9/3/2009
by Bruce Goodman
For some time there has been a cry for a comprehensive national energy policy. Reliance on the free market to drive energy outcomes has led to a place the country does not want to be. Clean power technology development has been left to others, principally Europe. Oil imports to feed the nation’s transportation needs have driven foreign policy decisions and created economic insecurity. Foreign automobile makers are ahead on energy efficiency and energy technology. Climate change appears to be upon us whether we are ready or not. The popular answers to these challenges are aimed at new and different price signals to the marketplace—gasoline tax, carbon tax, cap and trade, cash for clunkers, tax incentives, tax credits, tax rebates, grants, feed in tariffs–and some thought it difficult to solve an algebraic problem with only three variables. Can there be a single “energy policy”?
Tags:
cap and trade,
carbon tax,
cash for clunkers,
clean power technology,
energy efficiency,
energy policy,
feed in tariff.,
gasoline tax,
grants,
Michigan energy,
oil import,
tax credits,
tax incentives,
tax rebates
Watt's New? Michigan Energy News |
Bruce Goodman |
Comments (0)
7/12/2009
by Bruce Goodman
The MPSC has approved the Experimental Advanced Renewable Program for solar energy proposed by Consumers Power Company. The AR tariff has rates for solar generated electricity ranging from $0.375/kWh to $0.65/kWh depending of the year of service and whether the electricity is from residential or nonresidential solar energy systems. No system can be larger than 150 kW; all electricity and RECs must be delivered to the utility, and; systems must be manufactured in Michigan or constructed by a Michigan work force. The EARP is limited to 2000 kW of capacity. I have been “schooled” by an experienced solar developer that this size project is too small to make even this feed in tariff attactive to anyone except someone wanting a “show” project. Real solar development must allow for a much larger single site project.
