menasha Utilities steam plant, closed since October 2009, could come back to life burning environmentally friendly pellets instead of coal.
The Menasha Common Council on Monday voted 8-0 to approve a letter of intent that allows Greenwood Fuels, a Green Bay-based renewable fuels company, to study the steam plant at 198 River St. for potential conversion to generate electricity by burning pellets made from paper sludge at its Green Bay facility.
"We produce a fuel pellet that is considered by the state to be renewable," said Ted Hansen, general manager of Greenwood Fuels, which started up in 2009 and has grown to 30 employees.
"There's a lot of questions and a lot of hurdles and we just want to start the process," he said. "We basically are trying to solve some of the world's problems with burning too much coal."
Besides avoiding coal burning emissions, the fuel pellets also help the environment by diverting waste from landfills.
"It (the letter of intent) is strictly an investigative document where we would work with the city (and) begin to study the plant," Hansen said.
He said Greenwood Fuels has already been in contact with the Sierra Club, which had filed a lawsuit against the city for allegedly violating its coal-burning permit.
The feasibility study and business plan are expected to take 60 to 90 days to complete.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Wisconsin Public Service seeks electricity and natural gas rate increase for 2012
From a news release issued by Wisconsin Public Service:
Green Bay, WI - Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS), a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group (NYSE:TEG) today filed a limited request for new electric and natural gas rates with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW). The items included in the request are consistent with the final decision the company received as part of its 2011 rate order from the PSCW authorizing WPS to make a filing for 2012 for recovery for changes in costs in a few limited items.
The WPS request is for a 3.5% overall increase to electric rates and a 0.3% increase in natural gas rates. If approved, the request would result in monthly increases of $2.33 for typical residential electric customers using 630 kilowatt-hours and $0.42 for typical residential natural gas customers using 756 therms annually.
Green Bay, WI - Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS), a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group (NYSE:TEG) today filed a limited request for new electric and natural gas rates with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW). The items included in the request are consistent with the final decision the company received as part of its 2011 rate order from the PSCW authorizing WPS to make a filing for 2012 for recovery for changes in costs in a few limited items.
The WPS request is for a 3.5% overall increase to electric rates and a 0.3% increase in natural gas rates. If approved, the request would result in monthly increases of $2.33 for typical residential electric customers using 630 kilowatt-hours and $0.42 for typical residential natural gas customers using 756 therms annually.
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