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News Roundup: Microsoft Invests in Solar in Virginia, New Legislation Says Solar is in Public Interest, U.S. Mayors Call for Solar Investment

March 30, 2018 By Editor Leave a Comment

Tech giant Microsoft announces massive purchase of solar power in Virginia.2000px-Microsoft_logo
Microsoft will purchase 315 megawatts (MW) of energy from two new solar facilities in Virginia, it said recently. The tech giant will buy energy from the Pleinmont I and II sites in what it described as “the single largest corporate purchase of solar energy ever in the United States.” The Pleinmont developments are part of a bigger 500 MW project owned and operated by sPower, an AES and AIMCo business. When operational, Pleinmont I and II will have over 750,000 solar panels covering more than 2,000 acres.  Read the full story here.

Virginia legislation opens door to over 5 GW of renewable energy.
GavelRecently passed legislation in Virginia shifts the renewable energy landscape by finding 5.5 GW of solar and wind energy are in the public interest and expediting the state’s renewable energy project regulatory approval process. Known as Senate Bill 966, the legislation includes provisions for energy efficiency and energy storage, in addition to wind and solar. The law also ends a utility rate freeze that has been in effect since 2015. The 5.5 GW of renewable energy in Virginia is not a mandatory target or procurement but serves as a regulatory greenlight for achieving that volume.  Read the full story here.

180 US mayors call for use of solar energy in updated letter.
mayor-pinA bipartisan group of 180 mayors from across the U.S. have called for increased solar energy usage in an updated letter released Tuesday by Environment America. The first version of the letter, signed by 70 mayors, was released in December. A focus on renewable energy has become top-priority across the U.S., as dozens of cities have committed to getting 100% of their power from renewables. And while committing to increased solar usage is a significant step forward for these 180 cities, tangible actions will need to be taken for such cities to reach their goals.  Read the full story here.

3 Things You [Probably] Didn’t Know About Solar Energy.
Panel-with-Question-Mark-300x225The solar industry has come a long way since it began in the 1970s. The way Americans are creating and harnessing solar energy is changing rapidly. In fact, the use of solar energy has grown nearly 20 percent per year over the past 15 years. Still, some preconceived notions about solar energy exist to this day. Here are four things you probably didn’t know about solar energy: 
1. It’s affordable

2. It’s accessible   
3. It benefits your community and environment, too  

Read the full story here.

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: renewable energy, solar energy, State of Virginia, virginia energy, virginia energy laws, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News

Virginia General Assembly Begins Soon: Quick Links to Help Keep Solar Energy at the Forefront with Legislators

January 9, 2018 By Editor

The 2018 Virginia General Assembly will run for 60 days starting Wednesday, January 10. Powered by Facts hopes to see Virginia lawmakers pass solar and renewable energy legislation that will help the Commonwealth strengthen its energy grid, create more jobs and attract more businesses.

Last year, lawmakers passed several pieces of solar legislation that proved that the solar industry, electric utilities and others – Appalachian Power, Dominion Energy, MD-DC-VA Solar Energy Industry Association, Powered By Facts, the Southern Environmental Law Center and Virginia’s Electric Cooperatives, among others – can work together to move Virginia forward.

From successful passage of AgGEN, which allows farmers to generate additional revenue from solar energy, to a bill that allowed for an increase in Virginia solar energy storage development, 2017 was a great start in the direction of building a more robust solar and renewable energy portfolio for the Commonwealth.

More needs to be done, and we need your continued involvement. Here are ways you can keep track of the bills that are up for consideration, status of bills and schedule of meetings, among other legislative activities:

  • Check back here to keep updated on solar and renewable energy bills and their status.
  • Find the schedule of meetings and status of discussion on bills here.
  • Click on the list of House of Delegates’ Members to find contact information here.
  • Access contact information for Senate Members here.
  • A full session calendar for the 2018 General Assembly can be found here.

Powered by Facts will keep you updated on proposed bills specific to solar and other renewable energy throughout the 2018 General Assembly on our News Page and here on our Myths vs. Facts page. We also have joined a coalition of organizations dedicated to keeping on top of proposed legislation and sharing that information with our communities. Called VA Our Way (VOW), we will work closely with each other to share information and to help our readers understand how we can continue to make change for the Commonwealth by making our voices heard on important issues. We will update you soon on VOW.

Filed Under: Myth & Fact, Slider Tagged With: 2018 Virginia General Assembly, AgGEN, Appalachian Power, Dominion Energy, energy in Virginia, MD-DC-VA Solar Energy Industry Association, renewable energy, Renewable Energy Laws, Rubin Group, SEIA, solar, solar energy, Solar Energy Industries Association, State of Virginia, virginia energy bills, virginia energy laws, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News

Building Consensus Prior to Assembly is Key to Changing Virginia’s Energy Mix

August 23, 2017 By Editor

Mark Rubin

Mark Rubin

In our first two podcasts with Mark Rubin, Director at the Virginia Center for Consensus Building, he explained how the “Rubin Group” came to be, how they worked together to get three bills passed in the 2017 General Assembly and how they created five working groups to address specific issues that may be impeding progress of renewable and solar energy in the Commonwealth.

In this podcast, he talks more specifically about why the Rubin Group is important to the Commonwealth and how groups like it can offer help to our legislators by creating consensus on issues before they make it to the General Assembly.

As he explains, Virginia’s legislators are part-time and have limited staff and resources, which is by design. However, it can create a situation in which Virginia legislators don’t have time needed to solve very complex policy issues, like the energy mix in the Commonwealth.

Through the Center for Consensus Building, stakeholders — many of whom are on opposite sides of a spectrum — have the time and space needed to tackle those complex issues. As Rubin points out, when a group of stakeholders develops a compromise solution, it will probably work.

Learn more about how the Rubin Group and others like it work with the Center for Consensus Building and why Rubin says this model works for Virginia in the last in our series of interviews with him.

Link to this podcast for download: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B51RhByqqW9LQ2xGT1VkS0pnX1k

 

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: energy in Virginia, renewable energy, Renewable Energy Laws, Rubin Group, solar energy, State of Virginia, the rubin group, VCU, Virginia Center for Consensus Building, virginia energy, virginia general assembly, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation

Rubin Group Creates 5 Working Committees to Take Deep Dive into Energy for Virginia

August 9, 2017 By Editor

Mark Rubin

Mark Rubin

In the first in a series of interviews with Mark Rubin, Director at the Virginia Center for Consensus Building, he shared how Virginia’s “Rubin Group” members work together to create consensus on energy policies for the Commonwealth. In this interview, Rubin shares how the group’s recent public meeting helped them create working groups designed to create consensus and potential legislation for consideration during the 2018 Virginia General Assembly.

The Rubin Group, made up of representatives from companies, solar advocacy organizations, utility firms, energy education groups, the Virginia Manufacturers Association, the MD DC DE VA Solar Energy Industries Association, Powered by Facts and others, meet regularly to debate energy policies and work to advance Virginia legislation to include more renewable energy. At a recent public hearing, the group invited citizens, companies and community representatives to join five working groups to define what problems they want to tackle and then come up with solutions and come to consensus on ways they want to tackle those problems for the Commonwealth.

The groups will then create suggested legislation that Rubin Group would vet through members of Virginia legislation, the Attorney General’s office, the Governor’s office, the Renewable Caucus in the Virginia General Assembly and other stakeholders to determine if it is a viable offering.

Learn more about the working groups and what they are focusing on for the future of energy in Virginia in our interview with Mark Rubin here:

http://poweredbyfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mark-Rubin-Podcast-2.mp3

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: Dominion Power, energy in Virginia, Mark Rubin, renewable energy, residential solar energy, Rubin Group, solar, solar energy, State of Virginia, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation

News Roundup: Solar Jobs Outnumber Coal Jobs for 1st Time Ever, New Policy Paper Urges Move to Renewable Energy in Virginia & New Solar Installations to Bring Jobs

July 11, 2017 By Editor

In this roundup, we highlight stories about an energy trade association urging Virginia gubernatorial candidates to focus on sustainable energy; that solar jobs in the Commonwealth now outnumber coal industry jobs here; and that two new solar installations (one approved and one proposed) offer hundreds of new jobs along with renewable energy for the Commonwealth

Seal_of_Virginia.svgPro-Renewable Business Group Prods Gubernatorial Candidates on Virginia Energy

After the primaries ended, businesses from across the nation came together to urge Virginia gubernatorial candidates to focus on sustainable energy.  Advanced Energy Economy, a trade association of 1,000+ energy sector businesses, published a policy paper outlining the steps that the candidates would have to take as governor to bring economic growth and more affordable energy.  The paper details an extensive legislative plan set to create jobs in solar and wind generation, protect consumers in power purchase agreements, and introduce more competition in the utility resource industry.

Read more here.

helmet-on-solar-panelFor First Time in History, Solar Jobs Outnumber Coal Jobs in Virginia

Virginia has a rich history in the business of coal, but, for the first time, coal has been dethroned by the renewable energy sector.  According to a report by Virginia Public Radio, 2016 marked the first year in the Commonwealth’s history in which more Virginians are employed in the solar industry than the coal industry. This is a drastic change from the 5-to-1 ratio of coal to solar jobs just six years ago.  The dramatic shift can be mostly attributed to the emergence of solar jobs in manufacturing, installation and construction.

Read more here.

solsystemsVirginia’s Largest Solar Farm to Begin Construction in Danville Next Month

Earlier this month, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the construction of the Kentucky Solar project in Danville, VA.  The project is expected to power upwards of 900 homes in the region and is slated to be completed by the end of this year. The 6-megawatt farm will be the largest municipal utility solar farm in Virginia and bring hundreds of jobs with it.  The farm’s influence will reach far beyond just the city of Danville, as it will affect over 40,000 customers, from Henry County to Halifax.

Read more here.

hexagon-energyProposed Solar Facility in Gloucester could be largest in Virginia

Hexagon Energy, an independent energy development firm, recently announced its proposal to build a 900-acre solar facility in Gloucester County, Virginia.  The proposed facility would be equipped with nearly 400,000 panels and capable of producing 225 million kWh per year.  If approved, the project also would create from 250 to 300 jobs during the construction period alone, and the facility would continue to produce employment for more than 25 years.

Read more here.

 

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: Coal jobs, elections, energy storage, gubernatorial, Hexagon Energy, policy paper, Primaries, renewable energy, renewable energy industry, residential solar energy, solar energy, solar jobs, solar paneling, Terry McAuliffe, virginia energy, virginia energy legislation, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation

New Solar Legislation Could Help Virginia Create More Jobs, Stimulate Economy

March 13, 2017 By Editor

By Karen Schaufeld

Solar InstallersSolar energy is a job creator. In 2016, the number of solar power workers in the USA in 2016 was 373, 807, vs. 187,117 in the fossil fuels sector, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Solar power jobs also are higher paying jobs – $26 per hour is the median wage for solar installers.

During the 2017 General Assembly, Virginia legislators took steps toward expanding solar in the Commonwealth by passing several bills that will allow for farmers to harvest the sun and will support community solar. Most of our legislators understand that solar energy offers more jobs for Virginians, as well as a safer and more resilient source of energy for the Commonwealth.

In its National Solar Jobs Census 2016, the Solar Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing solar energy use worldwide, found:

  • Solar jobs in the United States have increased at least 20 percent per year for the past four years, and jobs have nearly tripled since the first Solar Jobs Census was released in 2010.
  • One in 50 new U.S. jobs were in the solar industry.
  • Nine percent of solar workers are veterans, compared to 7 percent of the total U.S. workforce.
  • Employers surveyed expect to see total solar industry employment increase by at least 10 percent in 2017.
  • Solar offers wide-ranging career opportunities and is a highly diverse field, offering great jobs for women and minorities.

The recent passage of SB 1393 (Electric Utilities; community solar pilot programs), SB 1394 (Small agricultural generators), SB 1395 (Permit by Rule Modifications, PBR) will help our state and move toward increasing the amount of solar jobs for Virginians. The Commonwealth still ranks very low in comparison to other states, coming in at 33rd for solar jobs per capita and a ratio of solar worker to overall workforce mix of just 1 in 2,600.

While waiting for Governor McAuliffe to sign the new legislation, SolUnesco posted: “We are filled with optimism when we think about the future of energy in Virginia. The following conditions will continue to propel an open and dynamic market for solar – strong and growing demand, political awareness of the job growth and investment potential, and a sufficient local industry base. We need to enable entrepreneurs to build innovative businesses that can develop a skilled Virginia-based workforce. Through a locally grown workforce, local innovation and entrepreneurial hunger, we will capture the economic benefits and job growth here in Virginia.”

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: 2017 Virginia General Assembly, Department of Energy, National Solar Jobs Census, SB 1393, SB 1394, SB 1395, Solar Foundation, solar jobs, SolUnesco, State of Virginia, virginia energy laws, virginia energy legislation, virginia general assembly, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News

Support Virginia Farmers by Advocating for SB 1394 & HB 2303

January 25, 2017 By Editor

solar-farmFarming can be a risky business. Everything from weather events – snow, flood, drought, ice, etc. – to pests and the vagaries of the market, Virginia farmers must fight on a lot of fronts to create a profitable living.

You can help Virginia farmers by supporting SB 1394 & HB 2303. These identical bills are currently in subcommittee and need your support. SB 1394 & HB 2303 both will allow farmers to harvest the sun and generate a reliable stream of income for up to 25 years. By helping the thousands of small and family-owned farmers in Virginia, you protect your access to fresh, healthy, locally grown produce, meat and dairy products.

Tell your Senator and Representative that you expect them to vote yes for SB 1394 & HB 2303, because it will allow farmers to:

  • Sell excess energy back from on-site renewable generation to utilities at a fair price – creating an additional, year-round source of revenue for farmers.
  • Triple the size of their solar capacity (from 500 KW to 1.5 MW), allowing them to create a new “crop” of guaranteed yearly & year-round harvest. This will go a long way toward helping lower their costs, which can be exorbitant for farmers.
  • Possibly earn higher rates from utilities during peak demand periods – a win for all Virginians, because it allows utilities to buy the additional energy needed at peak periods from local sources and gives farmers a chance to benefit – both agriculturally and fiscally – from the sunniest days.

Call and email Senate & House subcommittee members now and tell them you support SB 1394 & HB 2303:

Senate Commerce and Labor Subcommittee on Renewable Energy

Senator Ben Chafin
(804) 698-7538
email: district38@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Glen Sturtevant Jr.
(804) 698-7510
email: district10@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Rosalyn Dance
(804) 698-7516
email: district16@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Frank Wagner
(804) 698-7507
email: district07@senate.virginia.gov

House Commerce and Labor Special Subcommittee on Energy

Delegate Terry Kilgore (Chairman)
(804) 698-1001
email: DelTKilgore@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Kathy J. Byron
(804) 698-1022
email: DelKByron@house.virginia.gov

Delegate R. Lee Ware
(804) 698-1065
email: DelLWare@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Timothy D. Hugo
(804) 698-1040
email: DelTHugo@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Daniel W. Marshall
(804) 698-1014
email: DelDMarshall@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Benjamin Cline
804) 698-1024
email: DelBCline@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Jackson H. Miller
(804) 698-1050
email: DelJMiller@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Manoli Loupassi
(804) 698-1068
email: DelMLoupassi@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Gregory Habeeb
(804) 698-1008
email: DelGHabeeb@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Ronald A. Villanueva
(804) 698-1021
email: DelRVillanueva@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Roslyn C. Tyler
(804) 698-1075
email: DelRTyler@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Mark L. KEam
(804) 698-1035
email: DelMKeam@house.virginia.gov

Delegate Joseph C. Lindsey
(804) 698-1090
email: DelJLindsey@house.virginia.gov

We need more solar power generated in Virginia. SB 1394 & HB 2303 are a great step in the right direction.

 

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: 2017 Virginia General Assembly, HB 2303, House Bill 2303, renewable energy, Renewable Energy Laws, SB 1394, Senate Bill 1394, State of Virginia, virginia energy, virginia energy laws, virginia energy legislation, virginia general assembly, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation

2017 Virginia General Assembly: What is Crossover and Why is it Important?

January 11, 2017 By Editor

General Assembly 2017The 2017 Virginia General Assembly convenes its short 45-day session today in Richmond. The session adjourns on Saturday, February 25, the 46th day.

But “crossover” means there actually is less time than that. Crossover occurs at the session midpoint and marks the day when bills must pass one house or the other or die for the session.

So, we have approximately 1 month to make sure our state legislators hear from us about what is important to us and to effect change in Virginia in 2017 and beyond. On our main page, we have added a Countdown to Crossover clock, which we hope will serve as a reminder of the urgency needed from all Virginians to reach out to their Delegates and Senators to communicate your priorities for the Commonwealth.

Here at Powered by Facts, we are focused on solar energy and expanding the energy mix in Virginia. More solar for the Commonwealth means:

• more opportunities for both businesses and individuals alike,
• more jobs,
• lower rates for customers, and a
• more attractive business climate.

In the coming weeks, we will highlight the solar legislation that is under consideration in the 2017 General Assembly and share our thoughts on them and why they are beneficial to Virginia businesses and individuals. We also will share letters that you can send to your Delegates and Senators to let them know that you support more solar in Virginia.

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: 2017 Virginia General Assembly, energy in Virginia, renewable energy, Renewable Energy Laws, solar energy, Solar Energy VA, solar power, State of Virginia, virginia energy laws, virginia general assembly, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News

Virginia has Dropped Behind South Carolina in Solar – We Need to Change State Policy

December 12, 2016 By Editor


Solar Power Generation by StateBy Karen Schaufeld

Virginia has been leapfrogged yet again – this time by South Carolina. It went from 36th in annual solar photovoltaic installations in the United States in 2015 to 9th in the second quarter of 2016 alone. In the same Solar Energy Industries Association report, Virginia ranked 34th of the 40 states included, and actually dropped from 31st in 2015 to its present position. Virginia is now ahead of the District of Columbia, Idaho, Alabama, Illinois, Montana and Arkansas.

When I see solar success stories about other states, the main themes I read about are cooperation among the stakeholders – state and local governments, public utilities and the solar industry – as well as highly engaged business sector. We need to catch up in Virginia.

Here are a few examples of how other states are getting ahead and expanding solar:

South Carolina – Clarendon County will be home to two separate solar farms, which promise new jobs, tax revenue and clean power for the local area. The first of the two 72 megawatt (MW) solar farms should be up and running by the end of 2018. According to an article in the Post and Courier, South Carolina’s rapid growth in solar “…has been attributed to the Distributed Energy Resource Program Act, which was passed unanimously by the Legislature in 2014. The act allows residential and commercial consumers to lease solar systems, electric utility companies to get power from independent renewable installations and net-metering rates to be updated.”

Illinois – The state recently set a legislative precedent in the Midwest by passing its Future Energy Jobs Bill (SB 2814), which sets the state on a path to 25 percent renewables by 2025, including potentially thousands of megawatts of new solar. This is a huge step given that Illinois currently has only 66 MW of installed solar and ranks 27th nationally for total capacity (still higher than Virginia). The RPS update not only establishes initiatives for new community solar and distributed generation, but it also includes low-income solar programs. Utility-scale projects will make up an additional 40 percent of the mandate, brownfield solar another 2 percent and other PV resources will make up the remaining 8 percent.

It’s time for Virginia legislators to make changes here in the Commonwealth. More solar in our energy mix means more opportunities for both business and individuals alike, as well as more jobs, lower rates for customers and a more attractive business climate for the Commonwealth.

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: Illinois, Illinois Future Energy Jobs Bill, renewable energy, SB 2814, SEIA, solar energy, Solar Energy Industries Association, South Carolina, South Carolina Distributed Energy Resource Program Act, virginia energy laws, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia State Corporation Commission

Incentivized to Inefficiency? Investor-Owned Utility Model May Actually Hinder Energy Efficiency Programs

October 10, 2016 By Editor

By Nigam Trivedi, Lehigh University

Recently, the owner of a small company in Virginia shared with Powered by Facts that he had reduced energy consumption by 25 percent in order to save some overhead costs. However, he ended up actually paying more in electricity bills, because Dominion charges less per kilowatt hour the more energy a ratepayer consumes. When consumption goes down, as it did in this case, the hourly rate goes up, defeating the business owner’s purpose of trying to save money by increasing energy efficiency.

This story prompted us to do a little research into how Dominion structures billing when energy efficiency measures are implemented. We learned that from generation to consumption, the goals of an energy utility can clash with consumers’ desire to move toward cheaper forms of energy. This is particularly true in Virginia, because we have a monopoly utility and state policies that protect it from competition and ensure that creates ever-increasing top-line revenue.

Needless to say, that is more beneficial to the utility than to the ratepayer. You have to do some digging below the surface, because utilities appear to offer help and support consumers who want to generate electricity independently or increase their energy efficiency. Dominion, for one, boasts a variety of energy conservation programs for both residential and non-residential customers, though each category of customer is assigned a certain rate or tariff structure stipulated by Dominion.
balanceA close look at Dominion’s economic model reveals not only that the utility is dis-incentivized to provide energy efficiency programs, but also that even when the utility receives more incentives to provide consumers with a path to efficient energy usage, the financial incentives of the utility come at a cost to the ratepayer.

Utilities like Dominion usually compensate for the fixed costs of their energy efficiency operations with other fees imposed on ratepayers to alleviate reduced profits. In Virginia, nearly 80 regulatory programs, tax incentives, and ordinances have been established in the past 20 years to promote statewide energy efficiency.

A recent report, however, demonstrates that none of these incentives have made Dominion competitive with electric utilities across the country in the realm of energy efficiency. For example, a June 2016 Ceres, Inc., report revealed that when compared to 29 other holding companies with respect to “Incremental Energy Efficiency as a Percentage of Retail Sales,” Dominion placed dead last, at just 0.1% (for reference, FPL, which took 29th place, demonstrated a percentage of 0.2%, while Eversource Energy, a New England-based utility, mustered a rating of 1.87%).

In addition, Dominion is an investor-owned utility, so their shareholders and shareholder profits come before considerations for ratepayers and others. By contrast, in the public power utility model, the consumers and shareholders are one and the same, so the utility is not balancing the financial interests of two different groups, particularly at the cost of one in favor of the other.

Wouldn’t it be great if we lived in an area where a consumer’s desire to reduce his or her carbon footprint or electricity rates were actually in alignment with the goals of our state government and supported by our utility companies? Instead, we find that the pursuit of profits will keep our energy rates going up, no matter what we may try to do to lower our bills.

It’s time for a change in Virginia – we need the State Corporation Commission to urge Dominion to change its fee structure for ratepayers who implement energy efficiency programs.

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: Ceres, Dominion Power, Dominion Resources, energy efficiency, energy in Virginia, Inc., investor-owned utility, public power utility, SCC, State of Virginia, virginia energy laws, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia State Corporation Commission

Want to Protect Yourself from Power Outages Resulting From Outdated Energy Sources? Solar Could be the Answer.

September 28, 2016 By Editor

By Karen Schaufeld

Last week was a tough week for anyone who relies on traditional electrical grids and natural gas – pretty much anyone who lives in the United States, for example. From New England to Puerto Rico, shortages and outages affected millions of United States’ citizens and residents.

In Puerto Rico, at least one person died and four police officers were injured during a power outage that started when a fire broke out at the substation of Aguirre power plant cutting off electricity to more than 3.5 million utility customers for more than four days. The outage prompted activation of the National Guard and a declaration of a state of emergency and resulted primarily from the fact that the island’s electrical infrastructure is “aging and debt ridden.” Puerto Rican Gov. Alejandro García Padilla said, “Given that the [Electric Power Authority] system is so old, numerous setbacks could occur,” at a news conference. “The system is not designed to withstand a failure of this magnitude.”

The power outage also cut off water to thousands whose supply relied on filtration plants and pumping stations that needed electricity, but did not have emergency generators. In fact, businesses and residents without generators either had to scramble to find ways to hydrate and stay cool while the entire island suffered from record high temperatures.

Mining retention ponds near the site of a leak in Colonial Pipeline's Line 1 ©2016 Alabama Media Group

Retention ponds near the site of the recent leak in Alabama. ©2016 Alabama Media Group

Meanwhile, on the U.S. mainland, a pipeline leak in Alabama disrupted gas distribution and caused panic and a sharp rise in gas prices, not to mention ecological damage that is still being evaluated. The leak was in a pipeline operated by Colonial Pipeline Co. Hundreds of thousands of gallons poured out of the broken line, according to Colonial, and panic resulted from the fact that the pipeline is a “key artery for transporting approximately 40% of the gasoline from the West Coast to the East Coast. According to an oil company that relied on gas from Colonial, “[We are] treating this situation with the same importance and urgency as a natural disaster.”

Frankly, if our energy supply was diversified, these types of interruptions would not escalate to national emergency-level status. As I described in my post “Just Nine Nodes,” America is balancing 21st Century electricity requirements on a 20th Century approach to energy production and distribution, according to a report by the CNA Military Advisory.

And, alarmingly, because our energy infrastructure is so outdated, the disruption of just nine of the nation’s 55,000 transmission stations could cause a serious and prolonged regional or nationwide electricity outage, according to a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) study. Don’t believe it? Just look at what happened in Puerto Rico and from Alabama to the Eastern Seaboard for a quick snapshot of what can happen if your power sources are too heavily reliant on the traditional grid.

What can we do to mitigate some of the risk? Luckily, advancing technologies and lowered prices in solar, as an example, will allow us to produce electrical power closer to the consumer and reduce our reliance on the traditional grid quickly. An added bonus would be that on-site electrical generation from solar is impervious to fuel supply disruptions.

As I noted in Creating Distributed, Adaptable, Resilient & Reliable Sources of Energy Will Help Protect America, large-scale adoption of solar energy by both consumers and businesses would help break up the traditional grid and make it less vulnerable to natural or man-made disasters that could bring entire regions of our country down in a single, targeted disruption, fire, leak, attack, weather-related event or any other scenario that you can imagine.

Are you ready for a safer source of energy in the Commonwealth of Virginia? The time for solar is now.

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: Alabama pipeline leak, Colonial Pipeline, energy infrastructure, gas leak, gas pipeline, natural gas, Puerto Rico power outage, renewable energy, solar, Virginia Energy Crisis, virginia energy laws, virginia energy legislation, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation

Why Virginia’s Monopoly Utilities Are Trying to Stop Customer-Owned Solar

September 19, 2016 By Editor

Re-published with permission from Virginia Solar United Neighborhoods (VA SUN)

Money in SolarThe recent growth of solar electricity generation has been nothing short of spectacular. Nationally, solar photovoltaic (PV) installation costs have fallen by more than 70% in the past decade. The total capacity of installed solar has tripled since 2010. The solar industry now employs more people than the coal and gas extraction industries. Solar now accounts for the majority of new electricity generation capacity additions. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have propelled this solar momentum, installing solar arrays on their own homes and businesses.

Virginians are no different in seeing the value of producing local energy with solar. In the last three years alone, our small non-profit, VA SUN, has directly facilitated more than 400 installations. This has generated more than $8 million dollars in retail solar sales for local Virginia contractors.

This grassroots solar momentum combined with dramatic system cost declines has Virginia’s electric utilities worried.

Why is rooftop solar a threat to monopoly utilities?

Solar panels are a distributed power source. This means they create electricity at or near the source of use. This is counter to traditional electricity generation which occurs at large, centralized locations and is then transmitted long distances to the point of end use. The emergence of solar PV as a cost effective and easy to maintain ‘generator’ has enabled Virginians to become their own energy suppliers.

While solar means increased energy freedom, resilience and local job creation for Virginians, utilities see this only as lost revenue.

Electric utilities typically generate income two ways. They sell electricity to customers or they build electric grid infrastructure, such as power plants and transmission lines. As Virginians install more solar, they purchase less electricity from their utilities and reduce the need for costly investment in new power plants and transmission lines.
Increased solar adoption is good for all utility customers, as we are the ones who pay for rising energy costs and investments in new grid infrastructure. This introduces competition and cuts into utility profit margins. Virginia’s two largest utilities, Dominion and Appalachian Power are investor owned utilities, meaning they are managed as private, for profit entities. While they are governed as ‘regulated monopolies’ by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, their primary purpose is to generate revenue for shareholders.

Customer-owned, ‘rooftop’ solar reduces revenue to utility shareholders by reducing demand for their products (electricity and power infrastructure). This is particularly concerning to utilities since they have seen overall growth in electric demand remain flat and even decline since 2009. This flat demand is due to energy efficiency and decreased industrial activity. Solar is poised to lower electricity demand from utilities further. Utilities are trying to hold on to their profit margins by blocking solar’s growth.

VA SUN is a project of the Community Power Network (CPN).

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Appalachian Power, Dominion, Dominion Power, Dominion Resources, energy in Virginia, photovoltaic, PV, renewable energy, SCC, solar energy, Solar Energy Industries Association, Solar Energy VA, solar power, VA SUN, virginia energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Solar United Neighborhoods, Virginia State Corporation Commission

“PACE”-ing Energy Consumption: Economic Alternatives Geared Toward the Promotion of Renewable and Energy Efficiency For Current and Future Homeowners

September 12, 2016 By Editor

By Nigam Trivedi, Lehigh University

Department of Energy SealIt is a straightforward idea to access local, state or federal funds to pay for a portion of energy improvement costs. In late 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) termed this financing technique Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE for short. More than half of the United States have enacted PACE-related legislation since 2010, and a recent update to PACE guidelines extends their applicability to energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.

PACE guidelines include 10 broad categories that govern the establishment of programs for a building. Owners who enroll in PACE programs and make energy improvements agree to pay back the governing authority over a period of 10 to 20 years.

Additionally, the PACE contract is a “debt of property, meaning the debt is tied to the property as opposed to the property owner(s), so the repayment obligation may transfer with property ownership,” eliminating a major disincentive to investing in energy improvements. Many property owners hesitate to make property improvements if they think they may not stay in the property long enough for the resulting savings to cover the upfront costs.”

Loudoun County is one of the nearly 50 locations in the United States that is engaging with the PACE paradigm at some level, although Loudoun County has not begun a PACE program. Rather, the county lists its involvement with the program as “in development.”

PACE-based financing structures could serve the Loudoun County homeowners well. From 2010 to 2013, the county had a 145-percent increase in permits for new residential construction. A PACE program for these new homes would allow homeowners to invest in clean, renewable options like solar without worrying about shouldering the burden afterwards. In addition, an increase in the energy efficiency of homes could contribute to an increased value of real property per capita. While property values have been slowly increasing since 2012, widespread residential participation in the PACE financing structure could contribute a greater increase in per capita property values over the course of the next two decades.

The guidelines for a PACE program are highly detailed, but owners of residential and commercial buildings who participate in the program could both monitor the balance of their own energy resource portfolio and improve the efficiency of their buildings while simultaneously making a positive contribution to the economy of Loudoun County as a whole.

And imagine if through conservation, efficiency and individual generation, we collectively could forestall or eliminate the need for new power plants and new, unsightly transmission lines!

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: 2016 Virginia Energy Policy Forum, Department of Energy, DoE, Loudoun, Loudoun County, PACE, Property Assessed Clean Energy, renewable energy, solar energy, Solar Energy VA, solar power, State of Virginia, tax credits, virginia energy laws, virginia energy legislation, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News

Dominion’s Push for North Anna 3 Too Costly & Possibly Unlawful

September 1, 2016 By Editor

Why – when there are cheaper and safer ways to create energy for Virginia in the near term – does Dominion Virginia Power continue to push for its North Anna 3 nuclear power plant? It’s all about the money, frankly, and I was pleased to learn that the Virginia Citizens Consumer Council (VCCC) has filed a petition for formal approval from the Virginia SCC before it can continue building the plant.
Cooling TowerThe VCCC petition states: “At an estimated total cost of at least $19.2 billion, North Anna 3 would be the most expensive power plant ever built in the United States and could raise customers’ rates by 26 percent or more according to the Virginia Attorney General.    While Dominion claims that North Anna 3 is needed for compliance with the federal Clean Power Plan, it would be far costlier than the low-carbon alternative of combined renewables, demand-side management, and efficiency … Dominion has not complied with Virginia law by failing to seek SCC approval before making expenditures on project development and beginning preliminary construction of North Anna 3.”

I agree with VCCC President Irene Leech’s assessment that the construction of North Anna 3 “is a huge raid on the pocketbooks of Virginia consumers and businesses.” In fact, I think the SCC should not allow Dominion any development costs at all for North Anna 3. There are cheaper, safer and more expedient alternatives available to our Commonwealth and ratepayers, including solar energy that Dominion should be focusing on to provide low-carbon electricity and lower rates much sooner than we will ever see from North Anna 3.

Dr. Mark Cooper, senior fellow for economic analysis for the Institute for Energy and the Environment at Vermont Law School, called North Anna 3 “abysmally wasteful and unnecessary,” in formal comments on behalf of the VCCC. He concluded that North Anna 3 “would cost twice as much as solar to generate the same amount of energy, fatten profits for shareholders by inflating Virginia ratepayer bills by up to 36 percent (reflecting $6-12 billion in unnecessary costs).”

Please support the VCCC’s effort to stop Dominion from proceeding with North Anna 3:

Contact Mark Herring, Office of the Attorney General: (804) 786-2071, or file a complaint  with the AoG’s Consumer Protection Office:  http://ag.virginia.gov/citizen-resources/consumer-protection

Contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission: Energy Regulation: Electric, Gas, Water & Sewer:  804-371-9611

Virginia Citizens Consumer Council:  https://www.facebook.com/Virginia-Citizens-Consumer-Council-236174056404968/?fref=ts

Filed Under: Myth & Fact, Virginia Energy & Power Tagged With: energy in Virginia, renewable energy, Renewable Energy Laws, solar, solar energy, Solar Energy VA, State of Virginia, virginia energy laws, virginia energy legislation, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News, Virginia State Corporation Commission

California Sets Daily Solar Record; Powers 6M homes

August 10, 2016 By Editor

California SolarBy Karen Schaufeld

Congratulations to California for setting a record for powering 6 million homes with solar in just one day! Their previous record was set in May of this year, but thanks to this summer’s coast-to-coast high temperatures, their new record is 8,030 megawatts. According to San Francisco Gate, California only included large solar plants in this tally.  An additional 537,637 smaller solar panel arrays installed on private homes and business’ rooftops across the state were not counted in this tally.

Meanwhile, Virginia is ranked 39th in solar capacity in the United States. Even with Dominion’s recent pledge of 400mw of solar capacity by 2020, we won’t be anywhere near the production that California is realizing.

And even though California’s climate is often used to discredit solar capacity on the East Coast, our neighbor to the south, North Carolina, shares a similar climate and is ranked 3rd in the United States in terms of solar energy production. In fact, North Carolina already has 100 times more the solar capacity than Virginia does.

Our hope is that legislators this next session will support significant legislation to allow Virginia to participate in the solar revolution. Virginia should be allowed to experience the benefits of solar, including:

  • reducing reliance on the traditional energy grid, which reduces the risk of widespread failure in the event of a disruption;
  • protecting against rising energy costs;
  • protecting and increasing property values;
  • boosting U.S. energy independence; and
  • creating jobs and stimulating the Virginia economy.

During peak energy demand, utilities in the Commonwealth actually purchase electricity from out-of-state sources, and I believe it is time for that to change.  Visit our Take Action page to send a letter showing your support for a greater renewable energy mix in Virginia.

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: solar, solar energy, Solar Energy Industries Association, State of Virginia, virginia energy, virginia energy laws, virginia energy legislation, virginia general assembly, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation

First in a Series:  More Dangerous, More Expensive? Overlooked Consequences of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline

July 20, 2016 By Editor

By Nigam Trivedi, Lehigh University

In recent years, natural gas has been touted as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to both non-renewable and renewable energy sources. Utilities hold strong incentives to build for natural gas supply where they can, and Dominion’s Atlantic Coast Pipeline is no exception. In fact, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLP boasts a myriad of supporters in the form of state government officials, private companies and state-level organizations from West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina.

Gas Pipeline ArtThe pipeline’s stated goal is to replace coal power to help reduce carbon emissions. The pipeline plan, however, is not without some significant drawbacks and dangers. In order to construct this pipeline, Dominion Energy has asked for, and has been granted, a right of way through residential homes. The construction of such a pipeline not only gives the corporation the power to supersede ownership rights of so many homeowners, but it also presents a significant safety risk to them as well.

Heidi Cochran of Nelson County, Virginia, has been struggling against Dominion for more than two years to keep the ACP off of her property. Dominion insists on the safety of the pipeline that would run underneath her home. However, one employee of the utility informed her that in the event of an explosion, its radius would measure at 1,100 feet from one side of the pipe, and that such an explosion would set any buildings in the vicinity ablaze. Cochran’s home would stand about 50 feet from this leg of the ACP.

Such catastrophes are not relegated to the imagination, as a fire triggered by the explosion of an underground natural gas pipeline destroyed a block of a San Francisco suburb in 2010. It is worth emphasizing that an explosion such as this carries with it the risk of fatalities as well as significant financial costs of property damage. Solar and wind farms, by comparison, do not present such a risk.

Furthermore, in the aftermath of a pipeline explosion, energy dependent customers would be bereft of that much power until Dominion mustered up the capital to reconstruct it. A wind farm or a solar farm would have the distinct advantage of a decentralized generation layout; a hit to one turbine or a few PV panels wouldn’t knock out miles of power, whereas a break anywhere in the pipeline very well could.

As Dominion continues to insist that the construction of an interstate natural gas pipeline is the quickest path to a cleaner energy future, one must realize that it is not necessarily the safest and most environmentally friendly one. Energy consumers will continue to lose the opportunity to effectively use their own naturally occurring resources while they simultaneously find their property eaten up by a utility that seems to be willing to build at the expense of the consumer.

In his next post in this series, Nigam will explore the pipeline and eminent domain issues surrounding it.

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: ACP, ACP LLP, Atlantic Coast Pipeline, Dominion Power, Dominion Resources, Nelson County, virginia energy bills, virginia energy laws, virginia energy legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News, Virginia State Corporation Commission

56 MWh is a Good First Step; Dominion Still Needs to Do More in Virginia

July 13, 2016 By Editor

By Karen Schaufeld

Many of us want more renewable energy available to consumers and ratepayers as quickly as possible here in Virginia, but our state policies need to be updated to make that possible. Across the country, “the U.S. electric sector is in the midst of an unprecedented shift toward clean energy resources,” according to an analyst from the nonprofit sustainability advocacy organization Ceres, who added that “state policies are critical for continued progress in achieving national and international climate goals.”

We are making some headway in the Commonwealth. In fact, Dominion recently won approval from the State Corporation Commission for three new solar farms in Powhatan, Louisa and Isle of Wight counties. With these, Dominion will add 56 megawatts of potential generation that are expected to produce about 124 gigawatts of electricity annually, according to reports.

This is a good first step toward the 400 megawatts of solar power that Dominion has committed to generate by 2020. However, Ceres ranks Dominion 24th of the 30 largest electric utilities in terms of “advances in renewable energy and efficiency.”

In its 2016 Benchmarking Utility Clean Energy analysis, Ceres reports that many of the nation’s largest electric utilities are moving toward lower carbon fuel sources. They determine that the key drivers are “ambitious state policies and strong corporate demand for renewable energy.”

Utilities with the strongest results were in states with strong clean energy policies, such as Colorado, Minnesota, Massachusetts and California. According to an author of the report, “Governments, corporations and individual customers continue to demand clean, efficient energy and some utilities are answering that call.”

We need Dominion to step up even more and start answering the call for solar and other clean, efficient energy sources for Virginia. To get there, we need our Senators and Delegates to demand that Dominion include even more renewable energy options in its offerings in the Commonwealth.

See the Ceres chart for the breakdown of the top 30 utilities:

Filed Under: Myth & Fact, Virginia Energy & Power Tagged With: energy in Virginia, facts, Renewable Energy Laws, virginia energy, virginia energy laws, virginia energy legislation, virginia general assembly, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News, Virginia State Corporation Commission

Should Nuclear Continue To Be An Active Part of the U.S. Energy Portfolio?

July 7, 2016 By Editor

By Nigam Trivedi, Lehigh University

The direction that America takes with energy is the center of many a debate about whether we should continue to invest in coal and fossil fuels or continue the shift to more renewables, including wind and solar. These debates bring up questions, such as how much of the energy portfolio should be of what type, how can we make renewable energy more easily accessible to the average consumer, and where does nuclear come into play? After all, there are 92 (active, closed and proposed) nuclear power plants across America.

Proponents of nuclear energy want these plants – and new ones – to play an active role in America’s energy mix. Opponents – citing cost and safety issues, including intentional sabotage and questions surrounding the safety and efficacy of disposing of spent fuel rods – would vehemently disagree with new plants and want to see existing plants closed. These long-held fears of nuclear meltdown are countered with assertions of the complex security mechanisms that are in place to safeguard against catastrophic events. They also point to the rarity of large-scale disasters as reassurances of the safety of nuclear energy.

Power GenerationHere in Virginia, Dominion is committed to increasing both its solar and nuclear generating capacity. Three solar facilities have been approved for and are under construction. Despite this innovation, Dominion shows no signs of shutting down either its North Anna or Surry nuclear stations, both of which were constructed more than 30 years ago.

Furthermore, Dominion applied for a permit to build a third unit at the North Anna facility in 2007 and hopes to receive permission from the federal government for construction by the end of 2017. In its 2016 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), Dominion outlines and describes five scenarios for the future of its energy portfolio, none of which includes a shutdown of any nuclear unit. In fact, “Plan E” includes the addition of more than 1,400 MW of nuclear energy from the proposed North Anna Unit 3 as a step towards a cleaner energy portfolio. The same IRP seeks, in its short-term action plan, to “continue analysis and evaluations for the 20-year nuclear-license extensions for Surry Units 1 and 2, and North Anna Units 1 and 2,” but has redacted cost estimates for the extensions.

Regardless of where you stand on nuclear power, we all must accede to the fact that they are extremely costly. Despite high costs, shutting down nuclear power plants often is criticized for contributing to an increase in non-renewable production (from sources such as coal and natural gas) to compensate for the loss. At least one recent example of a nuclear plant shutdown calls this assumption into question.

California-based electric utility, PG&E is planning to phase out the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant slowly over a period of eight or nine years. In his article, reputed physicist and chief scientist of the Rocky Mountain Institute, Amory Lovins notes that executing the shutdown over a longer timeframe will allow renewables like solar and wind, rather than natural gas, to fill in the energy gaps. This will reduce carbon dioxide emissions while saving ratepayers $1 billion.

The relicensing of existing nuclear plants, or the construction of new ones, is much greater than the cost of wind and solar resources that provide a carbon-free solution to energy. And, fears and assertions that nuclear shutdowns will lead to an increase in natural gas production overlook the fact that PG&E’s gradual closure of Diablo Canyon will allow for the integration of solar and wind without the use of non-renewables.

As Diablo Canyon illustrates, gradual nuclear shutdowns with integration of solar and wind resources hold greater potential to save carbon than does the maintenance of costly and often old nuclear generating facilities. We should also remember that nuclear power does indeed produce its own waste, for which we have still not found effective disposal techniques.

Maybe Virginia should consider getting on the nuclear shutdown bandwagon.

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: coal industry, Dominion Power, energy in Virginia, IRP, North Anna, nuclear energy, solar energy, virginia energy laws, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia State Corporation Commission

The Pros of Cons of the Top Six Energy Sources in America

June 8, 2016 By Editor

By Karen Schaufeld

When I started Powered by Facts, my goal was to create a source for accurate, up-to-date information on energy production and the costs and benefits of a varied energy production mix in Virginia. Unfortunately, if you don’t understand the different types available to you, as well as their pros and cons, it is difficult to know the best course.

Pros and Cons ChecklistJoe Baker, Vice President of Editorial and Advocacy for Care2 and ThePetitionSite, recently shared a post with The Energy Collective that I found helpful. It outlines the pros and cons of some of today’s most popular energy sources, from solar to fossil fuels. Here are the top points Baker made for each in Demystifying the Energy Source: Is One Better Than Another?:

Solar

Strengths: Solar energy is clean, unlimited and inexpensive. According to Baker, “the cost of solar has dropped by 70 percent since 2009 and the price is only expected to drop further as technology advances.”

Weaknesses: Distribution of costs. “With your energy bills, you pay not only for the actual energy you use, but also for the system that gets it to your home,” and most people don’t have the money needed upfront to buy a system.

Wind

Strengths: Wind energy is clean and abundant and could provide needed jobs to rural communities, and supplement incomes on existing farms.

Weaknesses: Transmission across long distances is hard, there are storage problems, and wind strength and patterns are unpredictable and don’t always align with power demand. Baker states that wind turbines also pose a hazard to wildlife; however, this data can only be judged relative to other threats to wildlife such as pollution or outdoor cats (it’s true… look it up).

Hydro

Strengths: This is the most widely used renewable energy in the United States, according to Baker’s post. A big selling point for hydropower is that it’s local and … “creates local jobs both managing the dam and power generation … and can provide power on demand.”

Weaknesses: It’s two biggest drawbacks: location and environmental impacts. You need lots of water year-round to make it work, and dams severely disrupt natural habitats.

Geothermal

Strengths: Geothermal energy can be deployed at the utility scale or in a single building, using heat pumps and a network of pipes to regulate indoor temperatures. It’s also reliable and “ridiculously” efficient, according to Baker.

Weaknesses: Utility-scale geothermal sites are location specific and rarely close to where people live, so much of the energy is lost in transmission. It also requires a great deal of water, which is then polluted with toxic minerals, and it has been linked to earthquakes. Smaller scale, home-based geothermal does not pose these risks.

Nuclear

Strengths: Nuclear power production has a low carbon footprint, is a reliable energy source that can operate on demand and has unique economic benefits. Nuclear power plants can be built anywhere and offer job opportunities.

Weaknesses: Nuclear reactor meltdowns are uncommon, but the impact is devastating. Chernobyl and Fukushima. Enough said. (Author’s Note: Here at Powered by Facts, we value cheaper energy and nuclear power is now among the most expensive to be placed into the rate base borne by ratepayers. Estimates for new nuclear generation are pegged at double the cost of solar. In addition, environmental impacts related to production of nuclear fuel and safekeeping of spent nuclear fuel are concerning.)

Fossil Fuels

Strengths: Fossil fuels are cheap, historically abundant and meet on-demand needs, according to Baker. It also has the advantage that the US energy infrastructure is built for fossil fuel power plants.

Weaknesses: Fossil fuels are damaging the planet and changing the climate (and are more vulnerable to price fluctuations).

Regardless of which type of energy you decide to support, it’s important to understand the options and what they can do for you and for the Commonwealth.

I hope you will continue to educate yourself about energy options for our state and our nation and visit Powered by Facts often.

Share your comments and thoughts with me here.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: Chernobyl, coal, energy in Virginia, facts, fossil fuels, geothermal, hydro, hydro power, nuclear power, renewable energy, solar, solar energy, solar power, State of Virginia, The Energy Collective, virginia energy, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News

Creating Distributed, Adaptable, Resilient & Reliable Sources of Energy Will Help Protect America

May 12, 2016 By Editor

distributed-usaBy Karen Schaufeld

A gas well explosion in Pennsylvania continues to raise concern for the area, and it was a reminder that the way America produces and distributes energy is not only costly, but also exposes us to dangerous situations. In fact, relying on an electrical generation and distribution infrastructure that is more than 100 years old is so dangerous that a cohort of retired military leaders says it is a “national security imperative” to change the way America approaches the production and distribution of energy.

I recently read “National Security and Assured U.S. Electrical Power,” a report by the CNA Military Advisory Board, which outlines ways we can move away from the “vulnerabilities inherent in today’s grid” to a safer, more distributed infrastructure. The 36-page report calls for “a new approach to our nation’s power paradigm.”

Why? “Cities and regions get their power primarily from large clustered electric power producers,” and “electricity is typically transmitted over long distances, across vulnerable, high-voltage infrastructure.” That puts every step of the process at risk from attack, weather or other threats that could create sustained power outages and, frankly, cripple parts of our nation.

While we don’t know what caused the explosion in Salem Township, PA, we do know that it is a great example of how our traditional energy system works. The well and gas line involved are owned and operated by Texas Eastern Transmission and are connected to the grid of natural gas pipelines that crisscross the nation.

In addition to the potential for natural disasters, such as tornado or other extreme weather, the threat of targeted attacks is real and growing. From 2011 to 2014, according to the report, there were 362 targeted attacks that caused outages or other power disruptions. The Board calls this a distressing trend, which “requires us to consider the potential for even more serious assaults, with strategic consequences.”

Luckily, we are at a “unique point in history,” because advancing technologies and proven, innovative sources will allow us to produce electrical power closer to the consumer thereby reducing our reliance on the traditional grid.

One way we can do that is through distributed renewable energy sources, such as solar. By producing energy closer to consumers and breaking up the traditional grid, it will be much harder for adversaries and natural disasters to bring entire regions of our country down with a single, targeted attack.

“The new production paradigm will be driven by technological advances, demand for increased flexibility, more secure and lower-cost power, and a growing public demand for cleaner energy sources,” according to the report.

Assuring that we have reliable, accessible, sustainable, and affordable electric power is a national security imperative.

Filed Under: Myth & Fact Tagged With: coal, distributed energy, energy grid, natural gas, pipeline, renewable energy, solar energy, solar power, virginia energy laws, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation

Climate Change: Baby Boomers & Gen X’ers Have Confirmed It; Now it is time for Gens Y & Z to Solve It

April 12, 2016 By Editor

 

va-pwr-dialog-040816By Gardner Nash, University of Richmond

There was a time when climate change was a topic reserved for scientists and, occasionally, politicians. That has changed, and the discussion is front and center across the globe. Productive discussions about the next steps to take have taken place from Paris to Richmond, but real change will come from the grass-roots level: house by house and state by state.

Powered by Facts was excited to lend our voice to this discussion at the VA Power Dialog hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond. At the conference, students from more than 12 schools across the Commonwealth discussed how Virginia would contribute to the nation’s Clean Power Plan with Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources Angela Navarro and DEQ Director David Paylor.

Several Virginia communities already are experiencing sea level changes, which are attributed to climate change. Navarro and Paylor addressed questions from Old Dominion students about community protection projects while representatives from Roanoke College deliberated with them about how to protect coal-based economies in western Virginia while still pursuing a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. After the panel discussions and a question-and-answer session with Navarro and Paylor, attendees were able to visit with one another to learn more about how students at Virginia universities are addressing the issue.

A high school student, who was on the panel was from Harrisonburg, presented a workshop outline he developed to teach students the basics of climate change in less than two hours. After a full day of discussing, learning and networking it became clear that not only are the students of Virginia interested in finding a solution to climate change, but they also are qualified for the job!

This was the first event for Powered by Facts, but we hope to attend many more as we engage in discussions with future leaders about how to change the energy mix in Virginia. We encourage you to join us as we continue this dialog on our blog and social media where we provide up-to-date facts on energy production and weigh the costs and benefits of mixed energy production in Virginia.

Filed Under: Myth & Fact, Virginia Energy & Power Tagged With: 2017 Virginia General Assembly, coal industry, coal mining, energy in Virginia, solar energy, State of Virginia, Virginia Energy Crisis, virginia energy laws, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News, Virginia State Corporation Commission

Virginia Requires Imported Energy to Keep up With Demand

March 21, 2016 By Editor

Renewable Energy VA | Solar Energy VA

Imported Energy Means Raising Prices for Virginia Ratepayers

Although not much ground was gained for renewable energy during the 2016 Virginia General Assembly, now is the time to begin making your voice heard! By letting your representatives know early and often that we demand cheaper, safer and more reliable energy in the Commonwealth, we can make sure that we aren’t left any further behind other states that are already way ahead of Virginia with renewables.

In addition, renewable energy options would alleviate Virginia’s current need to buy energy from outside the state. Here’s what you need to know about the current energy mix:

Virginia Faces an Energy Deficit

In 2013, the most recent year with complete information available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Virginia consumed 107,794,985 MWh of electricity. Of this, only 70,739,235 MWh, or about two-thirds, was generated within the Commonwealth.  What’s more, most of the energy purchased was to make up Virginia’s deficit during “on-peak” times, such as on a hot summer day when our air conditioners are working overtime.

What Does This Mean?

When utilities are forced to purchase energy during these on-peak times of high demand, it is far more expensive than during “off-peak” times when demand for energy is much lower. For example, in 2015, utilities in Virginia saw these on-peak prices reach over 27 cents/kWh. Because utilities are obligated to provide us with electricity around the clock, they pay this exorbitant rate and then pass the costs along to us, the ratepayers. However, this doesn’t have to be the case…

I Want Cheaper Electricity, What Can I Do About it?

In order to avoid these unnecessary costs and lower rates for consumers, Virginia utilities must be able to generate enough electricity in state to meet on-peak consumer demand, rather than purchasing electricity from utilities far away. The most effective way for utilities to do this is by growing renewable energy.

While nuclear power is unsafe and the price for uranium, coal, and gas is only projected to increase over time, the price for sources of renewable energy – the wind and sun – will always be zero! Even in the short term, Virginia utilities admit that solar energy is one of the most economic options and would save customers money on their electric bills!

 

Filed Under: Myth & Fact, Virginia Energy & Power, Virginia Law Tagged With: 2017 Virginia General Assembly, State of Virginia, Virginia Energy Crisis, virginia energy laws, virginia energy legislation, virginia general assembly, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News

Virginia’s View of Renewable Energy is Changing

March 10, 2016 By Editor

HB 444 & SB 745 Have Been Signed

We’d like to start by extending a special thank you to Governor McAuliffe, Del. Loupassi and Sen. Wagner for supporting Renewable Energy in Virginia. Without your vision, Virginia would continue to fall behind in the renewable energy market. 

It takes seven miles to turn a battleship around, and Governor Terry McAuliffe has started re-routing the energy “battleship” in Virginia. On March 8, he signed Senate Bill 745 and House Bill 444, which require the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to post on its website the names and telephone numbers of electric energy suppliers licensed to sell renewable electric energy in Virginia, as well as to provide links to the companies’ websites. The measures also require each Virginia investor-owned electric utility to include a notice in bills about this information on the SCC website at least once each calendar quarter.

It is great to see that Virginia leaders from both sides of the aisle understand how important changing the way the Commonwealth approaches energy is to business, agriculture and economic growth potential. Delegate G. Manoli Loupassi (R, Dist. 68) and Senator Frank Wagner (R Dist. 07), both of whom shared their thoughts about the importance of renewable energy for the Commonwealth with Powered by Facts in recent interviews, sponsored these bills.

Bipartisan support for changing the energy mix in Virginia is important from the business viewpoint of economic growth and job stimulation, as well as the individual ratepayer viewpoint of cheaper and more reliable choices. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth’s ranking is low compared to other states and actually dropped in solar market rankings from 29 to 30 in 2015, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association:

SEIA State Solar Market Rankings

 

Renewable Energy is Cheaper, Safer and More Reliable

We need to amplify our message so that legislators can’t help but act to improve the availability and funding of renewable energy in Virginia. 2016 is the year that we will turn this battleship around and change the way Virginia views Renewable Energy to ensure cheaper, safer and more reliable power to the commonwealth.

 

 

Filed Under: VA 2016 General Assembly, Virginia Energy & Power, Virginia Law Tagged With: Department of Energy, facts, HB 444, SB 745, SEIA, solar energy, Solar Energy Industries Association, virginia energy laws, virginia general assembly, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News, Virginia State Corporation Commission

Tell Virginia Governor McAuliffe you Support HB 444 and SB 745

March 2, 2016 By Editor

Viginia Renewable Energy Legislation

It’s Not Too Late to Support Virginia Renewable Energy

There is still time to support renewable energy legislation for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The end of the 2016 General Assembly is approaching fast, so make time now to contact Governor Terry McAuliffe to let him know that you support Senate Bill 745 and House Bill 444.

These identical bills have passed in the House and the Senate and now are with the Governor, who has until midnight on March 8 to sign, amend or veto them. These bills would require the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to post on its website the names and telephone numbers of electric energy suppliers licensed to sell renewable electric energy in Virginia, as well as to provide links to the companies’ websites. The measures also require each Virginia investor-owned electric utility to include a notice in bills about this information on the SCC website at least once each calendar quarter.

Please encourage Governor McAuliffe to sign SB 745 and HB 444 by sending a note from his Contact page or by calling his office at 804-786-2211.

While these may not seem groundbreaking, they are a step in the right direction. After all, the Commonwealth continues to lag behind many other states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, Maryland, Delaware, Florida and many others, in terms of renewable energy production, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Maybe providing easier access to information on the SCC website and requiring our electric utilities to remind ratepayers where to find options for renewable power will help Virginia start to improve its renewable energy mix.

If you believe, as I do, that Virginia can do better, then make sure to thank Delegate Manoli Loupassi and Senator Frank Wagner for their efforts with these bills on behalf of renewable energy this session.

Delegate G. Manoli Loupassi   (R) – District 68

DelMLoupassi@house.virginia.gov

(804) 440-6223

Senator Frank W. Wagner (R) – District 7

District07@senate.virginia.gov

(804) 698-7507

There is much to do over the next 10 months to ensure that all Virginia Senators and Delegates understand how important changing the renewable energy mix in our state is to business, agriculture and economic growth potential.

Filed Under: Myth & Fact, VA 2016 General Assembly, Virginia Energy & Power, Virginia Law Tagged With: Department of Energy, DoE, energy in Virginia, HB 444, renewable energy, SB 745, SCC, State Corporation Commission, State of Virginia, virginia energy, virginia energy legislation, virginia general assembly, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News, Virginia State Corporation Commission

Senator Wagner: Reduce VA’s Reliance on Imported Electricity and Expand Renewable Energy Options

February 22, 2016 By Editor

Renewable Energy Future VA | VA Renewable Energy Future

Senate Bill 779 and Virginia’s Renewable Energy Mix

We recently sat down with Senator Frank Wagner in his office at the Virginia General Assembly to find out more about why Senate Bill 779 was pushed to 2017. Wagner explained that SB 779 will now go to a study group that will include all of the stakeholders involved – renewable energy companies, electric utilities, etc. – to create a bill that is acceptable to everyone before it is re-introduced next year.

Wagner also shared that Virginia imports more energy than any state other than California and calls the amount of energy the Commonwealth imports “untenable.” We greatly appreciate Senator Wagner’s time and commitment to renewable energy in the Commonwealth. Thank him for being an advocate for Virginia ratepayers. Call him at (804) 698-7507, or email him at district07@senate.virginia.gov.

Watch the interview by Powered by Facts Intern Gardner Nash of The University of Richmond, here:

Filed Under: VA 2016 General Assembly, Virginia Business & Workforce, Virginia Energy & Power, Virginia Law Tagged With: energy in Virginia, renewable energy, Renewable Energy Laws, SB 779, virginia energy, virginia energy bills, virginia general assembly, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News

The Commonwealth of Virginia is Woefully Behind in Renewable Energy

February 18, 2016 By Editor

Renewable Energy States & VA

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), within the Department of Energy (DoE) projects in its Short-Term Energy Outlook that electricity generated from utility-scale renewable plants will grow by 9 percent in 2016. That should be an exciting prospect for people who live in states other than the Commonwealth of Virginia, where we continue to lag woefully behind others in renewable energy.

How far behind?  We fall behind North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi (yes, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi are ahead of Virginia), Iowa, Maryland, Delaware, Florida and a host of other states lead Virginia in terms of renewable energy production, according to the DoE.

As the DoE pointed out, “increases in renewable capacity and generation are influenced by federal, state, and local policies.”

Our state policies keep Virginia stumbling on this front. For example, nearly 20 bills that would have had a positive impact on renewable energy generation were introduced this session in Richmond, but only 2 made it past Crossover, the Assembly’s halfway mark and the date that symbolizes whether a bill will continue or die. Further, one of these two bills was altered so much that it has been left ineffective in promoting renewable energy growth.

Virginia Continues to Push for a Renewable Energy Future

As we have said many times, Virginia can no longer afford to sit on the sideline as opportunities to create cheaper and more secure energy pass us by. Unfortunately, that is happening in 2016 as bills – including SB 779 and HB 1285 and HB 1286, have been shelved and sent to working groups out of session.

This means that our work will not end in mid-March, but, rather, will continue throughout the year. We all need to continue to push for a better energy mix in Virginia and show our support of renewable energy to spur the state economy, create jobs and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

 

Filed Under: Myth & Fact, VA 2016 General Assembly Tagged With: Department of Energy, DoE, energy in Virginia, HB 1285, HB 1286, HB 444, renewable energy, SB 779, virginia energy laws, virginia general assembly, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News

Delegate Loupassi: Why He Supports a Mix of Energy Sources for Virginia

February 10, 2016 By Editor

Renewable Energy VA | Solar Energy VA

HB 444 Means Transparency in the Energy Market

We recently sat down with Delegate G. Manoli Loupassi in his office at the Virginia General Assembly to find out more about House Bill 444.  He told us why he wants investor-owned electric utilities in the Commonwealth to notify customers every quarter about where their electricity comes from and how they can find alternatives.

We greatly appreciate Del. Loupassi’s time and commitment to renewable energy in the Commonwealth. Thank him for being an advocate for Virginia ratepayers. Call him at 804-698-1068, or email him at: DelMLoupassi@house.virginia.gov.

Watch the interview by Powered by Facts Intern Gardner Nash of The University of Richmond, here:

Filed Under: VA 2016 General Assembly, Virginia Law Tagged With: Renewable Energy Laws, virginia general assembly, virginia renewable energy, Virginia Renewable Energy Legislation, Virginia Renewable Energy News

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