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Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Agenda for AESP Spring Conference
The AESP has posted the Working Agenda for the AESP Spring Conference, May 16 – 19, 2011, Atlanta, GA.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Former State Rep. Phil Montgomery ready to jump in as utiilty regulator
From a story by Matt Smith on WBAY, Green Bay:
Earlier this week, Governor Walker appointed Phil Montgomery to head the state's Public Service Commission, the agency responsible for regulating energy and power companies.
While the appointment still needs Senate confirmation, the former state representative from Ashwaubenon starts his new job Monday.
You don't have to look far to see why the Public Service Commission has been in the spotlight lately. In the past two weeks, two major Chicago-based wind energy firms have pulled projects in Brown and Calumet counties, blaming uncertainty with regulations from the PSC, saying the risk wasn't worth the investment.
Communities remain deeply divided over the wind energy projects.
"If there was a simple answer, they would have come to it before me," Montgomery said.
Montgomery wouldn't go into details days before his official first day, although he knows full well wind policy will be a major issue in the coming months.
"You start with articulating an energy policy and moving things forward, to bring back that certainty that companies go, 'OK, I know the rules,'" Montgomery said.
Critics, though, question Montgomery's perceived close ties to Governor Walker and energy companies.
He maintains his role as a legislator was much different than now, claiming the PSC acts independently.
Earlier this week, Governor Walker appointed Phil Montgomery to head the state's Public Service Commission, the agency responsible for regulating energy and power companies.
While the appointment still needs Senate confirmation, the former state representative from Ashwaubenon starts his new job Monday.
You don't have to look far to see why the Public Service Commission has been in the spotlight lately. In the past two weeks, two major Chicago-based wind energy firms have pulled projects in Brown and Calumet counties, blaming uncertainty with regulations from the PSC, saying the risk wasn't worth the investment.
Communities remain deeply divided over the wind energy projects.
"If there was a simple answer, they would have come to it before me," Montgomery said.
Montgomery wouldn't go into details days before his official first day, although he knows full well wind policy will be a major issue in the coming months.
"You start with articulating an energy policy and moving things forward, to bring back that certainty that companies go, 'OK, I know the rules,'" Montgomery said.
Critics, though, question Montgomery's perceived close ties to Governor Walker and energy companies.
He maintains his role as a legislator was much different than now, claiming the PSC acts independently.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Top 10 things a Wisconsin voter should know for Election Day
From a news release issued by the Government Accountability Board:
MADISON, WI – The Government Accountability Board today released its list of the top 10 things a Wisconsin voter should know for Election Day, Tuesday, November 2.
The number one thing voters should know is that they can register at the polling place on Election Day.
“Election Day registration ensures that everyone who is qualified to vote will get to vote,” said Kevin Kennedy, director and general counsel of the G.A.B. “Unlike many other states, Wisconsin has registration at the polls, so very few voters will likely be forced to vote on a provisional ballot.”
To register on Election Day, Wisconsin voters must provide proof of residence, which includes a current utility bill, lease, university ID card or other official document showing the voter’s name and current address. Voters who have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID card will be required to use their license number to complete the registration form. Otherwise, they may use the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Number two on the list is that voters can check their registration status with their municipal clerk, or on the state’s Voter Public Access website: https://vpa.wi.gov.
MADISON, WI – The Government Accountability Board today released its list of the top 10 things a Wisconsin voter should know for Election Day, Tuesday, November 2.
The number one thing voters should know is that they can register at the polling place on Election Day.
“Election Day registration ensures that everyone who is qualified to vote will get to vote,” said Kevin Kennedy, director and general counsel of the G.A.B. “Unlike many other states, Wisconsin has registration at the polls, so very few voters will likely be forced to vote on a provisional ballot.”
To register on Election Day, Wisconsin voters must provide proof of residence, which includes a current utility bill, lease, university ID card or other official document showing the voter’s name and current address. Voters who have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID card will be required to use their license number to complete the registration form. Otherwise, they may use the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Number two on the list is that voters can check their registration status with their municipal clerk, or on the state’s Voter Public Access website: https://vpa.wi.gov.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Take action! U.S. senators introduce stand-alone RES
Urge Your Senators to Support the Renewable Electricity Promotion Act
Take action!
[Tuesday] afternoon, Senators Bingaman (D-NM), Brownback (R-KS), Dorgan (D-ND), Collins (R-ME), Udall (D-NM), and Udall (D-CO) introduced a 15% by 2021 renewable electricity standard (RES) bill, The Renewable Electricity Promotion Act. This opens the door for us to move a national RES into law this year. For this RES-only bill to move forward, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will need to allow this bill to come up for a floor vote, and at least 60 Senators will need to vote in favor of it. Please call or e-mail your two U.S. Senators and ask them to co-sponsor and support The Renewable Electricity Promotion Act.
Congress has an extremely narrow window of opportunity to pass a national RES this year. Your efforts to express the urgency of passing this policy to your Senators are greatly appreciated.
Take action!
[Tuesday] afternoon, Senators Bingaman (D-NM), Brownback (R-KS), Dorgan (D-ND), Collins (R-ME), Udall (D-NM), and Udall (D-CO) introduced a 15% by 2021 renewable electricity standard (RES) bill, The Renewable Electricity Promotion Act. This opens the door for us to move a national RES into law this year. For this RES-only bill to move forward, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will need to allow this bill to come up for a floor vote, and at least 60 Senators will need to vote in favor of it. Please call or e-mail your two U.S. Senators and ask them to co-sponsor and support The Renewable Electricity Promotion Act.
Congress has an extremely narrow window of opportunity to pass a national RES this year. Your efforts to express the urgency of passing this policy to your Senators are greatly appreciated.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Take action! U.S. senators introduce stand-alone RES
Urge Your Senators to Support the Renewable Electricity Promotion Act
Take action!
[Tuesday] afternoon, Senators Bingaman (D-NM), Brownback (R-KS), Dorgan (D-ND), Collins (R-ME), Udall (D-NM), and Udall (D-CO) introduced a 15% by 2021 renewable electricity standard (RES) bill, The Renewable Electricity Promotion Act. This opens the door for us to move a national RES into law this year. For this RES-only bill to move forward, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will need to allow this bill to come up for a floor vote, and at least 60 Senators will need to vote in favor of it. Please call or e-mail your two U.S. Senators and ask them to co-sponsor and support The Renewable Electricity Promotion Act.
Congress has an extremely narrow window of opportunity to pass a national RES this year. Your efforts to express the urgency of passing this policy to your Senators are greatly appreciated.
Take action!
[Tuesday] afternoon, Senators Bingaman (D-NM), Brownback (R-KS), Dorgan (D-ND), Collins (R-ME), Udall (D-NM), and Udall (D-CO) introduced a 15% by 2021 renewable electricity standard (RES) bill, The Renewable Electricity Promotion Act. This opens the door for us to move a national RES into law this year. For this RES-only bill to move forward, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will need to allow this bill to come up for a floor vote, and at least 60 Senators will need to vote in favor of it. Please call or e-mail your two U.S. Senators and ask them to co-sponsor and support The Renewable Electricity Promotion Act.
Congress has an extremely narrow window of opportunity to pass a national RES this year. Your efforts to express the urgency of passing this policy to your Senators are greatly appreciated.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Stevens Point spent over $1.5 million on energy usage in 2009
From an article by Nick Paulson in the Stevens Point Journal:
Stevens Point in 2009 spent more than $1.5 million on energy, used more than 73,000 million BTUs and emitted more than 21 million pounds of carbon dioxide, according to an inventory taken by the city.
As the city develops and implements a plan to cut its energy use, that inventory will be used as a benchmark with which to compare future use.
Where the biggest problems are depends on what the city's goal ultimately is: decreasing energy use, energy cost or carbon emissions.
Sustainability coordinator Joe Kottwitz said the Stevens Point Energy Team, which is creating the plan, hasn't decided specifically which to focus on yet. However, decreasing one likely will have positive effects on the others.
"If we use less energy and less electricity, odds are the taxpayers and ratepayers will receive those benefits," said Mayor Andrew Halverson, who also is a member of the team.
Regardless of which avenue the city chooses, the primary focus likely will be electricity, which has the highest consumption (41 percent), cost (64 percent) and carbon dioxide emissions (71 percent) in the city.
That is because the electricity comes from coal-fueled power plants, Kottwitz said, which kick out a lot of emissions. Lighting is the most expensive use of energy for the city, costing almost $1 million, partially because it is powered by electricity, and partially because about half the streetlights are owned by Wisconsin Public Service, which charges a maintenance fee in addition to electricity fees.
Stevens Point in 2009 spent more than $1.5 million on energy, used more than 73,000 million BTUs and emitted more than 21 million pounds of carbon dioxide, according to an inventory taken by the city.
As the city develops and implements a plan to cut its energy use, that inventory will be used as a benchmark with which to compare future use.
Where the biggest problems are depends on what the city's goal ultimately is: decreasing energy use, energy cost or carbon emissions.
Sustainability coordinator Joe Kottwitz said the Stevens Point Energy Team, which is creating the plan, hasn't decided specifically which to focus on yet. However, decreasing one likely will have positive effects on the others.
"If we use less energy and less electricity, odds are the taxpayers and ratepayers will receive those benefits," said Mayor Andrew Halverson, who also is a member of the team.
Regardless of which avenue the city chooses, the primary focus likely will be electricity, which has the highest consumption (41 percent), cost (64 percent) and carbon dioxide emissions (71 percent) in the city.
That is because the electricity comes from coal-fueled power plants, Kottwitz said, which kick out a lot of emissions. Lighting is the most expensive use of energy for the city, costing almost $1 million, partially because it is powered by electricity, and partially because about half the streetlights are owned by Wisconsin Public Service, which charges a maintenance fee in addition to electricity fees.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Want to Speak at AESP's National Conference?
The Association of Energy Services Professionals invites abstracts for conference papers and panels for its 21st National Conference & Expo to be held January 17-21, 2011 at Hilton Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. AESP is interested in showcasing presentations that reflect the latest thinking, best practices and trends affecting the energy services industry.
Don’t miss the opportunity to present at an event that will attract over 700 attendees to one of the best meeting locations in the U.S.!
All abstracts must be submitted using AESP’s Abstract Submission Web site managed by Precis Abstract Management. Please read the abstract requirements carefully before submitting your abstract.
To submit your abstract, click here.
Questions on abstracts? Please contact Meg Matt at meg@aesp.org.
Don’t miss the opportunity to present at an event that will attract over 700 attendees to one of the best meeting locations in the U.S.!
All abstracts must be submitted using AESP’s Abstract Submission Web site managed by Precis Abstract Management. Please read the abstract requirements carefully before submitting your abstract.
To submit your abstract, click here.
Questions on abstracts? Please contact Meg Matt at meg@aesp.org.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Join lobby effort at Conservation Lobby Day, January 26
Each year citizens from across Wisconsin descend on the Capitol to share their conservation values with their Legislators. Since the first Conservation Lobby Day in 2005, it has grown from just 100 citizens to more than 600! As we head into the 6th annual Conservation Lobby Day, there is one thing we can guarantee-when citizens come together to make their conservation values known, legislators listen, and conservation victories soon follow!
The reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and the passage of the Strong Great Lakes Compact are two great examples of how citizen lobbying resulted in ground-breaking conservation laws.
Conservation Lobby Day is a unique opportunity to share your conservation stories and experiences with legislators and have a huge impact on conservation policies affecting all of Wisconsin.
This Conservation Lobby Day, you can help to:
* Preserve Groundwater: Wisconsin's Buried Treasure: manage Wisconsin's groundwater resources to preserve lakes, streams, wetlands and drinking water supplies.
* Stop Global Warming in Wisconsin: address the threats of global warming in Wisconsin through clean, renewable energy jobs and energy conservation.
* Restore Conservation Integrity: return Wisconsin to an Independent DNR Secretary and a timely appointment of Natural Resource Board members.
* Protect Wisconsin's Drinking Water: protect Wisconsin's drinking water supplies by making sure we safely spread agricultural, municipal, and industrial waste.
For a 1-page brief on each of these issues and more information about Conservation Lobby Day 2010, go to: http://www.conservationvoters.org/Public/index.php?custID=110
Registration starts at 9:00am on the day of the event, but you MUST REGISTER BEFORE JANUARY 19th by visiting http://www.conservationvoters.org/Public/index.php?custID=110 and signing up. There you can learn more about the issues in order to better prepare you for the day's events.
The reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and the passage of the Strong Great Lakes Compact are two great examples of how citizen lobbying resulted in ground-breaking conservation laws.
Conservation Lobby Day is a unique opportunity to share your conservation stories and experiences with legislators and have a huge impact on conservation policies affecting all of Wisconsin.
This Conservation Lobby Day, you can help to:
* Preserve Groundwater: Wisconsin's Buried Treasure: manage Wisconsin's groundwater resources to preserve lakes, streams, wetlands and drinking water supplies.
* Stop Global Warming in Wisconsin: address the threats of global warming in Wisconsin through clean, renewable energy jobs and energy conservation.
* Restore Conservation Integrity: return Wisconsin to an Independent DNR Secretary and a timely appointment of Natural Resource Board members.
* Protect Wisconsin's Drinking Water: protect Wisconsin's drinking water supplies by making sure we safely spread agricultural, municipal, and industrial waste.
For a 1-page brief on each of these issues and more information about Conservation Lobby Day 2010, go to: http://www.conservationvoters.org/Public/index.php?custID=110
Registration starts at 9:00am on the day of the event, but you MUST REGISTER BEFORE JANUARY 19th by visiting http://www.conservationvoters.org/Public/index.php?custID=110 and signing up. There you can learn more about the issues in order to better prepare you for the day's events.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
AESP's 20th National Conference & Expo
From a conference announcement from the Association of Energy Service Professionals (AESP):
AESP's National Conference & Expo is the premier energy industry conference that unites renowned energy experts, stimulating educational sessions, and valuable networking opportunities into one convenient location. You will discover new ideas for your marketing and energy efficiency programs; learn about emerging market trends and technologies; and meet with colleagues to share experiences.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Focus on Energy offers $1 million in opportunity grants
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
(December 7, 2009)—Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy, in partnership with Wisconsin Public Service, announced plans to award $1 million in Opportunity Grants through a request for proposal (RFP) process to help eligible WPS customers finance innovative energy-saving project ideas. Potential bidders must submit a RFP by January 7, 2010 to be considered.
The RFP seeks “out-of-the-box” ideas for energy-saving projects and initiatives. Winning proposals will complement existing Focus programs and/or explore and test emerging energyefficiency technologies. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, and the number of grant awards will depend on available funding. New and innovative products, technologies, and services that save energy are encouraged.
“At Focus on Energy, we encourage new, innovative ways to save energy and money,” said Kathy Kuntz, Energy Programs Director at Focus on Energy. “This Opportunity Grant provides a real opportunity to do just that. We’re excited to see what residents, businesses, and organizations will come up with!”
The Opportunity Grant is open to all individuals, firms, and organizations that are proposing project ideas and energy-saving initiatives that would serve WPS customers. Efforts can target innovative energy-saving technologies as well as behavioral changes. Projects may target any sector, product, or service eligible for support through Focus on Energy (including residential, business, and renewable energy). Proposals should not duplicate current Focus on Energy efforts.
For more information about Focus on Energy and current efforts, visit focusonenergy.com.
(December 7, 2009)—Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy, in partnership with Wisconsin Public Service, announced plans to award $1 million in Opportunity Grants through a request for proposal (RFP) process to help eligible WPS customers finance innovative energy-saving project ideas. Potential bidders must submit a RFP by January 7, 2010 to be considered.
The RFP seeks “out-of-the-box” ideas for energy-saving projects and initiatives. Winning proposals will complement existing Focus programs and/or explore and test emerging energyefficiency technologies. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, and the number of grant awards will depend on available funding. New and innovative products, technologies, and services that save energy are encouraged.
“At Focus on Energy, we encourage new, innovative ways to save energy and money,” said Kathy Kuntz, Energy Programs Director at Focus on Energy. “This Opportunity Grant provides a real opportunity to do just that. We’re excited to see what residents, businesses, and organizations will come up with!”
The Opportunity Grant is open to all individuals, firms, and organizations that are proposing project ideas and energy-saving initiatives that would serve WPS customers. Efforts can target innovative energy-saving technologies as well as behavioral changes. Projects may target any sector, product, or service eligible for support through Focus on Energy (including residential, business, and renewable energy). Proposals should not duplicate current Focus on Energy efforts.
For more information about Focus on Energy and current efforts, visit focusonenergy.com.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Summit Blue Launches New Website Highlighting Energy Consulting Services
From a news release issued by Summit Blue Consulting, LLC:
BOULDER, Colo., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Summit Blue Consulting, LLC recently launched a newly redesigned website at www.summitblue.com. Summit Blue collaborated with Vermillion, a design firm to develop a new website that features expanded content and better represents the firm's technical capabilities and growing energy consulting services. The redesign incorporates a new look, new navigational tools, and additional information about Summit Blue's staff qualifications and energy industry contributions.
"Our online visitors can now easily search our site for information on each of our practice areas," says Kevin Cooney, CEO of Summit Blue. "The new design was created to allow clients and others interested in clean energy research and analysis to locate refereed papers, reports and presentations and more easily contact Summit Blue staff who conducted specific research."
The website now offers case studies to reflect the firm's expertise and project experience in the key practice areas of demand-side management (DSM) program evaluation; DSM program design and implementation; DSM resource potential assessment; Smart Grid, demand response, and pricing; renewables; and integrated resource planning and analysis.
The site provides the technical background and expertise of staff in areas including economics, engineering, energy policy, market research, and complex systems modeling. It also provides contact information for staff at all locations, including the recently expanded offices in Walnut Creek, California, Madison, Wisconsin, and Vancouver, Washington. The redesign includes an expanded news and events section and access to hundreds of industry relevant publications authored by Summit Blue staff.
Summit Blue was founded in 2000 and is a leading provider of utility and energy consulting services drawing on a broad and diverse range of skills from its offices in Colorado, California, Wisconsin, Washington, Illinois and Vermont. With extensive experience in energy efficiency, demand response and renewable energy systems, our core mission remains the same: to provide best-in-class consulting services to the utility and energy industry while engaging our staff in challenging and interesting work.
BOULDER, Colo., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Summit Blue Consulting, LLC recently launched a newly redesigned website at www.summitblue.com. Summit Blue collaborated with Vermillion, a design firm to develop a new website that features expanded content and better represents the firm's technical capabilities and growing energy consulting services. The redesign incorporates a new look, new navigational tools, and additional information about Summit Blue's staff qualifications and energy industry contributions.
"Our online visitors can now easily search our site for information on each of our practice areas," says Kevin Cooney, CEO of Summit Blue. "The new design was created to allow clients and others interested in clean energy research and analysis to locate refereed papers, reports and presentations and more easily contact Summit Blue staff who conducted specific research."
The website now offers case studies to reflect the firm's expertise and project experience in the key practice areas of demand-side management (DSM) program evaluation; DSM program design and implementation; DSM resource potential assessment; Smart Grid, demand response, and pricing; renewables; and integrated resource planning and analysis.
The site provides the technical background and expertise of staff in areas including economics, engineering, energy policy, market research, and complex systems modeling. It also provides contact information for staff at all locations, including the recently expanded offices in Walnut Creek, California, Madison, Wisconsin, and Vancouver, Washington. The redesign includes an expanded news and events section and access to hundreds of industry relevant publications authored by Summit Blue staff.
Summit Blue was founded in 2000 and is a leading provider of utility and energy consulting services drawing on a broad and diverse range of skills from its offices in Colorado, California, Wisconsin, Washington, Illinois and Vermont. With extensive experience in energy efficiency, demand response and renewable energy systems, our core mission remains the same: to provide best-in-class consulting services to the utility and energy industry while engaging our staff in challenging and interesting work.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Over 100 communities support “25x25” clean energy goal
From a news release issued by Govenor Jim Doyle:
MADISON - Governor Jim Doyle today announced over 100 communities have joined the Wisconsin Energy Independent Community Partnership. The communities, which come from every region of Wisconsin, have pledged to work toward Governor Doyle’s “25x25” goal of generating 25 percent of the state’s electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by the year 2025.
“I’m pleased that communities across Wisconsin have accepted my clean energy challenges head on,” Governor Doyle said. “Together we are making great strides toward energy policies that create jobs, clean our air and water, and save us money. I look forward to working with Energy Independent Communities as we continue Wisconsin’s clean energy leadership.”
The Wisconsin Energy Independent (EI) Community Partnership is the first of its kind in the nation and is an integral part of Clean Energy Wisconsin, Governor Doyle’s plan to move Wisconsin toward energy independence. The plan details strategies to move Wisconsin forward to promote renewable energy, create new jobs, increase energy security, and improve the environment.
The community partnership, which is led by the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence, helps individual communities take advantage of their unique resources and develop new strategies to foster innovative clean energy solutions.
New members of the Energy Independent Community Partnership include: City of Two Rivers in Manitowoc County, City of West Allis in Milwaukee County, City of New London in Outagamie County, Village of Stratford in Marathon County, City of Whitewater in Walworth County, City of Jefferson in Jefferson County, Village of Oxford in Marquette County and Iowa County.
MADISON - Governor Jim Doyle today announced over 100 communities have joined the Wisconsin Energy Independent Community Partnership. The communities, which come from every region of Wisconsin, have pledged to work toward Governor Doyle’s “25x25” goal of generating 25 percent of the state’s electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by the year 2025.
“I’m pleased that communities across Wisconsin have accepted my clean energy challenges head on,” Governor Doyle said. “Together we are making great strides toward energy policies that create jobs, clean our air and water, and save us money. I look forward to working with Energy Independent Communities as we continue Wisconsin’s clean energy leadership.”
The Wisconsin Energy Independent (EI) Community Partnership is the first of its kind in the nation and is an integral part of Clean Energy Wisconsin, Governor Doyle’s plan to move Wisconsin toward energy independence. The plan details strategies to move Wisconsin forward to promote renewable energy, create new jobs, increase energy security, and improve the environment.
The community partnership, which is led by the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence, helps individual communities take advantage of their unique resources and develop new strategies to foster innovative clean energy solutions.
New members of the Energy Independent Community Partnership include: City of Two Rivers in Manitowoc County, City of West Allis in Milwaukee County, City of New London in Outagamie County, Village of Stratford in Marathon County, City of Whitewater in Walworth County, City of Jefferson in Jefferson County, Village of Oxford in Marquette County and Iowa County.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Xcel Energy CEO Interview: Richard Kelly
From an interview with Richard Elly, CEO of Xcel Energy, posted on Yahoo! Finance:
TWST: Would you begin with an overview of Xcel Energy and a picture of the things that the company is doing at the present time?
Mr. Kelly: Xcel Energy is the fifth-largest gas and electric utility in the United States. We serve eight states, with the largest ones being Minnesota, Colorado, Texas and a substantial portion of western Wisconsin, and we provide service to approximately 3.4 million electric and 1.9 million natural gas customers. We are a fully integrated, regulated utility, and our strategy is to grow the core, which means we are going to stay in the regulated side of the business. Our goal is to be an environmental leader, which I believe we have accomplished. We've done a lot of good work on the environmental side.
TWST: What are the most significant trends or developments that you anticipate in your markets over the next two to three years?
Mr. Kelly: One of the things that I worry about most for Xcel Energy is public policy and how that will evolve. I'm specifically referring to some kind of energy bill or legislation on carbon emissions and global warming, and the impact that's going to have on all utilities, including Xcel Energy. It is for this reason we've worked on our environmental strategy for the past several years. For example, strong demand-side management, large renewable energy and carbon reduction are all aspects we have worked on so that we are prepared for whatever legislation comes out of Washington, D.C. Alternatively, if nothing comes from the federal government, then at a minimum we would be in line with meeting the states' requirements.
TWST: What are the growth opportunities that you see for this company?
Mr. Kelly: The major growth opportunity is going to be investment in our environmental leadership strategy. Investment in wind, solar and biomass present great opportunities for us. We are blessed with the geography in the middle part of the United States, where there is abundant wind. And as you get farther down south, obviously there is abundant solar, and in the Midwest we have a lot of opportunities for biomass. So while the customer growth might be less going forward, as people become more conscious of energy efficiency, we'll still be able to maintain our growth because of these opportunities we have on the environmental side.
TWST: Would you begin with an overview of Xcel Energy and a picture of the things that the company is doing at the present time?
Mr. Kelly: Xcel Energy is the fifth-largest gas and electric utility in the United States. We serve eight states, with the largest ones being Minnesota, Colorado, Texas and a substantial portion of western Wisconsin, and we provide service to approximately 3.4 million electric and 1.9 million natural gas customers. We are a fully integrated, regulated utility, and our strategy is to grow the core, which means we are going to stay in the regulated side of the business. Our goal is to be an environmental leader, which I believe we have accomplished. We've done a lot of good work on the environmental side.
TWST: What are the most significant trends or developments that you anticipate in your markets over the next two to three years?
Mr. Kelly: One of the things that I worry about most for Xcel Energy is public policy and how that will evolve. I'm specifically referring to some kind of energy bill or legislation on carbon emissions and global warming, and the impact that's going to have on all utilities, including Xcel Energy. It is for this reason we've worked on our environmental strategy for the past several years. For example, strong demand-side management, large renewable energy and carbon reduction are all aspects we have worked on so that we are prepared for whatever legislation comes out of Washington, D.C. Alternatively, if nothing comes from the federal government, then at a minimum we would be in line with meeting the states' requirements.
TWST: What are the growth opportunities that you see for this company?
Mr. Kelly: The major growth opportunity is going to be investment in our environmental leadership strategy. Investment in wind, solar and biomass present great opportunities for us. We are blessed with the geography in the middle part of the United States, where there is abundant wind. And as you get farther down south, obviously there is abundant solar, and in the Midwest we have a lot of opportunities for biomass. So while the customer growth might be less going forward, as people become more conscious of energy efficiency, we'll still be able to maintain our growth because of these opportunities we have on the environmental side.
Friday, September 4, 2009
2010 RFP issued – Environmental & Economic Research
Wisconsin's Focus on Energy Environmental and Economic Research and Development Program (EERD) is pleased to announce $860,000 in grant funding available for 2010 research projects that study the environmental and economic impacts of electricity and natural gas use in Wisconsin. EERD is looking for projects that study the environmental or economic impacts of:
- Renewable energy or energy efficiency initiatives
- Biomass energy production and use to offset electric generation and/or natural gas
- Climate change in Wisconsin due to electricity or natural gas use
- Impact of existing fossil fuel-fired electric power generation on PM 2.5 levels in Wisconsin
Any research organization with a project relevant to Wisconsin can apply for a grant. The EERD Research Forum will evaluate proposals and make funding recommendations. We expect to announce funded projects in January 2010.
Prospective applicants must submit an Intent to Propose form by October 8, 2009 and those invited to submit a full proposal must send it electronically by 12 p.m. on November 11, 2009. The 2010 Request for Proposals, Intent to Prose form and other information can be found on the Focus on Energy website.
Ingrid Kelley
Program Manager
Focus on Energy
Environmental and Economic Research and Development Program
608.238.8276, x136
- Renewable energy or energy efficiency initiatives
- Biomass energy production and use to offset electric generation and/or natural gas
- Climate change in Wisconsin due to electricity or natural gas use
- Impact of existing fossil fuel-fired electric power generation on PM 2.5 levels in Wisconsin
Any research organization with a project relevant to Wisconsin can apply for a grant. The EERD Research Forum will evaluate proposals and make funding recommendations. We expect to announce funded projects in January 2010.
Prospective applicants must submit an Intent to Propose form by October 8, 2009 and those invited to submit a full proposal must send it electronically by 12 p.m. on November 11, 2009. The 2010 Request for Proposals, Intent to Prose form and other information can be found on the Focus on Energy website.
Ingrid Kelley
Program Manager
Focus on Energy
Environmental and Economic Research and Development Program
608.238.8276, x136
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
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.
Friday, July 31, 2009
$28 million available for state clean energy manufacturing projects
From a news release issued by Governor Doyle:
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that Wisconsin has been approved for $28 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act federal funds for its State Energy Program (SEP). The funds are the first part of the $55 million in Recovery Act funding the state is receiving for this program. . . .
Projects must create or retain jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce fossil fuel use, and/or deploy renewable energy.
Applications and program information will be available at the Commerce website: http://commerce.wi.gov/BD/BD-SEP-ARRA.html
For more information on the SEP, contact Amy Cumblad at Commerce, amy.cumblad@wisconsin.gov; or David Jenkins at the Office of Energy Independence, davidj.jenkins@wisconsin.gov.
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that Wisconsin has been approved for $28 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act federal funds for its State Energy Program (SEP). The funds are the first part of the $55 million in Recovery Act funding the state is receiving for this program. . . .
Projects must create or retain jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce fossil fuel use, and/or deploy renewable energy.
Applications and program information will be available at the Commerce website: http://commerce.wi.gov/BD/BD-SEP-ARRA.html
For more information on the SEP, contact Amy Cumblad at Commerce, amy.cumblad@wisconsin.gov; or David Jenkins at the Office of Energy Independence, davidj.jenkins@wisconsin.gov.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Integrys Energy Services to sell its energy consulting business to U.S. Energy Services, Inc.
From a news release issued by Integrys Energy:
Chicago, IL – Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: TEG) today announced that its nonregulated energy subsidiary, Integrys Energy Services Inc., has signed an agreement to sell its energy consulting business to Minneapolis-based U.S. Energy Services, Inc. for an undisclosed sum. The transaction, which requires certain contractual consents, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2009.
Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed, but the value realized is in line with Integrys Energy Group’s recovered capital expectations associated with its nonregulated segment divestiture plans.
Through its energy consulting business, Integrys Energy Services provides energy advisory and information services for facility and corporate customers in the areas of risk management, strategic sourcing, utility data management, and demand-side energy management. This activity required negligible collateral support and generated sales of approximately $4 million in 2008.
Chicago, IL – Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: TEG) today announced that its nonregulated energy subsidiary, Integrys Energy Services Inc., has signed an agreement to sell its energy consulting business to Minneapolis-based U.S. Energy Services, Inc. for an undisclosed sum. The transaction, which requires certain contractual consents, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2009.
Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed, but the value realized is in line with Integrys Energy Group’s recovered capital expectations associated with its nonregulated segment divestiture plans.
Through its energy consulting business, Integrys Energy Services provides energy advisory and information services for facility and corporate customers in the areas of risk management, strategic sourcing, utility data management, and demand-side energy management. This activity required negligible collateral support and generated sales of approximately $4 million in 2008.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
AESP Brown Bag Seminar: Reaching out to low-income customers, July 19
From the AESP:
Reaching Out to Low and Limited Income Customers: Case Studies in Delivering Energy Efficiency Programs to Those Customers Who Need the Most Help
Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Description:
Learn about three different programs are working to reach out and provide programs and services to low and limited income customers in their service territories. Program designs, lessons learned and advice for how to best engage and serve this customer segment will be shared.
Reaching Out to Low and Limited Income Customers: Case Studies in Delivering Energy Efficiency Programs to Those Customers Who Need the Most Help
Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Description:
Learn about three different programs are working to reach out and provide programs and services to low and limited income customers in their service territories. Program designs, lessons learned and advice for how to best engage and serve this customer segment will be shared.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Sustainability Cruises
We're going out this Sunday, July 5th from 4-7 pm
The purpose of the cruises is to get career people and students in the environmental sciences together. We rig and sail for a while, then take a break while everbody shares what environmental sustainability interests they're pursuing as well as their take on a current hot topic.
See http://myhoofers.org/sustainability_cruise for more info and to reserve a place. Mulder reminds me to tell you that friends and and friendly dogs are welcome. We can take a total of 13, and it always fills up plus, it seems, a few stowaways.
If this time doesn't quite work for you, let me know. We can still adjust the time to go earlier or later, or longer, or pick you up or drop you off, etc...
This week's topic will be the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Now that the Waxman-Markey Bill has passed the House, what's left in it and how will it fare in the Senate? Does it really matter?
See you on the water...
Hugh Schmidt
The purpose of the cruises is to get career people and students in the environmental sciences together. We rig and sail for a while, then take a break while everbody shares what environmental sustainability interests they're pursuing as well as their take on a current hot topic.
See http://myhoofers.org/sustainability_cruise for more info and to reserve a place. Mulder reminds me to tell you that friends and and friendly dogs are welcome. We can take a total of 13, and it always fills up plus, it seems, a few stowaways.
If this time doesn't quite work for you, let me know. We can still adjust the time to go earlier or later, or longer, or pick you up or drop you off, etc...
This week's topic will be the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Now that the Waxman-Markey Bill has passed the House, what's left in it and how will it fare in the Senate? Does it really matter?
See you on the water...
Hugh Schmidt
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