Can't we all be friends?

Solar wars 4

solar panelsNote to utilities: solar is popular with your customers. 

Earlier in the month in Colorado, Xcel proposed a scheme to charge their customers who install a solar installation an extra fee.  After 5 days of intense public outcry, they withdrew the plan.  For now.

And in New Mexico, Public Service of New Mexico  (the largest utility in the state) is trying to eliminate customer solar incentives in the state—essentially, declaring war on the state’s solar industry.  It’s an incredibly aggressive move. 

We are working with the Renewable Energy Industry Association of New Mexico, who officially filed to intervene in the proceeding today, to fight this.  I think it is safe to say that PNM can expect a lot more press like this in the interim:

“PNM’s newest plan to meet the state’s renewable energy requirements has thrust it headlong into a solar storm, drawing sharp objections from installers, a statewide trade group, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chávez and Gov. Bill Richardson”

It’s what your customers want.  Isn’t reading the polls easier than reading negative press?

 

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  1. Delay And Deny's avatar

    Delay And Deny Posted 5:20 pm
    14 Aug 2009

    Italy launches first clean hydrogen power plant Powered by hydrogen by-products from local petrochemical industries such as the Eni group's Polimeri Europa factory, it can meet the needs of 20,000 families, while saving emissions equivalent to more than 17,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, according to Enel.http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jw7xHmhTh2YiOJps-E5e9j56l-iA   
  2. Gar Lipow's avatar

    Gar Lipow Posted 7:13 pm
    14 Aug 2009

    "Powered by hydrogen by-products from local petrochemical industries"
    1. Delay And Deny's avatar

      Delay And Deny Posted 9:02 pm
      14 Aug 2009

      Oh, God. You again. Yes, by-products...as in they are already being produced. As in, they could be swapped out for solar and wind produced hydrogen when that technology is added. As in, this produces clean energy either way at the point where its consumed.
  3. danallen Posted 12:47 pm
    17 Aug 2009

    Most hydrogen generated for use in the petrochemical industry is made from natural gas and H2O by steam reforming, and the effluent of the process is CO2. The process uses natural gas as both the feedstock and the fuel. (The reforming reaction is endothrmic.) Consequently there is emission from both the rejected carbon dioxide byproduct and the flue gas from the combustion heating. In summary, it is wonderful to have clean energy "at the point where it is consumed" but the hard part is making it in a clean energy cycle.

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