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From a Tom Content post on JSonline:
The state Public Service Commission on Monday issued a statement responding to the legal challenge filed Friday by customer groups objecting to an Alliant Energy Corp. proposed wind farm.
The customer groups charge the commission used a less stringent review process than was required for the 200-megawatt Bent Tree wind farm that Alliant proposes to build. They filed suit in Dane County Circuit Court.
“The commission disagrees with the allegations in the complaint and looks forward to defending itself in circuit court,” the PSC statement says.
Under typical procedures, any energy project that generates at least 100 megawatts of power is reviewed under a permitting process that would grant a utility a “certificate of public convenience and necessity.” Instead, the commission opted for the less-stringent review, a certificate of authority, usually reserved for smaller wind projects.
The customer groups contend that review process should have been used in the Alliant wind project, but the commission argued in its written order that some of the provisions of the more exhaustive review process don’t apply to out-of-state energy projects.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Electricity consumers sue PSC regarding wind farm approval
From a news release issued by the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group and the Citizens Utility Board:
MADISON – The Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group and the Citizens Utility Board today filed a lawsuit against the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) for ignoring state law in approving a wind power project to be built in Minnesota, owned by Madison-based Wisconsin Power & Light Co. (WPL), and paid for by WPL’s Wisconsin customers.
“Electric rates have been rapidly rising so we simply can’t afford less stringent regulatory review of new energy projects,” said WIEG executive director Todd Stuart. “The cost and need of energy infrastructure can’t be ignored, especially right now with the massive job losses in Wisconsin.”
On June 6, 2008, WPL submitted an application to the PSC for approval to build and own a 200-megawatt wind farm called Bent Tree, to be located in South Central Minnesota, at an estimated cost of $497 million. WPL’s application requested a “certificate of convenience and necessity” or CPCN, which a utility must obtain from the PSC before the utility can build a new power plant of 100 megawatts or more.
Because the project would be built in another state, on November 6, 2008, the PSC issued an orderfollowing a 2-1 vote saying that it would review WPL’s application as one seeking a “certificate of authority” or CA, rather than under the more stringent requirements for obtaining a CPCN.
Commissioner Lauren Azar disagreed and voted against reviewing the project under the CA process; she issued a dissenting opinion in which she asserted that Wisconsin law requires utilities to receive a CPCN, regardless of where the project is located.
Earlier, in comments filed in July 2008, both WIEG and CUB urged the PSC to use the CPCN process as required by state law.
On July 31, 2009, the PSC issued an order granting WPL a CA for its Bent Tree Wind Farm, even though both WIEG and CUB had submitted legal briefs in May 2009, again pointing out that state law requires utilities to receive a CPCN before constructing a project like Bent Tree. . . .
In filing the lawsuit, WIEG and CUB contend that the PSC ignored Wisconsin law, which states that a utility cannot build a power plant of 100 megawatts or more unless the utility has received a CPCN.
MADISON – The Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group and the Citizens Utility Board today filed a lawsuit against the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) for ignoring state law in approving a wind power project to be built in Minnesota, owned by Madison-based Wisconsin Power & Light Co. (WPL), and paid for by WPL’s Wisconsin customers.
“Electric rates have been rapidly rising so we simply can’t afford less stringent regulatory review of new energy projects,” said WIEG executive director Todd Stuart. “The cost and need of energy infrastructure can’t be ignored, especially right now with the massive job losses in Wisconsin.”
On June 6, 2008, WPL submitted an application to the PSC for approval to build and own a 200-megawatt wind farm called Bent Tree, to be located in South Central Minnesota, at an estimated cost of $497 million. WPL’s application requested a “certificate of convenience and necessity” or CPCN, which a utility must obtain from the PSC before the utility can build a new power plant of 100 megawatts or more.
Because the project would be built in another state, on November 6, 2008, the PSC issued an orderfollowing a 2-1 vote saying that it would review WPL’s application as one seeking a “certificate of authority” or CA, rather than under the more stringent requirements for obtaining a CPCN.
Commissioner Lauren Azar disagreed and voted against reviewing the project under the CA process; she issued a dissenting opinion in which she asserted that Wisconsin law requires utilities to receive a CPCN, regardless of where the project is located.
Earlier, in comments filed in July 2008, both WIEG and CUB urged the PSC to use the CPCN process as required by state law.
On July 31, 2009, the PSC issued an order granting WPL a CA for its Bent Tree Wind Farm, even though both WIEG and CUB had submitted legal briefs in May 2009, again pointing out that state law requires utilities to receive a CPCN before constructing a project like Bent Tree. . . .
In filing the lawsuit, WIEG and CUB contend that the PSC ignored Wisconsin law, which states that a utility cannot build a power plant of 100 megawatts or more unless the utility has received a CPCN.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Governor to push renewable energy agenda, including higher RPS
From an article by Giles Morris in The Daily News (Rhinelander):
As Governor Jim Doyle continues his northern tour, he is promoting a policy agenda that will serve as his legacy when he leaves office next year.
One of the most ambitious pieces of legislation Doyle is pushing for is a law that would create a new renewable energy benchmark for the state.
On Monday, Eric Callisto, chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), spoke about how the new goals would change the way the state looks at its energy policy.
“The governor is not running for re-election and as he announced that he talked about some of the priorities for the state going forward,” Callisto said. “Among those are environmental protection and sustainable energy.”
Callisto, who heads the agency charged with overseeing the state’s energy utilities, said the governor’s energy plan involves a three-pronged approach consisting of strengthening the state’s standards for renewable energy consumption, expanding the state’s market share of clean energy production and ramping up clean energy research programs throughout the UW system.
The first piece of legislation that could emerge from the governor’s energy platform could reach the Legislature this fall. The bill — which would likely come through Sen. Mark Miller’s committee on the environment and Rep. Spencer Black’s natural resources committee — would entail a modification of the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS).
The current RPS requires that the state’s utility companies produce 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2015. Under the revamped bill, the deadline for the 10 percent renewable mark would be moved up to 2013 and two new benchmarks would be added to create a “25 by 25” agenda — 25 percent renewable by 2025 with at least 10 percent produced in Wisconsin.
“I think it’s a realistic goal,” Callisto said. “It’s a goal in which Wisconsin utilities, businesses and rate payers are all going to have to play a major role.”
As Governor Jim Doyle continues his northern tour, he is promoting a policy agenda that will serve as his legacy when he leaves office next year.
One of the most ambitious pieces of legislation Doyle is pushing for is a law that would create a new renewable energy benchmark for the state.
On Monday, Eric Callisto, chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), spoke about how the new goals would change the way the state looks at its energy policy.
“The governor is not running for re-election and as he announced that he talked about some of the priorities for the state going forward,” Callisto said. “Among those are environmental protection and sustainable energy.”
Callisto, who heads the agency charged with overseeing the state’s energy utilities, said the governor’s energy plan involves a three-pronged approach consisting of strengthening the state’s standards for renewable energy consumption, expanding the state’s market share of clean energy production and ramping up clean energy research programs throughout the UW system.
The first piece of legislation that could emerge from the governor’s energy platform could reach the Legislature this fall. The bill — which would likely come through Sen. Mark Miller’s committee on the environment and Rep. Spencer Black’s natural resources committee — would entail a modification of the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS).
The current RPS requires that the state’s utility companies produce 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2015. Under the revamped bill, the deadline for the 10 percent renewable mark would be moved up to 2013 and two new benchmarks would be added to create a “25 by 25” agenda — 25 percent renewable by 2025 with at least 10 percent produced in Wisconsin.
“I think it’s a realistic goal,” Callisto said. “It’s a goal in which Wisconsin utilities, businesses and rate payers are all going to have to play a major role.”
Monday, August 24, 2009
Workshop: Energy, Behavior and Marketing, Sept. 18, Madison
From the Wisconisn Public Utility Institute (WPUI):
September 18, 2009
Room 2180, Mechanical Engineering Building
Agenda
•Do you know (and can you reach) customers:
•Who will participate in a government program? It might surprise you.
•Who will (or won’t) use Eco-Driving to increase fuel economy? This might surprise you too.
•Who believe that global warming is real and are willing to make changes in their lives?
How willing are customers to conserve, and can you find them with accuracy or only with a shotgun? Are you interested in knowing the expected length of time you can count on change to be supported? This presentation will review the uses of segmentation and report on some recent evaluation work. This will be an interactive workshop and is open to anyone interested in how we can cost-effectively engage different attitudes regarding energy efficiency
September 18, 2009
Room 2180, Mechanical Engineering Building
Agenda
•Do you know (and can you reach) customers:
•Who will participate in a government program? It might surprise you.
•Who will (or won’t) use Eco-Driving to increase fuel economy? This might surprise you too.
•Who believe that global warming is real and are willing to make changes in their lives?
How willing are customers to conserve, and can you find them with accuracy or only with a shotgun? Are you interested in knowing the expected length of time you can count on change to be supported? This presentation will review the uses of segmentation and report on some recent evaluation work. This will be an interactive workshop and is open to anyone interested in how we can cost-effectively engage different attitudes regarding energy efficiency
Friday, August 21, 2009
Wisconsin Renewable Quarterly, Summer 2009
The Wisconsin Renewable Quarterly includes these article in the summer edition:
It's Time to Bring Renewable Energy Home
In Memoriam: Bob Gilbertson
Board Member Brings Green Home
Renewables Profile: Jenny Heinzen
Manure Digesters Good Fit
Solar Innovator: Craig Tarr
Calendar
It's Time to Bring Renewable Energy Home
In Memoriam: Bob Gilbertson
Board Member Brings Green Home
Renewables Profile: Jenny Heinzen
Manure Digesters Good Fit
Solar Innovator: Craig Tarr
Calendar
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Registration opens for Solar Decade Conference, Oct. 2, Milwaukee
From the Web page of the Solar Decade:
Join renowned industry experts as they discuss the benefits of solar energy for your home, business and career!
Now in its fifth year, the Wisconsin Solar Decade Conference is your opportunity to see firsthand the latest developments in the world of solar energy. Register today to hear from top industry experts and attend dozens of exhibits, workshops and panel discussions as you discover the state of the technology, the state of the market and where both will be tomorrow!
•Learn about the latest solar energy applications for your home and business
•Discover opportunities to tap the renewable energy market and expand your business
•Network with fellow builders, contractors, homeowners and business owners
Keynote speakers
Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski
Executive Director of Science and Technology Partnerships, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski, executive director of science and technology partnerships at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, is a solar-energy industry veteran who has authored hundreds of journal papers and several books on solar photovoltaics. For his years of research and work, "Kaz" has received recognition both nationally and internationally.
Travis Bradford
Founder and President - Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development
Travis Bradford is founder and president of the Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development, a nonprofit organization focused on harnessing the power of the business sector to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions in technology. In his most recent book, Solar Revolution, Bradford argues that solar energy will become the best and cheapest choice for energy over the next 20 years.
Join renowned industry experts as they discuss the benefits of solar energy for your home, business and career!
Now in its fifth year, the Wisconsin Solar Decade Conference is your opportunity to see firsthand the latest developments in the world of solar energy. Register today to hear from top industry experts and attend dozens of exhibits, workshops and panel discussions as you discover the state of the technology, the state of the market and where both will be tomorrow!
•Learn about the latest solar energy applications for your home and business
•Discover opportunities to tap the renewable energy market and expand your business
•Network with fellow builders, contractors, homeowners and business owners
Keynote speakers
Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski
Executive Director of Science and Technology Partnerships, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski, executive director of science and technology partnerships at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, is a solar-energy industry veteran who has authored hundreds of journal papers and several books on solar photovoltaics. For his years of research and work, "Kaz" has received recognition both nationally and internationally.
Travis Bradford
Founder and President - Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development
Travis Bradford is founder and president of the Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development, a nonprofit organization focused on harnessing the power of the business sector to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions in technology. In his most recent book, Solar Revolution, Bradford argues that solar energy will become the best and cheapest choice for energy over the next 20 years.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
RENEW urges support of Energy Efficiency Resource Standard
Along with the Citizens Utility Board, Sierra Club - John Muir Chapter, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, RENEW Wisconsin sent the following letter:
Dear Senator Kohl and Senator Feingold:
We are writing to urge your support and leadership for a strong national Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS). An EERS will save Americans money and create green jobs in these difficult economic times.
Energy efficiency is the cheapest, cleanest, smartest and most readily available source of American energy. American business owners, academic experts, and states agree: Energy efficiency programs are the most effective way to fast‐track efforts to reduce our overall energy usage, affordably expand the use of renewable energy sources and address climate change. But the current Senate energy bill, S. 1462, the American Clean Energy Leadership Act (ACELA), does not do enough to help Americans tap the energy efficiency potential at their fingertips.
We are deeply concerned ACELA does not include a stand‐alone EERS. The approach of incorporating a small efficiency component into a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) is no substitute. Indeed, the provisions in the bill will fail to use the potential of an EERS to reduce consumer costs and to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy for America. The policy landscape on energy efficiency in this country has changed significantly in the last several years and the 15 percent RES with up to 4 percent for energy efficiency is an artifact from the past. Nineteen states currently have an EERS that, collectively, will reduce overall energy use in the U.S. by about 5 ercent by 2020, makingmaking the provisions in ACELA only slightly more than business as usual and mostly ineffective.
Dear Senator Kohl and Senator Feingold:
We are writing to urge your support and leadership for a strong national Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS). An EERS will save Americans money and create green jobs in these difficult economic times.
Energy efficiency is the cheapest, cleanest, smartest and most readily available source of American energy. American business owners, academic experts, and states agree: Energy efficiency programs are the most effective way to fast‐track efforts to reduce our overall energy usage, affordably expand the use of renewable energy sources and address climate change. But the current Senate energy bill, S. 1462, the American Clean Energy Leadership Act (ACELA), does not do enough to help Americans tap the energy efficiency potential at their fingertips.
We are deeply concerned ACELA does not include a stand‐alone EERS. The approach of incorporating a small efficiency component into a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) is no substitute. Indeed, the provisions in the bill will fail to use the potential of an EERS to reduce consumer costs and to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy for America. The policy landscape on energy efficiency in this country has changed significantly in the last several years and the 15 percent RES with up to 4 percent for energy efficiency is an artifact from the past. Nineteen states currently have an EERS that, collectively, will reduce overall energy use in the U.S. by about 5 ercent by 2020, makingmaking the provisions in ACELA only slightly more than business as usual and mostly ineffective.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing, Oct. 6-8, Milwaukee
The Wisconsin Machine Tool Show (WMTS) features an Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Pavilion to introduce show participants to energy efficient, lean, green, and sustainable manufacturing processes.
The American Wind Energy Association will have a presentation on the wind industry supply chain.
Dave Jenkins from the Office of Energy Independence will update show attendees on ARRA programs and funds.
The German-American Chamber of Commerce will make two presentations:
+ Energy Efficiency in Germany: How U.S. Manufacturers Can Benefit;
+ Supply Chain Opportunities in Renewable Energy.
Focus on Energy will be the Gold Sponsor of the Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Pavilion. They plan to make a presentation each day of the show:
+ Controlling your Energy Costs - An overview of Focus on Energy;
+ A Case Study on Energy Efficiency;
+ Save Energy, Save Money - Getting started with energy self-assessments for small-mid size industrial facilities.
MATC’s Center for Energy Conservation and Advanced Manufacturing and RENEW are also sponsors.
The American Wind Energy Association will have a presentation on the wind industry supply chain.
Dave Jenkins from the Office of Energy Independence will update show attendees on ARRA programs and funds.
The German-American Chamber of Commerce will make two presentations:
+ Energy Efficiency in Germany: How U.S. Manufacturers Can Benefit;
+ Supply Chain Opportunities in Renewable Energy.
Focus on Energy will be the Gold Sponsor of the Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Pavilion. They plan to make a presentation each day of the show:
+ Controlling your Energy Costs - An overview of Focus on Energy;
+ A Case Study on Energy Efficiency;
+ Save Energy, Save Money - Getting started with energy self-assessments for small-mid size industrial facilities.
MATC’s Center for Energy Conservation and Advanced Manufacturing and RENEW are also sponsors.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Utilities seek energy stimulus grants
From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Power companies in eastern Wisconsin are seeking up to $63.5 million through the federal stimulus package for "smart grid" projects that would add charging stations for plug-in hybrid vehicles and finance development of high-tech gadgets that would let consumers track their home energy use in real time.
Utilities including We Energies of Milwaukee are also looking to tap funding from the Department of Energy for projects like "self-healing" power grid technologies that would allow electric service to be restored more quickly after power outages.
Madison-based Wisconsin Power & Light Co., which seeks $10 million in smart grid grants, is rolling out a pilot program to study how customers will adjust their energy-consuming behavior if they have more detailed information in real time about how much energy their homes are consuming.
WP&L is considering setting up programmable thermostats that could be adjusted automatically up or down by the utility in certain cases, as well as Internet portals that let customers track their energy use, said company spokesman Steve Schultz.
"We believe this pilot program is going to really provide insight to the customer and let them really see what their real-time energy usage is and raise their awareness in terms of how their energy consumption behavior impacts their energy costs," he said.
Utilities are seeking taxpayer funding for up to 50% of the cost of projects to investigate emerging "smart-grid" technologies. Nationwide, more than $4 billion in funding has been made available for so-called "smart grid" projects. The Department of Energy is expected to announce which projects get funded by the end of the year. . . .
"Smart grid" grants that utilities are seeking from the Department of Energy:
$21.75 million for American Transmission Co., Pewaukee
$18 million for Wisconsin Public Service Corp., Green Bay
$10 million for Wisconsin Power & Light Co., Madison
$5.5 million for Madison Gas & Electric Co., Madison
$4.5 million for WPPI Energy, Sun Prairie
$3.5 million for We Energies, Milwaukee
Power companies in eastern Wisconsin are seeking up to $63.5 million through the federal stimulus package for "smart grid" projects that would add charging stations for plug-in hybrid vehicles and finance development of high-tech gadgets that would let consumers track their home energy use in real time.
Utilities including We Energies of Milwaukee are also looking to tap funding from the Department of Energy for projects like "self-healing" power grid technologies that would allow electric service to be restored more quickly after power outages.
Madison-based Wisconsin Power & Light Co., which seeks $10 million in smart grid grants, is rolling out a pilot program to study how customers will adjust their energy-consuming behavior if they have more detailed information in real time about how much energy their homes are consuming.
WP&L is considering setting up programmable thermostats that could be adjusted automatically up or down by the utility in certain cases, as well as Internet portals that let customers track their energy use, said company spokesman Steve Schultz.
"We believe this pilot program is going to really provide insight to the customer and let them really see what their real-time energy usage is and raise their awareness in terms of how their energy consumption behavior impacts their energy costs," he said.
Utilities are seeking taxpayer funding for up to 50% of the cost of projects to investigate emerging "smart-grid" technologies. Nationwide, more than $4 billion in funding has been made available for so-called "smart grid" projects. The Department of Energy is expected to announce which projects get funded by the end of the year. . . .
"Smart grid" grants that utilities are seeking from the Department of Energy:
$21.75 million for American Transmission Co., Pewaukee
$18 million for Wisconsin Public Service Corp., Green Bay
$10 million for Wisconsin Power & Light Co., Madison
$5.5 million for Madison Gas & Electric Co., Madison
$4.5 million for WPPI Energy, Sun Prairie
$3.5 million for We Energies, Milwaukee
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tripling funds for energy efficiency programs urged
From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Wisconsin should explore tripling its funding for energy efficiency programs because the payoff would be nearly $1 billion a year in annual energy cost savings for consumers, a new study says.
Several of the state's largest business groups have raised questions about the study's findings, however. They are concerned about the higher utility rates business customers would have to pay to fund energy efficiency programs, many of which are targeted at homeowners and renters instead of businesses.
The study by the Energy Center of Wisconsin echoes recommendations made last year by a state global warming task force appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle.
That study suggested that tripling or quadrupling funding for energy efficiency would help the state reduce energy use and emissions linked to global warming, and help mitigate the higher costs consumers would have to bear for electricity produced by burning coal and other fossil fuels.
The new study finds the state could spend $350 million a year on energy efficiency programs - compared with $124 million today - but the payoff would be much bigger for electric ratepayers, said Susan Stratton, executive director of the Energy Center, a nonprofit energy research think tank in Madison.
"The comparison shouldn't be to what we're spending today but with what we would have to build if we didn't do efficiency," she said. "This will help avoid or delay building new power plants, which have high price tags."
But the higher funding levels for Focus on Energy and other programs could prove too tempting to the Legislature every two years when seeking to balance the state's budget, said Todd Stuart, executive director of the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group, a group representing large energy-intensive manufacturers.
"Large energy consumers are concerned that this could not only add a couple percentage points to their bills in a time of recession, but also because it would be too big of a target for balancing the state budget," Stuart said. He noted that $100 million in ratepayer funds were diverted from energy efficiency programs earlier in this decade.
Wisconsin should explore tripling its funding for energy efficiency programs because the payoff would be nearly $1 billion a year in annual energy cost savings for consumers, a new study says.
Several of the state's largest business groups have raised questions about the study's findings, however. They are concerned about the higher utility rates business customers would have to pay to fund energy efficiency programs, many of which are targeted at homeowners and renters instead of businesses.
The study by the Energy Center of Wisconsin echoes recommendations made last year by a state global warming task force appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle.
That study suggested that tripling or quadrupling funding for energy efficiency would help the state reduce energy use and emissions linked to global warming, and help mitigate the higher costs consumers would have to bear for electricity produced by burning coal and other fossil fuels.
The new study finds the state could spend $350 million a year on energy efficiency programs - compared with $124 million today - but the payoff would be much bigger for electric ratepayers, said Susan Stratton, executive director of the Energy Center, a nonprofit energy research think tank in Madison.
"The comparison shouldn't be to what we're spending today but with what we would have to build if we didn't do efficiency," she said. "This will help avoid or delay building new power plants, which have high price tags."
But the higher funding levels for Focus on Energy and other programs could prove too tempting to the Legislature every two years when seeking to balance the state's budget, said Todd Stuart, executive director of the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group, a group representing large energy-intensive manufacturers.
"Large energy consumers are concerned that this could not only add a couple percentage points to their bills in a time of recession, but also because it would be too big of a target for balancing the state budget," Stuart said. He noted that $100 million in ratepayer funds were diverted from energy efficiency programs earlier in this decade.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Alliant Energy profits drop 52 percent
From an article in The Capital Times:
Alliant Energy Corp. reported second-quarter profits dropped 52 percent from the same period a year ago, prompting the Madison-based utility company to tone down its earnings forecast for the year.
The Madison-based utility holding company's earnings report was released Thursday morning.
Alliant had income of $29.1 million, or 26 cents a share, in the second quarter, compared to $60.8 million, or 55 cents a share, in the second quarter of 2008.
A down economy and cool July weather also is lowering the firm's expectations for 2009.
Alliant Energy Corp. reported second-quarter profits dropped 52 percent from the same period a year ago, prompting the Madison-based utility company to tone down its earnings forecast for the year.
The Madison-based utility holding company's earnings report was released Thursday morning.
Alliant had income of $29.1 million, or 26 cents a share, in the second quarter, compared to $60.8 million, or 55 cents a share, in the second quarter of 2008.
A down economy and cool July weather also is lowering the firm's expectations for 2009.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Milwaukee conference agenda now online
The preliminary agenda for the AESP's Fall Technology, Smart Grid, Demand Response and Energy Efficiency Conference and Expo is now available on line.
As a reminder the conference will be held October 5-7, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee.
As a reminder the conference will be held October 5-7, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Social marketing workshop, Sept. 18
A workshop from the Wisconsin Public Utility Institute:
Understanding, Using and Measuring Peoples’ Attitudes Towards…
Do you know (and can you reach) customers:
•Who will participate in a government program? It might surprise you.
•Who will (or won’t) use Eco-Driving to increase fuel economy? This might surprise you too.
•Who believe that global warming is real and are willing to make changes in their lives?
How willing are customers to conserve, and can you find them with accuracy or only with a shotgun? Are you interested in knowing the expected length of time you can count on change to be supported? This presentation will review the uses of segmentation and report on some recent evaluation work. This will be an interactive workshop and is open to anyone interested in how we can cost-effectively engage different attitudes regarding energy efficiency.
Understanding, Using and Measuring Peoples’ Attitudes Towards…
Do you know (and can you reach) customers:
•Who will participate in a government program? It might surprise you.
•Who will (or won’t) use Eco-Driving to increase fuel economy? This might surprise you too.
•Who believe that global warming is real and are willing to make changes in their lives?
How willing are customers to conserve, and can you find them with accuracy or only with a shotgun? Are you interested in knowing the expected length of time you can count on change to be supported? This presentation will review the uses of segmentation and report on some recent evaluation work. This will be an interactive workshop and is open to anyone interested in how we can cost-effectively engage different attitudes regarding energy efficiency.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Alliant Energy targets federal stimulus money to further Smart Grid efforts
From a news release issued by Alliant Energy:
MADISON, WI – August 5, 2009 – Alliant Energy Corporation’s (NYSE: LNT) Wisconsin Power and Light Company (Alliant Energy) subsidiary will file four American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant applications with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Smart Grid Investment Grant Program. The grants all involve projects connected to Alliant Energy’s implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology.
If awarded, the four grants could cover up to half of the projects’ $20 million estimated costs. The grants focus on leveraging and expanding our AMI technology deployment, the foundation for Smart Grid, throughout our service territory. Alliant Energy’s grant applications are for the following projects:
+ Demand Response Pilot: 1,200 residential customers would participate in four different programs evaluating energy-saving Smart Grid technologies such as programmable communicating thermostats and online real-time energy usage tools for customers.
+ Distribution Automation: An investment to make our existing infrastructure more efficient and reduce the need for equipment upgrades.
+ Response Automation: Improve our efficiency in responding to and restoring electric outages.
+ Complex Commercial & Industrial Customer AMI Implementation: Implement AMI technology for a select group of C&I customers currently delayed or out of scope for the AMI 2009 and 2010 rollout.
MADISON, WI – August 5, 2009 – Alliant Energy Corporation’s (NYSE: LNT) Wisconsin Power and Light Company (Alliant Energy) subsidiary will file four American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant applications with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Smart Grid Investment Grant Program. The grants all involve projects connected to Alliant Energy’s implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology.
If awarded, the four grants could cover up to half of the projects’ $20 million estimated costs. The grants focus on leveraging and expanding our AMI technology deployment, the foundation for Smart Grid, throughout our service territory. Alliant Energy’s grant applications are for the following projects:
+ Demand Response Pilot: 1,200 residential customers would participate in four different programs evaluating energy-saving Smart Grid technologies such as programmable communicating thermostats and online real-time energy usage tools for customers.
+ Distribution Automation: An investment to make our existing infrastructure more efficient and reduce the need for equipment upgrades.
+ Response Automation: Improve our efficiency in responding to and restoring electric outages.
+ Complex Commercial & Industrial Customer AMI Implementation: Implement AMI technology for a select group of C&I customers currently delayed or out of scope for the AMI 2009 and 2010 rollout.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Wind siting legislation expected to pass Senate committee
As predicted in the news release below, issued by Clean Wisconsin, the Senate committe voted 6 to 1 to recommend passage of the wind siting reform bill (Senate Bill 185):
MADISON — Wisconsin could soon see greater economic growth in the promising wind energy industry after the Senate Committee on Commerce, Energy, Utilities and Rail votes on Senate Bill 185 Tuesday. This bipartisan bill replaces the chaotic patchwork of local regulations with sensible statewide standards for permitting wind farms. The bill is scheduled for a committee vote at 2 p.m.
“Wind energy holds the potential to address many of the greatest problems facing our state — it can help our environment while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and creating jobs for Wisconsinites,” says Ryan Schryver, clean energy advocate for Clean Wisconsin, the state’s largest environmental advocacy organization. “With so much to gain, we’re extremely encouraged that the legislature is poised to eliminate administrative barriers holding up the development of this industry.”
While wind developers stand ready to invest in Wisconsin’s economy and put Wisconsinites to work building wind farms, a complicated system of over-stringent local regulations currently puts our state at a disadvantage to neighboring states, stalling dozens of proposed wind farm developments in Wisconsin. As other industries have struggled in poor economic times and cut workers, the wind energy industry grew immensely in 2008, increasing its national workforce by 70 percent to over 85,000 workers.
Senate Bill 185, companion legislation to Assembly Bill 256 which passed the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities by a vote of 11-2 in early June, would charge the Wisconsin Public Service Commission with studying and determining permitting standards for wind farms to replace the current disorganized system that discourages the growth of the wind energy industry with sensible statewide standards.
MADISON — Wisconsin could soon see greater economic growth in the promising wind energy industry after the Senate Committee on Commerce, Energy, Utilities and Rail votes on Senate Bill 185 Tuesday. This bipartisan bill replaces the chaotic patchwork of local regulations with sensible statewide standards for permitting wind farms. The bill is scheduled for a committee vote at 2 p.m.
“Wind energy holds the potential to address many of the greatest problems facing our state — it can help our environment while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and creating jobs for Wisconsinites,” says Ryan Schryver, clean energy advocate for Clean Wisconsin, the state’s largest environmental advocacy organization. “With so much to gain, we’re extremely encouraged that the legislature is poised to eliminate administrative barriers holding up the development of this industry.”
While wind developers stand ready to invest in Wisconsin’s economy and put Wisconsinites to work building wind farms, a complicated system of over-stringent local regulations currently puts our state at a disadvantage to neighboring states, stalling dozens of proposed wind farm developments in Wisconsin. As other industries have struggled in poor economic times and cut workers, the wind energy industry grew immensely in 2008, increasing its national workforce by 70 percent to over 85,000 workers.
Senate Bill 185, companion legislation to Assembly Bill 256 which passed the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities by a vote of 11-2 in early June, would charge the Wisconsin Public Service Commission with studying and determining permitting standards for wind farms to replace the current disorganized system that discourages the growth of the wind energy industry with sensible statewide standards.
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