Solar Energy Gets a Boost in Alabama
Posted on Oct 3, 2011 in Climate Change, Environmental, Innovation/Efficiency, Renewable Energy | Comments Off on Solar Energy Gets a Boost in Alabama
Alabama-based Arab Electric Cooperative (AEC) is making it a little easier for its members to be green. AEC voted unanimously this week to join the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Generation Partners incentive program. Under the program, the TVA gives homeowners and businesses a $1,000 incentive to help offset equipment costs, plus a 30 percent federal tax break through 2016. The...
Dairy Farms May Provide Cheaper Fuel Source
Posted on Sep 1, 2011 in Innovation/Efficiency, Renewable Energy | Comments Off on Dairy Farms May Provide Cheaper Fuel Source
Cooperatives may have an opportunity to obtain cheaper fuel through the use of anaerobic digesters on dairy farms. The digesters capture methane gas from cow manure, which can be used to generate power. Proponents of the manure-to-methane process spoke at the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives’ 2011 Emerging Technology Conference. The Oklahoman has the full story.
Vermont Smart Meters Help Weather Irene
Posted on Sep 1, 2011 in Grid & Infrastructure, Innovation/Efficiency, Technology | Comments Off on Vermont Smart Meters Help Weather Irene
Like many cooperatives along the eastern seaboard, the Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) dealt with major power outages in the wake of Hurricane Irene. Approximately 10,000 VEC members lost power. VEC’s smart meters played a pivotal role in the restoration efforts and allowed the VEC control center to communicate in real-time with members and support staff. Click here for the full...
Vermont Public Service Board Considers Privacy Implications of Smart Grid Technology
Posted on Jul 29, 2011 in Energy Savings Programs, Innovation/Efficiency, Technology | Comments Off on Vermont Public Service Board Considers Privacy Implications of Smart Grid Technology
As utilities in Vermont continue to implement various smart grid programs, the Vermont Public Service Board is evaluating the potential for both use and misuse of customer data. The CEO of the Vermont Electric Cooperative, David Hallquist, is focusing on cybersecurity, in particular, as the coop grows its smart grid program. Vermont Public Radio has been covering this...
Arizona Corporate Commission Approves New Waste-to-Energy Plant
Posted on Jul 18, 2011 in Environmental, Innovation/Efficiency, Project Development, Renewable Energy | Comments Off on Arizona Corporate Commission Approves New Waste-to-Energy Plant
Last week, the Arizona Corporate Commission approved an application filed in November 2010 by Mohave Electric Cooperative for a waste-to-energy plant as a pilot program. MEC, which distributes electricity to nearly 40,000 customers, plans to build the plant in the Phoenix area. The plant could generate about 11 megawatts of electricity, supplying roughly 2,700 homes with electricity....
Hawaii Coop to Discuss Hydropower Development
Posted on Jul 12, 2011 in Innovation/Efficiency, Renewable Energy | Comments Off on Hawaii Coop to Discuss Hydropower Development
The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is exploring the development of new hydropower projects on Kauai. The coop board has hired a consultant to aid in this decision, given the environmental concerns. The coop is currently working with outside counsel to review the petition to have a meeting on the matter.
Coop Selects Roberts and Schaefer as EPC Contractor for the First U.S. Installation of a Dry Bottom Ash System
Posted on Jul 8, 2011 in Energy Savings Programs, Innovation/Efficiency, Project Development, Technology | Comments Off on Coop Selects Roberts and Schaefer as EPC Contractor for the First U.S. Installation of a Dry Bottom Ash System
Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. has chosen Roberts and Schaefer, a subsidiary of KBR, to furnish engineering, construction and procurement services in connection with its installation of a new dry bottom ash system at its Palatka, Florida coal-fired generating facilities. According to a KBR press release, the new system is expected to make the facilities more efficient and reduce...
Jackson Energy Coop Participates in Technology to Convert Natural Gas to Electricity from Stranded Wells
Posted on Jul 5, 2011 in Innovation/Efficiency, Technology | Comments Off on Jackson Energy Coop Participates in Technology to Convert Natural Gas to Electricity from Stranded Wells
Kentucky-based Wellhead Energy Systems has developed a way to convert natural gas to electricity at the well and feed it into the power grid. Wellhead installed the first station in Jackson County because the coop Jackson Energy has worked closely with the company. This strategy would involve tapping so-called “stranded” gas wells to generate electricity. Stranded wells are...
North Dakota Senator Introduces Energy Plan that Contains Incentives for Coops that Use Clean Energy
Posted on Jun 17, 2011 in Energy Savings Programs, Grid & Infrastructure, Innovation/Efficiency, Legislative & Politics, Renewable Energy | Comments Off on North Dakota Senator Introduces Energy Plan that Contains Incentives for Coops that Use Clean Energy
Senator Kent Conrad recently introduced the “Fueling U.S. Energy Leadership Act” or FUEL Act as a broad plan to address energy independence and to provide a means to improve the economy. Among other things, the Fuel Act contains incentives for rural electric coops that make use of various clean energy technologies. See Senator Conrad’s press release for more.
Electric Coops Leading the Way in Modernization of the Nation’s Electric Grid
Posted on Jun 13, 2011 in Financing, Grid & Infrastructure, Innovation/Efficiency, Project Development | Comments Off on Electric Coops Leading the Way in Modernization of the Nation’s Electric Grid
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined Administration officials on Monday to announce several initiatives aimed at modernizing the nation’s electric grid. The USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is providing funding for several projects, and rural electric cooperatives are heavily involved in smart grid deployments. Last year, RUS approved $7.1 billion in loans for...
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