Verified Emissions Reductions
Vision Quest Windelectric Inc. is in the business of selling energy from the wind, and products related to that wind generated electricity. One of those related products is the reduction of emissions, due to displacement of emitting sources on the utility grid: Verified Emissions Reductions or VERs.  What are VERs?  Verified Emissions Reductions are a new product. VERs are the quantified reduction in air pollution, owned by the entity that took the action to reduce the emissions. VERs are being produced by energy efficiency projects, by companies upgrading their plants to cause less pollution, and by clean energy sources that displace older, dirtier ones. VERs are measured by mass (kilograms or tonnes).  Vision Quest VERs are expressed as kgs of carbon dioxide equivalent, or greenhouse gases (GHGs). What can I do with VERs? Our Green Energy® customers receive VERs as part of their purchase - an ownership certificate is issued annually. Most customers proudly display their certificate, and 'retire' the reductions. This means the emissions can never be put into the atmosphere.  Some of our customers apply the VERs against their own emissions, offsetting their automobile or household energy use.  We have industrial customers that purchase Green Energy® specifically to offset their emissions, thereby encouraging wind energy and reducing their impact on the atmosphere. In Canada they report these offsets in annual updates to the Voluntary Challenge Registry, or VCR.   If you live in a part of Canada or the world where you are unable to choose Green Energy® from Vision Quest, you can still buy VERs and make a difference. It is easy, you receive proof that the emissions were reduced, and you own the emissions reductions, to retire, to hold as an investment, or to apply against your own personal emissions.  Around the world, markets are being developed to trade emissions reductions. Already, trades between industrial customers are taking place in Australia, New York and in Canada. As these markets become more common, VER customers could offer their certificates for sale, and if demand increases, could realize gains on their investments. Source: Press Release from Vision Quest Windelectric Inc. via AWEA 8/29/2000.

Report: Utility Green Power Programs Spur U.S. Renewables
Utilities in states that have not restructured their electric systems are currently leading the way in selling green power, according to a new report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). So-called "green pricing" programs, in which utilities sell renewable-generated electricity at a premium price, grew dramatically in 1999, with 24 new utility programs. That nearly doubled the 1998 number of programs, bringing the total to 52. Those programs have led to 73 megawatts of new renewable energy installations, with another 120 megawatts planned. Note that these numbers don't include renewable energy installations mandated by state laws.
By comparison, competitively marketed green power in California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and some New England states has led to 53 megawatts of new renewable energy installations, with another 60 megawatts in the works.  See the report on the NREL Web site at:  http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/emaa/brief_5.html  .  EREN Network News -- 9/6/2000.
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For more information on Green Power go to:  http://www.eren.doe.gov/greenpower/   or   http://www.nwlink.com/~van/greenlnk.html
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Calpine Acquires Remainder of Geothermal Facility
Calpine Corporation recently announced that it has acquired the remaining 45 percent equity interest in the Aidlin geothermal facility in The Geysers region of northern California. The 20-megawatt Aidlin facility provides electricity to Pacific Gas and Electric Company under a long-term power sales agreement.   "Calpine is committed to the long-term stewardship of The Geysers -- one of California's most valuable natural resources," said Calpine vice president of geothermal Dennis Gilles. "This acquisition advances our corporate goal of consolidating The Geysers operations to improve efficiencies and extend resource production."  Originally, Calpine acquired a five percent interest in the Aidlin facility in 1989. In 1999, the company increased its stake to 55 percent with the acquisition of two other partners' interests.  Calpine now owns and operates 19 of the 21 geothermal power plants located at The Geysers. The company's plants generate approximately 850 megawatts of electricity, which is enough energy to power nearly 850,000 homes. "Calpine will continue to pioneer innovative and resource-sustaining programs to ensure Californians can benefit from a clean and reliable renewable energy resource for many years to come," said Gilles. The Geysers are located about 90 miles northeast of San Francisco and are the world's largest producing geothermal resource with more than 1,000 megawatts in production.  Contact: Katherine Potter, Calpine, phone 408-995-5115 extension 1168. Source:  Business Wire 9/1/2000 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 9/7/2000.

Reliant Energy to Build Texas Wind Farm
Reliant Energy recently announced the formation of Reliant Energy Renewables, Inc. in an effort to help the state of Texas meet its renewable energy requirements. Reliant said its new unregulated affiliate will manage two new renewable energy projects in the state.  The company said it will begin construction on a 160-turbine, 208- megawatt wind power project known as the King Mountain Wind Ranch later this year. According to Reliant, upon completion, the wind power project will be the largest facility of its kind in the world.  Cielo Wind Power and Renewable Energy Systems, Inc. have been contracted to develop build, and operate the wind power project on a turn-key basis.  Additionally, Reliant plans to open a 44 megawatt landfill gas-to-electricity project over 12 landfills in west Texas.  Reliant said the installation is scheduled for early 2001. The highly efficient, clean burning, landfill gas-powered turbines for the project will be provided by Jenbacher Energiesysteme. The turbines will be powered by methane gas extracted from the decomposing contents of the landfills. The process will eliminate uncontrolled emissions of methane into the atmosphere, said Reliant.  "These projects are indicative of Reliant Energy's commitment to the environment and to Texas in helping the state meet a legally mandated requirement to have 2,000 megawatts of renewable power projects developed by January 1, 2009," said Reliant Energy president and chief operating officer Joe Bob Perkins. Contact: Reliant Energy, phone 713-207-3000, website at:  http://www.reliantenergy.com  .  Source: Reliant Press Release 8/24/2000 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 8/24/2000.

New York Approves Solar Grid Interconnector
Solar systems supplier Applied Power Corporation recently announced that its SunSine AC module has been approved by the New York Department of Public Service for interconnection into New York's electric grid, passing the state's tough standardized interconnection requirements (SIR).  "This accomplishment is the culmination of our intense product engineering," said Applied Power president John Elting. "The quality of the SunSine AC module has again been proven in extensive testing conducted by Underwriters Laboratory."  The SunSine module was developed for grid-tied applications, and offers electric utility connections a place to store excess power during daylight as well as a source of energy when power demand exceeds output.  The system, which includes a direct current/alternating current (DC/AC) utility interactive inverter, can be installed in 270-watt increments on any roof and does not require field DC wiring. The AC power produced by the modules feeds directly into a building or home's electrical circuits, effectively reducing the amount of electricity purchased from the power grid.  "It is the ideal PV module for both residential and small commercial applications for its robust construction, efficiency, scalability, and ease of installation," said Miles Russell of Ascension Technology, a division of Applied Power that developed the SunSine AC Module,  Contact: Applied Power, Website http://www.appliedpower.com  .  Source: Applied Power Press Release 9/1/2000 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 9/7/2000.

Blackfeet Indian Tribe to Build First Commercial Utility-Scale Wind Power Project on Tribal Lands
The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council and SeaWest WindPower, Inc. announced today the signing of a development agreement for the 22 megawatt Blackfeet I Wind Power Project.  This project will be the first utility-scale wind energy project built on tribal lands.  The 22MW project will deliver affordable clean renewable energy by capturing the extremely strong winds that blow across the Blackfeet Reservation from the Rocky Mountain Front onto the Great Plains.  “This wind energy project will allow the Blackfeet Tribe to take advantage of one of our most plentiful natural resources on our Reservation. Gaining electricity from the winds here on the Reservation has been talked about for many years—we are gratified that this idea has finally become a reality,” said Earl Old Person, Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. "SeaWest is pleased to work with the Blackfeet to develop such a landmark project,” said Jan C. Paulin, SeaWest's President and CEO. "The Blackfeet have a tremendous wind and land resource. This project will tap that resource to create highly skilled employment opportunities on the Blackfeet Reservation and a true, commercially viable export industry.  It is fitting that through this project the Blackfeet should assume a national leadership position in environmental stewardship.”  The Blackfeet I project is scheduled to begin construction in May 2001, with commercial operation scheduled for October 2001. It will provide enough energy to electrify over 6,000 houses. The Bonneville Power Administration is considering purchasing the power from the project through a long-term power purchase agreement. Power will be made available to the BPA, Glacier Electric Cooperative, and other Montana co-op utilities. Glacier Electric has served the Blackfeet Reservation for over 50 years and has always been supportive of economic development.  Sasid General Manager Bill Chapman, “We are optimistic about this very important project, and will do all we can to help make it a success.” Power from the wind generators will be fed over Glacier Electric’s transmission lines.  The Montana Power Company intends to award the project a $1.5million production subsidy. The subsidy is funded through the company’s Universal System Benefit Funds (USBF). In return the project will make available 3MW of capacity at a discounted rate to Montana Power Company distribution customers. “This project is an excellent example of utilizing system benefit funds to create and stimulate economic development and renewable energy in Montana,” said David N. Ryan P.E., Montana Power Company.  SeaWest WindPower is the leading independent developer of utility-scale wind power projects in the world. SeaWest has developed over 85 megawatts of utility-scale wind energy projects in the Foote Creek Rim area of Wyoming, in addition to nearly 500 megawatts of projects in California, the United Kingdom and Spain. For more information, please visit www.seawestwindpower.com  .  Source: SeaWest News Release 9/6/2000.
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For more information on Renewable Resources go to:  http://www.eren.doe.gov/repis/
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GME to Donate Solar System to CA High School
San Francisco, CA-based Green Mountain Energy Company (GME), a provider of renewable energy and products in California, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, recently announced it will sponsor an essay contest whereby students of San Diego County area high schools can compete for a two-kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic rooftop solar system for their school. Students can submit an original essay on "Why I Love Solar Power," by October 1. The winning school will be announced November 1.  "Because San Diego County has been the most dramatically effected by the recent energy price spikes, we have designated the San Diego region as the first in California to be eligible to apply for our Solar powered School Program," said GME western region president Julie Blunden.  GME said its solar program compliments the Department of Energy's (DOE) Million Solar Roofs Initiative, which calls for one million
solar energy systems to be installed on U.S. buildings by 2010.  "We welcome GME's Solar Powered Schools program as a partner in promoting [DOE's] Million Solar Roofs Initiative," said DOE assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy Dan Reicher.  Montpelier, VT-based Solar Works, Inc. will install the two-kW rooftop system, which will provide 3,000 kilowatt-hours of energy a year, on the winning school by November 30. The winning school will also receive solar educational materials and curriculum, specialized training for teachers and building facilities personnel, and a six-year contract for on-site technical support.
For more information see GME Website at:  http://www.greenmountain.com   .   Source:  EIN Renewable Energy Today 9/7/2000.

Merrill Lynch to Launch Green Energy Investment Fund
Merrill Lynch Asset Management (MLAM), formerly Mercury Asset Management, is to launch what it claims to be the first investment trust aimed at alternative energy and energy technology companies. The trust, which has a global remit, will be called New Energy Technology. Due to be launched in early September, the trust aims to raise £200m (EUR326m) to invest in companies in the fuel cell and renewable energy sectors. MLAM believes that a mixture of environmental pressure, industry restructuring and technological advances will rekindle investor interest in the energy sector, noting that these factors have already led to a surge in investment in alternative energy by venture capitalists and large energy companies. The trust will be run by Robin Batchelor, who is part of MLAM's natural resources team. The investment management company believes that the 90 quoted 'pure-play' alternative energy companies will be joined by 10 more in the next year.  Source: Renewable Energy Report 9/6/2000 via EPRI Green Power News 9/7/2000.

CREC Conference September 15-17, 2000, Snow Mountain Ranch, Winter Park, Colorado
Colorado Renewable Energy Conference brings together Colorado's renewable energy, energy efficiency, environmental and business communities.  Topical sessions include: renewable energy, home efficiency, new transportation options, emerging architecture, and sustainable communities.  This year's event features: Year 2000 Renewable Energy in Buildings Awards; Friday and Saturday night socials; exhibits from the Colorado sustainability industry; informal "poster-style" presentations of projects from around the state. For more information and to register online see Web site at:   http://www.cres.gen.co.us

Link to Energy Education Information and Resources
In addition to a great resource for energy industry statistical information, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) has compiled a list of contacts that provide educational resources for secondary science projects in renewable energy and energy efficiency.  For more information see list of contacts at:   http://www.eia.doe.gov/bookshelf/eer/main.html
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For more information on Educational Resources go to: http://www.thegateway.org
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RFA Encouraged by Passage of Legislation to Ban MTBE
The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, chaired by Senator Bob Smith (R-NH), today passed legislation (11 to 6) to ban MTBE in four years and create a national Clean Alternative Fuel Program which could triple the demand for ethanol over the next ten years.  Eric Vaughn, president of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) made the following statement in response to passage of the Smith legislation:  Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Baucus and the Committee are to be commended for crafting legislation to remove toxic MTBE from our gasoline and, ultimately, our drinking water.  The passage of this bill sends a clear
signal to the marketplace that MTBEs days are numbered.  It is time for oil refiners and gasoline blenders to switch from MTBE to safe, renewable ethanol.  Todays action to ban MTBE addresses a top concern of nearly 100 separate environmental groups led by Blue Water Network that wouldnt let this issue be forgotten.  Coming on the day when world crude oil prices hit a 10-year high, the establishment of a Clean Alternative Fuel Program is vitally important for our nations future energy policy.  Tripling ethanol use is great news for American jobs, American farmers, American motorists, and the environment.  When fully implemented, the program will reduce the need for more than 600,000 barrels of oil per day, or roughly equivalent to the amount of oil the U.S. currently imports daily from Iraq.  While work remains to strengthen the environmental protections of the legislation, the addition of an aromatics cap during Committee action was a very positive step in the right direction.  The current RFG program with oxygen has been a tremendous air quality success.  We will continue to work to ensure the legislation will more accurately reflect the air quality benefits of oxygenates and not leave the door open for increased air pollution in our nations most polluted cities.  For more information, please visit the RFA Web page at:  www.ethanolRFA.org. Source RFA E-mail 9/7/2000.

Tax credits: What Are They, What Are They Intended to Accomplish?
At the recent SOLAR 2000 Conference in Madison, there was much discussion of an ASES position on tax credits.  The ASES Board voted to solicit member discussion on this issue before taking a position.  A memo summarizing the issues has been posted on the ASES web site at: www.ases.org/solarguide/tax.html  .  Source:  E-mail from Larry Sherwood 9/6/2000.
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For more information on legislative activities go to: http://www.capweb.net/UPVG/
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Weather & Electricity Demand Forecast Site
Climaton Research Co. based in Fairfax, Virginia, offers a one of its kind site that provides temperature and power demand forecasts over the contiguous United States, 9 geographical regions, 48 individual states, and over the service areas of most US power companies.  The forecasts are updated every morning. Long-term weather and power demand outlooks are also available, as well as past weekly electricity output data.  For more information see Web site at:  http://www.climaton.com/
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For more information on marketing and market research go to:  http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/emaa/index.html
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AES Wins DOE Grant for Biomass Project
Allegheny Energy, Inc. recently announced that its subsidiary, Allegheny Energy Supply (AES) has earned a $2.4-million grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) for the cooperative development of a biomass power generation facility in Pleasants County, WV.  The Willow Island Power Station will convert a 181-megawatt generator to co-fire sawdust, coal and tire-derived fuel (TDF).  "[AES] is delighted to be selected for this award," said AES president Peter Skrgic. "It establishes Allegheny as one of the leaders in renewable energy initiatives.  According to project planners, the conversion process should take about three years.  “The project is significant because it tests the blending of a tri-fuel supply of coal, biomass and TDF for commercial operation," said Skrgic. “We have already performed studies using TDF on this unit and have been pleased with the results. We are excited to be able to expand the environmental benefits by adding biomass to the fuel mix.”  The plant will be fueled by 80 percent coal, 10 percent biomass and 10 percent TDF. Skrgic also noted that the new mix will help the company meet renewable energy goals as well as lowering production costs and increasing performance.  Contact: Janice Lutz, AES, phone 724-853-3762, Web site at:
http://www.alleghenyenergysupply.com  . Source: AES Press Release 8/28/2000 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 9/5/2000.
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For more information on funding solicitations go to: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html
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