by jboullion | Oct 13, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Shelly Birkelo in the Jansville Gazette:
JANESVILLE — Have you broken down and turned on your furnace yet?
It’s natural to wait as long as possible in an effort to keep your winter heating costs down.
There are, however, other ways to spend less money and save energy starting with an annual furnace inspection.
“It will probably cost between $50 and $100, but it is important to make sure your furnace is running correctly and efficiently,” said Steven Schultz, Alliant Energy communications program manager.
A checkup also will clean out dust or dirt, he said.
“Dust and dirt can clog vital parts, making your furnace run harder and eventually break down,” Schultz said.
It’s also the best prevention against deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Alliant’s monthly Natural Gas update newsletter.
To find an energy-smart heating contractor in your area, visit alliantenergy.com/ dealerlocator.
A home energy evaluation also can help consumers understand where their energy is going, Schultz said.
“It can show you where heat is escaping during the winter, for example, and will provide you with a blueprint for weatherizing your home,” he said.
For details about how you can do a home energy audit, visit www.alliantenergy.com/utilityservices/foryourhome/easyenergysavers/014671, Schultz said.
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide energy-efficiency and renewable energy initiative, also is a good source for energy and money-savings tips, Schultz said.
It is funded by all of the state’s utilities and can be accessed by visiting www.focusonenergy.com or calling 1-800-762-7077, he said.
by jboullion | Oct 13, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Shelly Birkelo in the Jansville Gazette:
JANESVILLE — Have you broken down and turned on your furnace yet?
It’s natural to wait as long as possible in an effort to keep your winter heating costs down.
There are, however, other ways to spend less money and save energy starting with an annual furnace inspection.
“It will probably cost between $50 and $100, but it is important to make sure your furnace is running correctly and efficiently,” said Steven Schultz, Alliant Energy communications program manager.
A checkup also will clean out dust or dirt, he said.
“Dust and dirt can clog vital parts, making your furnace run harder and eventually break down,” Schultz said.
It’s also the best prevention against deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Alliant’s monthly Natural Gas update newsletter.
To find an energy-smart heating contractor in your area, visit alliantenergy.com/ dealerlocator.
A home energy evaluation also can help consumers understand where their energy is going, Schultz said.
“It can show you where heat is escaping during the winter, for example, and will provide you with a blueprint for weatherizing your home,” he said.
For details about how you can do a home energy audit, visit www.alliantenergy.com/utilityservices/foryourhome/easyenergysavers/014671, Schultz said.
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide energy-efficiency and renewable energy initiative, also is a good source for energy and money-savings tips, Schultz said.
It is funded by all of the state’s utilities and can be accessed by visiting www.focusonenergy.com or calling 1-800-762-7077, he said.
by jboullion | Oct 13, 2009 | Uncategorized
Students from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee assemble their solar-powered house in preparation for the start of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2009 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, Oct. 06, 2009.
From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee architecture and engineering students have erected one of 20 buildings in a solar village that has risen on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Over the past two years, the students designed a small, energy-efficient solar home on campus, as part of the Solar Decathlon competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.
After being built on campus, the home was taken down in pieces and shipped to Washington, where it was put back together over the past week.
UWM is one of 20 teams selected to compete in the Solar Decathlon and is the first entrant in the competition from Wisconsin.
“We’re excited about it,” said Greg Thomson, assistant professor of architecture. “We’re happy to be there. There’s a big chunk of the Big Ten, and also teams that are made up of multiple universities.”
The competition is international – with teams funded in part by the governments of Germany and Spain.
The UWM home – named Meltwater – features 28 solar panels producing electricity and two solar panels powering a hot water system. The name was chosen because its design was inspired by the power of the sun to melt the glaciers and create the Great Lakes.
The students and faculty involved in the project designed a home that would be comfortable in Wisconsin’s climate.
The walls are extra thick and injected with more than twice the insulation of a typical Wisconsin home, Thomson said.
Photo by Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon
by jboullion | Oct 12, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an announcement made by the U.S. Department of Energy:
The Solar Installer Instructor Training network promotes high-quality training in the installation of solar technologies. Nine regional resource and training providers support the professional development of trainers and instructors of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar heating and cooling (SHC) technologies across the country. . . .
The nine winners were announced on October 8, 2009. The award amounts listed reflect the maximum possible amounts in total funding for each awardee, not only Recovery Act funds:
Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Inc. ($3,307,709)
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association will provide instructor development opportunities and organize a network of instructors, installers, engineers, administrators, and other industry stakeholders to create and share instructional resources. The program will use team learning methods and collaborative technologies to create instructional resources.
Other grants were made to:
+ The Pennsylvania State University ($3,500,000)
+ North Carolina State University ($3,008,826)
+ Kennebec Valley Community College ($2,886,782)
+ Hudson Valley Community College ($3,497,595)
+ Salt Lake Community College ($3,110,140)
+ Houston Community College ($3,566,058)
+ University of Central Florida ($2,800,000)
+ California Community Colleges Board of Governors ($3,499,828)
by jboullion | Oct 12, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Amy Hetzner in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
A new provision allowing school districts to bypass voters and raise property taxes for energy-efficiency improvements is gaining notice among school leaders with aging buildings and limited funds.
The exemption from state-imposed revenue caps was included in the 2009-’11 budget passed by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. Jim Doyle in June.
But it took until last month for the state Department of Public Instruction to issue discretion on how much they could spend and what they could spend it on, as long as they show the projects saved money on energy.
Now school boards have until Nov. 1 to decide whether they want to exercise their newfound flexibility for the school year already under way.
Three boards already have passed resolutions announcing their intentions to exceed revenue limits in paying for energy-efficiency projects. The most expensive of the proposals, from the Whitehall School District, involves $450,000 in spending over the next three years.
by jboullion | Oct 12, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by We Energies:
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ — We Energies, Alstom and The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) announced today that a pilot project testing an advanced chilled ammonia process has demonstrated more than 90 percent capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the flue stream of at a coal-fueled power plant in Wisconsin.
At a press conference at We Energies’ Pleasant Prairie Power Plant, which hosted the project, We Energies Chairman, President and CEO Gale Klappa, Alstom U.S. President Pierre Gauthier, and EPRI Senior Vice President Hank Courtright discussed the demonstration of Alstom’s patented chilled ammonia process for carbon capture. Testing at the pilot facility, using a 1.7-megawatt (electric) slipstream from the plant, began in early 2008 and will conclude later this year.
The project confirmed the predicted performance of the chilled ammonia carbon capture system at an operating power plant. It achieved key research metrics around hours of operation, ammonia release, CO2 removal levels, and CO2 purity. In doing so, the project demonstrated the fundamental viability of the carbon capture technology in real-world conditions such as changes in temperature and humidity, the inevitable starts and stops of a large power plant, and the environmental hurdles that go along with using any chemical process.
“One of the biggest challenges facing our industry is the development of cost effective technology that will allow us to capture carbon from the operation of power plants around the world,” said Klappa. “Today, with the success we’re reporting from the research here at Pleasant Prairie, the solution is one step closer to reality.”
by jboullion | Oct 12, 2009 | Uncategorized
2009 ACT 40
A Description of Wisconsin’s Law Creating Statewide Standards for Permitting Wind Energy Systems
The enactment of 2009 Act 40 (Act 40) does not establish rules for permitting a wind energy system, but rather requires the Public Service Commission (PSC) to establish those rules within two years. Current law (ss. 66.0401) states that wind energy projects can be stopped if the restriction does the one or more of the following:
• Serves to preserve or protect the public health or safety.
• Does not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency.
• Can prove that a system of comparable cost and efficiency is possible.
Under current law, a political subdivision has permitting authority over wind energy facilities up to 100 megawatts (MW) in total capacity. Wind energy facilities that are 100 MW or larger must be reviewed and approved by the PSC.
Overview
While not modifying that specific provision of ss. 66.0401 cited above, Act 40 creates a framework to allow limited and generally uniform local regulation of wind energy systems. Note that, while the current law addresses both wind and solar energy systems, the framework created by Act 40 applies only to wind energy systems.
Under Act 40, the PSC is granted authority to set standards for the subdivisions to use when regulating the wind systems in their area. If a local political subdivision chooses to write its own ordinance, the provisions contained therein cannot be more restrictive than those the PSC determines. For example, Act 40 states that a local government cannot prohibit a company from testing a site to see if it is a good place for turbines, or the opposite, to make them test so much that the goal is to effectively delay or run up costs. Any currently permitted projects will not have to repeat the process with the new guidelines and are effectively grandfathered under Act 40.
Legal challenges to wind energy facilities have typically centered on public health and safety issues. With this in mind, the PSC is required to establish minimum setback distances that provide reasonable protection against health effects, such as sound emissions and moving shadows associated with wind energy facilities. The agency must also set rules on decommissioning turbines, addressing both removal of the physical infrastructure and site restoration. In addition to the above, the PSC is authorized to establish rules on various contentious subjects including visual appearance, lighting, electrical connections to the power grid, maximum audible sound levels, proper means of measuring sound, and signal interference.
Limitations on Municipal Regulation of Wind Energy Systems
Act 40 directs the PSC to promulgate rules that specify the maximum restrictions that a municipality (referred to as a “political subdivision” in the law) may impose on the installation or use of a wind energy system. It specifies that the subject matter of the rules must include setback requirements that provide reasonable protection from health effects of wind energy systems and decommissioning; it specifies that the subject matter may also include visual appearance, lighting, electrical connections to the power grid, setback distances, maximum audible sound levels, shadow flicker, proper means of measuring noise, interference with radio, television, and telephone signals, or other matters.
Act 40 specifies that a municipality: (1) may not regulate wind energy systems unless it adopts an ordinance that is no more restrictive than the PSC rules; and (2) may not impose any restriction on a wind energy system that is more restrictive than the PSC rules.
Act 40 essentially “grandfathers” previously approved wind energy systems. It specifies that, if a municipality adopts an ordinance in conformance with the PSC rules, it may not apply that ordinance, or require approvals under that ordinance, to a wind energy system that it had already approved under a previous ordinance or under a development agreement. This language appears to apply to an amendment to a previous ordinance, as well as to a totally new ordinance, as that amendment itself is an ordinance.
Act 40 also specifies that a municipality may not prohibit or restrict testing activities to determine whether a site is suitable for the placement of a wind energy system. It provides that a municipality objecting to such testing may petition the PSC to impose reasonable restrictions on the testing.
Smart Growth Law
Act 40 authorizes a municipality to deny an application for approval of a wind energy system with an operating capacity of at least one megawatt if the proposed site of the system is in an area primarily designated for future residential or commercial development, as shown in a map that is adopted as part of a comprehensive plan under the Smart Growth law before June 2, 2009, or as shown in such maps after December 31, 2015, as part of a comprehensive plan that is updated as required under the Smart Growth law. An applicant whose application is denied under this provision may appeal the denial to the PSC, which may grant the appeal, notwithstanding the inconsistency of the application with the planned residential or commercial development, if the PSC determines that granting the appeal is consistent with the public interest.
Municipal Procedures
Act 40 specifies procedures that a municipality must follow in reviewing an application for a permit to install a wind energy system. In brief, a municipality must determine whether an application is complete within 45 days of receiving it and must take final action on the application within 90 days of determining that it is complete. A municipality may request additional information from an applicant, and is allowed 45 days from the receipt of that information to determine whether the application is then complete. A municipality may extend its 90-day review period for any of several specified reasons, but not for more than a total of 90 days. If a municipality does not have an ordinance in effect when it receives an application, the deadlines are delayed by approximately three months. If a municipality fails to make a determination of the completeness of an application within the 45-day limit, the application is considered to be complete; if it fails to take final action within the 90-day review period, the application is considered to be approved.
Act 40 specifies that, when reviewing an application for approval of a wind energy system, a municipality must create a record of its proceedings, including recordings of public hearings and copies of all related documents. The municipality must base its decision on an application on written findings of fact supported by evidence in the record.
The Act 40 directs the PSC to promulgate rules further elaborating these and other procedural requirements and requires municipalities to conform their procedures to the PSC rules.
Review of Municipal Actions
The Act 40 specifies two options that an aggrieved party may use to appeal a municipality’s actions on an application for approval to construct a wind energy system or to appeal a municipality’s enforcement action relative to a wind energy system. Under the first option, the party may appeal the decision or action in the municipality’s administrative review process. If still aggrieved following this review, the party may then appeal to the PSC. The further appeal must be made within 30 days of completion of the municipal review. If a municipality has not completed its review within 90 days, the party may then appeal to the PSC. Under the second option, an aggrieved party may appeal directly to the PSC.
When a case is appealed to the PSC, the municipality is required to provide the complete record of its proceeding to the PSC. The PSC may confine its review to the record developed or it may expand the record it reviews. Act 40 requires the PSC to complete its review in 90 days, but allows the PSC to extend that time for good cause. If the PSC determines that the municipality’s action did not comply with the PSC’s rules or is otherwise unreasonable, the PSC’s decision supersedes that of the municipality and the PSC may order an appropriate remedy.
Act 40 specifies that these are the only options allowed for review of a municipality’s actions. Under either option, judicial review is not available until the PSC has completed a review of the case. Upon appeal to circuit court, Act 40 directs the court to review the PSC’s decision, rather than that of the municipality.
Applicability
Act 40 applies to all wind energy systems, regardless of size (as does current law). Note, however, that a person who proposes to build an electric generating facility with an operating capacity of at least 100 megawatts, including a wind farm with this collective capacity, must first apply to the PSC for, and receive, a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN). Act 40 specifies that, in reviewing a CPCN application for a wind energy system, the PSC must consider whether installation or use of the system is consistent with the standards specified in the PSC’s rules.
Under current law, municipal ordinances may not preclude or impede the construction of an electric generating facility for which the PSC has issued a CPCN. Thus, effectively, Act 40 applies to wind energy systems with an operating capacity less than 100 megawatts.
Public Hearings
Act 40 directs the PSC to hold at least two public hearings prior to promulgating its rules on wind energy systems. At least one of the hearings must be held in Monroe County and at least one must be held in an area outside of Dane County and Monroe County in which developers have proposed wind energy systems.
Decommissioning
Act 40 directs the PSC to promulgate rules that require the owner of a wind energy system with an operating capacity of at least one megawatt to maintain proof of financial responsibility ensuring the availability of funds for decommissioning of the system upon discontinuance of its use.
Wind Siting Council
Under the auspices of the PSC, a wind siting council will be formed to survey peer-reviewed scientific research on the health impacts of windpower facilities as well as national and state regulations affecting their siting. The council is directed to submit a report to the Legislature addressing health-related research and related regulatory developments. This report may include recommendations for legislative actions based on the research and regulations surveyed. The initial report is to be submitted within five years of the law’s effective date, and every five years thereafter.
The council will also advise the Commission on such matters as completeness of application and the record of decision, review procedure, and enforcement procedures.
The wind siting council will consist of 15 members representing various interests and perspectives. The breakdown of membership in this body will be as follows:
Two members representing windpower developers;
One member representing towns
One member representing counties;
Two members representing the energy industry;
Two members representing environmental groups;
Two members representing realtors;
Two members who are landowners living adjacent to or in the vicinity of a windpower facility and who have not received compensation by or on behalf of the facility’s owners, operators or developers;
Two public members; and
One member who is a University of Wisconsin System faculty member with expertise regarding the health impacts of wind energy systems.
Department of Natural Resources Duties
Act 40 directs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to identify areas in the state where wind turbines, if placed in those areas, may have a significant adverse effect on bat and migratory bird populations. The DNR must maintain an Internet website that provides this information to the public and includes a map of the identified areas.
Act 40 directs the DNR to prepare a study to determine whether the agency has sufficient legal authority to protect the environment, including wildlife, from the physical impacts of wind generating systems. The report is to be submitted to the Legislature no later than 13 months after the law takes effect. If the DNR concludes that it lacks sufficient authority to adequately protect the environment from the adverse impacts of wind generating systems, the report must also contain recommendations for a legislative remedy.
Prepared RENEW Wisconsin
October 2009
Sources: Wisconsin Legislative Council, Wind for Wisconsin
by jboullion | Oct 11, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Steve Cahalan in the Winona Daily News:
LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Walmart discount chain is committed to environmental sustainability, which is what its customers want, a company official said Thursday at the second Bioplastic and Biocomposite Supply Chain Conference.
Meanwhile, two local officials said in interviews they anticipate growth in bioplastics and biocomposites manufacturing, which involves using such things as plant-derived fibers and crops such as corn as ingredients.
About 90 people at the event at the Radisson Hotel in La Crosse heard presentations on the future of bioplastics and biocomposites. The conference was hosted by the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence, the 7 Rivers Alliance and Winona State University.
“Every sector of our company is involved in sustainability and looking at ways that we can incorporate sustainable practices into our business and be a better corporate neighbor, take care of our planet and most of all, give our customers what they want,” said Lisa Nelson, Walmart senior manager of public affairs for Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.
Walmart in October 2005 announced three core sustainability goals – to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy, to create zero waste and to sell products that sustain resources and the environment.
Nelson gave examples of the company working toward these goals, such as reducing packaging, more efficient transportation practices that reduce fuel consumption by trucks, and constructing energy-efficient buildings.
by jboullion | Oct 9, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by the Public Service Commission:
Heating moratorium begins November 1st
MADISON – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) urges energy consumers to contact their local utility if their heat is currently disconnected. The PSC also encourages residents to take advantage of energy-efficiency programs and the state’s low-income bill payment assistance programs to reduce the burden of utility bills this winter.
Wisconsin law states that consumers cannot be disconnected during the heating moratorium period from November 1 to April 15, if they are connected at the start of the moratorium. Consumers who are currently disconnected must make arrangements with their local utility to pay outstanding bills in order to have service restored. If a consumer has not made arrangements to pay an outstanding bill, the utility is not required to reconnect the service until payment arrangements have been made.
Consumers who need to set up a payment agreement should call their local utility. Phone numbers for the largest utilities in Wisconsin are listed below. If consumers cannot reach an agreement with their utility, they may contact the PSC at 608-266-2001 or 1-800-225-7729.
Alliant Energy, 1-800-862-6222
Madison Gas & Electric, 608-252-7144
Superior Water, Light & Power, 715-394-2200
We Energies, 1-800-842-4565
Wisconsin Public Service Corp., 1-800-450-7260
Xcel Energy, 1-800-895-4999
Energy Assistance
Due to increased federal funding and recent changes in program eligibility, many more households across the state may be eligible for heating assistance this winter. Consumers may qualify for assistance in paying their heating bills through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), which provides financial assistance to low-income residents. WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home Energy Plus program which provides assistance with emergency energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, conservation service, and weatherizing for low-income households.
For the 2009-2010 heating season, the income eligibility limit for WHEAP and Weatherization has increased from 150% of the federal poverty level to 60% of the State’s Median Income. The state anticipates nearly 256,000 Wisconsin families will receive energy assistance to pay a portion of their fuel costs this heating season, a 40 percent increase over last year.
Payments under these programs are based on household size, income level, and home energy costs. A family of four, with an annual income of $45,067 or less may be eligible for energy assistance. For more information about applying for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, call the Home Energy Plus hotline at 866-432-8947, or visit www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov.
by jboullion | Oct 9, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by the Public Service Commission:
Heating moratorium begins November 1st
MADISON – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) urges energy consumers to contact their local utility if their heat is currently disconnected. The PSC also encourages residents to take advantage of energy-efficiency programs and the state’s low-income bill payment assistance programs to reduce the burden of utility bills this winter.
Wisconsin law states that consumers cannot be disconnected during the heating moratorium period from November 1 to April 15, if they are connected at the start of the moratorium. Consumers who are currently disconnected must make arrangements with their local utility to pay outstanding bills in order to have service restored. If a consumer has not made arrangements to pay an outstanding bill, the utility is not required to reconnect the service until payment arrangements have been made.
Consumers who need to set up a payment agreement should call their local utility. Phone numbers for the largest utilities in Wisconsin are listed below. If consumers cannot reach an agreement with their utility, they may contact the PSC at 608-266-2001 or 1-800-225-7729.
Alliant Energy, 1-800-862-6222
Madison Gas & Electric, 608-252-7144
Superior Water, Light & Power, 715-394-2200
We Energies, 1-800-842-4565
Wisconsin Public Service Corp., 1-800-450-7260
Xcel Energy, 1-800-895-4999
Energy Assistance
Due to increased federal funding and recent changes in program eligibility, many more households across the state may be eligible for heating assistance this winter. Consumers may qualify for assistance in paying their heating bills through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), which provides financial assistance to low-income residents. WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home Energy Plus program which provides assistance with emergency energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, conservation service, and weatherizing for low-income households.
For the 2009-2010 heating season, the income eligibility limit for WHEAP and Weatherization has increased from 150% of the federal poverty level to 60% of the State’s Median Income. The state anticipates nearly 256,000 Wisconsin families will receive energy assistance to pay a portion of their fuel costs this heating season, a 40 percent increase over last year.
Payments under these programs are based on household size, income level, and home energy costs. A family of four, with an annual income of $45,067 or less may be eligible for energy assistance. For more information about applying for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, call the Home Energy Plus hotline at 866-432-8947, or visit www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov.
