Looking back—and ahead—at utility wind projects

Energy Services Bulletin revisits customer wind projects covered in past issues to see how the technology and the power industry have matured.

Gasification turns biomass into mini-powerplant fuel

A demonstration project at the University of North Dakota may turn two nagging environmental challenges, diesel engines and woody waste, into renewable energy.

Geoexchange industry helps Colorado draft construction standards

A new state regulation requiring certification for geoexchange system contractors and dealers brings a new level of professionalism to the technology.

Anaheim Public Utilities customers support sun power for schools

One way to promote renewable energy to public power customers is to give them a choice of green products, as Anaheim Public Utilities did.

Partnership turns Nevada sunshine into RPS credits

Water and solar—two apparent renewable resource competitors—team up in a project that will help Nevada Power Company meet the state’s renewable portfolio standard.

OPPD program finances consumers’ efficiency upgrades

Commercial and industrial customers of Omaha Public Power District can upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment without the up-front investment, thanks to the utility’s innovative financing program.

The power industry is discovering that public opinion polling is a useful tool for getting consumers to accept new products and services.

Renewables industry cheers production tax credit extensions

The passage of two long-awaited bills in fall 2004 extended the production tax credit for many forms of renewable energy and sent a charge of optimism through the industry.

Firm power contract a stepping stone in Hopi development plan

The Hopi tribe of northeastern Arizona, a new power customer, invites Western to be a part of its vision for energy and economic sustainability.

Integrated resource planning gives Western customers a convenient yardstick to measure past successes and plan for future energy needs.

Topics from the Power Line
Web site links point consumers toward energy savings

Online resources cover a wide variety of topics that can help residential consumers save money and energy without sacrificing comfort.

• Approvals keep Nebraska’s largest wind farm on track
  
• New NREL Director Dan E. Arvizu announced
  
• Basalt, Colo., teacher honored for renewable energy efforts
  
• New degree trains graduates for renewable energy careers
  
• Study claims available technologies could reduce greenhouse gases

Technology Spotlight
Assessing energy savings of new products

Utilities should ask lots of questions before setting up an incentive program for a new product.