Coalition Seeks Recognition for Green Pricing
A coalition of utility representatives and environmental organizations has formally sought national, third party recognition for the green energy programs which are to be provided by the Tennessee Valley Corporation (TVA), the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) announced recently. The announcement is an illustration of the on-going commitment to renewable energy generation around the country.  The regional coalition is comprised of TVA, 10 public power companies in the TVA service area, and several environmental groups. The coalition is working within a national Accreditation Initiative for Green Pricing Programs sponsored by the non-profit CRS.   Green pricing programs allow consumers to aim their utility dollars towards environmentally sound energy resources. For utility programs to receive accreditation, they must meet certain environmental and customer protection criteria.  "We've worked extensively with TVA to develop a green pricing program that will directly lead to a new investment in renewable energy," said Tennessee Valley Energy Reform Coalition executive director Stephen Smith. "We believe gaining national recognition will significantly help increase the number of customers who sign up."  TVA's Green Pricing program includes wind, solar and landfill gas resources. Local power companies that are participating in the program will begin signing customers on April 22 -- Earth Day 2000.  Source Business Wire 3/27/2000 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 3/31/2000.

Nevada Power Scraps Green Pricing Program
The Nevada Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a request by Nevada Power Company to turn over operation of its GreenPower program to a non-profit arm of the Desert Research Institute. The utility is giving up the program because it agreed to sell its power plants in its recent merger with Sierra Pacific Resources.  Since the program’s inception in April 1998, Nevada Power has collected $30,000 in contributions from 720 customer participants and installed one, 16-kW photovoltaic (PV) project after initially committing to build two, 20-kW projects. Under the agreement, the utility will not be required to install the remaining 24 kW of capacity.  Nevada Power will continue to support the program by collecting funds, which will now be tax-deductible, and promoting the option through bill inserts and other customer communication mechanisms. Current program participants have the option of transferring their contributions to DRI or receiving a refund for past payments. The existing PV project will be transferred to DRI and used to offset the Institute’s own electricity use. DRI plans to use future program funds for new PV installations at educational and not-for-profit properties.  Source: NREL Green Power Monthly Update January 2000.

Minnesota Power, Inc. to Offer Customers Renewable Wind Power by Subscription
Minnesota Power, Inc. (NYSE: MPL) is planning to offer electric customers the opportunity to buy 100-kilowatt-hour blocks of renewable wind power by subscription. Under the terms of a 15-year agreement with Great River Energy, Minnesota Power will purchase half the output from three new wind generators to be installed at Great River Energy’s existing Chandler Hills Wind Farm in southwestern Minnesota.  Since the cost of the wind energy is higher than the costs of existing Minnesota Power sources, subscribers will pay an estimated premium of about $2 per 100-kilowatt-hour block. For example, a customer using 800 kilowatt-hours a month could switch to all wind power for an additional $16 a month. Customers will be able to sign up for one or more blocks, depending on their consumption levels and individual preferences.  “Some of our customers want to buy renewable wind power even if it costs more,” said Bob Edwards, executive vice-president of Minnesota Power. “We don’t know how many customers will subscribe, but it’s important to give them the option.”  Minnesota Power anticipates approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and plans to begin offering wind power this fall. Based on the construction schedule for the new generators, subscribers could begin receiving wind power by the end of the year.  For more information, visit  http://www.mnpower.com  .  Source: Minnesota Power, Inc. News Release 3/31/2000.

Liberty Bell Pavilion Powered by Green-e Certified Renewable Electricity
The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) announced today that the Liberty Bell will be powered by Green-e certified renewable power.  The power, EcoChoice 100, is electricity from 100% renewable resources, provided by the Energy Cooperative of Pennsylvania. Green-e certified EcoChoice will power the Liberty Bell Pavilion as well as the Croydon EPA facility and six other federal government locations in the Philadelphia area.  ``By purchasing renewable power for the Liberty Bell Pavilion, Pennsylvania has set a high bar for how other State and Federal Agencies can demonstrate their support for cleaner energy, in a visible and tangible fashion,'' said Jan Hamrin, executive director of CRS.  The Liberty Bell Pavilion's EcoChoice decision is the first federal government award for renewable power in Pennsylvania. ``We hope this award is just the beginning,'' said Nadia Adawi, the cooperative's director of Conservation and Renewable Energy.  ``The renewable energy market has grown enormously since deregulation opened the way for individuals to choose where their power comes from. We pledge to do our part to make reasonably priced, renewable energy a choice every consumer can make. We hope this award makes more consumers aware that their choice of an electricity supplier can make a difference for the environment.''   Not only is the Liberty Bell powered by 100% renewable electricity but EcoChoice is guaranteed to meet strict environmental and consumer protection standards, by the Green-e Program. For an electricity option like EcoChoice 100 to receive Green-e certification, at least half of the offering must come from eligible renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass or small hydro projects.  Any non-renewables used to supply the electricity must result in less air pollution than Pennsylvania's default power mix, and none of the electricity for the product can be specifically purchased from a nuclear facility.  In addition, the Cooperative agrees to abide by the Green-e Code of Conduct governing its customer treatment and marketing materials; and to undergo an annual verification process documenting that they have purchased enough renewable electricity to meet EcoChoice 100 marketing claims.  http://www.green-e.org   .  Source: Business Wire 3/24/2000 via Steve McAllister, McNeil Technologies 3/24/2000.
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For more information on Green Power go to:  http://www.eren.doe.gov/greenpower/   or   http://www.thegreenpowergroup.org/
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California Group Submits Proposal to CEC on  Distributed Generation Interconnection
The technical and non-technical working groups on Distributed Generation (DG) interconnection are submitted their recommendations to the staff of the California Energy Commission (CEC) on March 31.  As reported last month, the end of March deadline is part of a tight timeline that is expected to lead to CEC submission of draft rules to the CA Public Utilities Commission by June.  After receiving the working group recommendations, the CEC staff will prepare a report to be released by April 17 for the Siting Committee of the CEC to review at their April 25 meeting.  Written comments by interested parties will then be due May 5.  The process will culminate with the presentation of the final recommendations to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in June, and additional hearings may be held by the CPUC at that time.  Bill Brooks of PVUSA/Endecon Engineering, who has headed the technical working group, reports that the unique aspect of the California effort is the development of a interconnection screening process. Those systems that pass the screen are classified as a "simple interconnection" and require no further engineering review.  Initial reaction to the screening process idea has been positive. For more information contact Scott Tomashefsky of the CEC (916) 654-4896 or stomashe@energy.state.ca.us
Source: Interconnection Newsletter - March 2000

Texas Distributed Generation Interconnection Rules on Web
As reported in January, there is still work to be done in Texas to complete the process of implementing the state's interconnection
rules.  Toward this end, staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) is preparing a request for proposal for a Distributed Generation Manual for customers and installers.  This manual will cover interconnection of gas turbines, microturbines, wind, PV, and fuel cells.  The other major area of work is the organization of a working group to set test criteria for pre-certification of DG units.  The goal of this group is to identify qualified entities to pre-certify systems for interconnection in Texas, and the working group is expected to complete the process by the end of May 2000.  For more information, contact Ed Ethridge of the PUCT at (512) 936-7340 or  ed.ethridge@puc.state.tx.us  ;  http://www.puc.state.tx.us/rules/subrules/electric/25.211/21220.htm   and
http://www.puc.state.tx.us/rules/subrules/electric/25.212/21220a.htm  .  Source: Interconnection Newsletter - March 2000.
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For more information on Renewable Resources go to:  http://www.eren.doe.gov/repis/
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WE's Renewable Energy Education Program
Wisconsin Electric's (WE) renewable energy education program, known as "eft," recently provided the Milwaukee County Zoo and three Milwaukee-area environmental centers with wind turbines and solar photovoltaic systems (PV).   WE has given a wind turbine and a solar PV unit to the Kroehler Homestead Nature Preserve in Richfield, solar units for the Shlitz Audubon Nature Center in Bayside and the Zoo, and a wind turbine to the Havenwoods Environmental Awareness Center in Milwaukee. An interactive renewable energy exhibit was given to each place as well. Apparently, the exhibits and renewable energy sources are generating quite a bit of interest.  "The kids who come here to Havenwoods are fascinated with the wind-turbine," said program assistant Mary Maronek. "One of the first things they ask is, 'What is it?' Energy from the wind is a new concept for them and they really take an interest in it."  Each of the solar power projects produces enough energy to run a small home office or a high efficiency refrigerator. Each of the wind turbines (80 and 100 feet) at Kroehler and Havenwoods can provide enough electricity to accommodate a typical, all-electric home.  "More than 11,200 Wisconsin Electric customers are choosing green power through eft and their participation helps fund educational efforts such as these," said Karen Jaeckels, WE's eft program manager. "That is helping to expand interests in renewables, and it will prompt more investment and technological developments in renewable energy."  Source:  WE News Release 2/7/2000 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 2/9/2000.

Coordinating plans for Earth Day 2000
Coordinating plans for Earth Day 2000 around the world, Earth Day Network is bringing together citizen groups, schools, businesses, government agencies, and others to create the largest environmental event in human history on April 22.  Throughout April, major events will be held on every continent.  Hundreds of millions of people, including more than 3,200 groups in 166 countries, will mobilize for a global, coordinated call to action for clean, renewable, efficient energy systems.  For more information see:   http://www.earthday.net  .  Source: e-FFICIENCY NEWS from the Alliance to Save Energy 2/7/2000.
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For more information on Educational Resources go to: http://www.thegateway.org
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Groups Says REPI Should Receive $4 Million
The Renewable Energy Production Incentive Action Coalition (REPI Action Coalition) recently urged Congress to earmark $4 million in the FY 01 budget for the Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI). The coalition includes the American Public Power Association, the Consumer Federation of America, the Large Public Power Council, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, the National Hydropower Association and Public Citizen.  Under the REPI, the Department of Energy pays public power utilities 1.5 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity generated using renewable resources. The incentive was created in order to provide benefits equal to those available for investor-owned utilities through tax credits.  The coalition said the REPI should have adequate funds to provide full payment to all eligible projects, with a minimum of $4 million, as requested by the Clinton Administration in its FY 01 budget request to Congress. The group said the incentive is very important because it motivates public power utilities to invest in cleaner, renewable energy sources. However, the program is limited because it is "dependent on the availability of annual appropriations."  REPI Action Coalition said the number of projects which received payments under the REPI program has expanded from six projects producing 43 million kWh in 1995 to 19 projects producing nearly 530 million kWh in 1999. The program provides payments for renewable energy technologies including landfill gas-to-energy projects. Source: Public Power Weekly 3/20/2000 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 3/31/2000.
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For more information on legislative activities go to: http://www.kannerandassoc.com/fedenergybills.html
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Report Finds $1.3 Billion Market for Renewables
The Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP) recently released a report which estimates that a new approach to the Clean Air Act may help expand the renewable energy market by as much as $1.3 billion annually.  The report, titled "A Guide to the Clean Air Act for the Renewable Energy Community," was written by David Wooley and addresses integrating the Clean Air Act and renewable energy policies. In his report, Wooley outlines a series of effective policies that expand markets for renewable energy technologies and protect the environment.  "The revised Clean Air Act could result in more complete protection from acid rain, smog and utility toxics and at least a first step toward climate protection," said Wooley. "It may also be the policy event by which energy policy will be intertwined with air quality more than ever before, this time on a global scale."   Wooley is a professor of Environmental and Energy Law at Pace University and believes there is great potential for renewables in the Clean Air Act. He determined that by evaluating emissions trading values and electricity generating capacities of each technology, the total value for renewables each year is $1.3 billion.  "This report explains the complex issues such as emissions trading and the energy market. Wooley's conclusions suggest ways fore renewable energy businesses, policy makers and clean air advocates to work together to craft legislation that makes sense for the environment and for renewables," said REPP research manager Virinder Singh. "The 'Guide' should serve as an essential tool for all those concerned with cleaner air."  Contact: M.K. Campbell, REPP, phone 202-293-2898, Web Site http://www.repp.org  .   REPP News Release: 3/20/2000 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 3/24/2000.

Report Shows Rapid Growth in California Green Power
A recent report on California's market for green power -- electricity from renewable energy -- found that the market enjoyed rapid growth in 1999, but that the growth is largely dependent on state-funded incentives. Written from the business perspective by Warren W. Byrne of Foresight Energy Company, the report notes how, in states that allow green power markets, the rules that govern how those markets operate often end up hampering the development of the market. The report is posted on the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies Web site at:  http://www.cleanpower.org/crrp/b.htm  . Source: EREN Network News -- 3/1/2000.
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For more information on marketing and market research go to: http://www.researchinfo.com/  or  http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/emaa/index.html
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Parabolic Trough - Solar
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory anticipates issuing an RFP in 2/00 for R&D in the area of parabolic trough technology development for concentrating solar power markets.  The primary objectives of the project are to advance the state-of-the-art of parabolic trough technology, integration, analysis, and services to improve the U.S. competitiveness of the technology and to increase the U.S. scope and/or quantity of near-term and long-term domestic and international trough projects.  $200K - $400K expected to be available, multiple awards anticipated.  10% cost share required.  RFP expected to open around 3/10/00 and close around 4/18/00.  To request a copy, e-mail Jim Fox at:  jim_fox@nrel.gov  .  Refer to Sol RAA-0-3-441.  Source CBD 2/24/00 via   Seattle Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Energy Solicitations (Issue 70)

IFC Will Lead Investment for REEF Projects
The Washington, DC-based International Finance Corporation (IFC) recently announced that it will invest in the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Fund (REEF) along with a number of other public and private groups.  REEF is the world's first private equity fund that will invest exclusively in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.  IFC is the lead investor in REEF, and is joined by Alliance Energy Renewable Resources, Ltd., DEG of Germany, the John Hancock Life Insurance Company, and others. IFC will provide A- and B-rated loans totaling as $100 million, and REEF will also benefit from $30 million in funding from the United Nations' Global Environment Facility.   REEF will target on-grid power projects including small hydroelectric facilities, geothermal, wind and biomass power plants, and cogeneration plants. Off-grid projects will also be considered for funding.  The IFC, which is affiliated with the World Bank group, promotes investment in developing nations by the private sector.  Contact: IFC, phone 202-473-6005, website http://www.ifc.org/pressroom/Archive/2000/00_97/00_97.html  .  Source: IFC News Release 3/24/2000 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 3/31/2000.
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For more information on funding solicitations go to: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html
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