State & Stakeholder Newsletter

State & Stakeholder Newsletter Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Volume #8, Issue #9 Editor: Jane Pulaski Dear Daniel, The IREC State & Stakeholder Newsletter tracks a range of market-oriented news, services and outreach tools valuable to the renewable energy community. This free newsletter is distributed semi-monthly to email subscribers and published on IREC's website.   If you have comments or if you would like to submit a news item, email Jane Pulaski.  You can also read this newsletter on-line. If you want the best news about what's going on in the states and cities, get IREC's State & Stakeholder newsletter. Thanks for reading. State/Local News (1)  ARIZONA: Tucson Requires Solar-Ready Homes New single-family homes and duplexes built in the City of Tucson must either have a solar water heater installed, or have stub-outs leading from the roof to the water heater area so that a system can easily be installed at a later date. Tucson is currently developing rules to ensure that all new homes are also constructed to be PV-ready (see DSIRE record). (2)  CALIFORNIA: Berkeley Launches SmartSolar Program Berkeley residents and businesses can now get free solar energy consulting services from the City of Berkeley and Community Energy Services Corporation. The new program, SmartSolar, will help consumers understand and adopt energy efficiency and solar technologies by providing information on available technology, project planning, cost, and financing; an online solar mapping tool to estimate their building's solar potential; and free project-specific advice on how to best utilize that potential. Berkeley's work to promote this solar deployment is a result of Berkeley's designation as a U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Solar America City. (3)  ILLINOIS: 5th Annual Small Wind State Stakeholder Meeting in Chicago Since 2005, small wind energy state stakeholders have met to share information on their small wind programs and learn from other experts. The 2009 meeting, being held today, May 6th, ahead of the AWEA Conference, is the largest to date, with 17 states represented. (4)  IOWA: State Amends Energy Production Tax Credits for Wind and Other Renewables Iowa offers two separate production tax credits, one for large wind energy facilities and one without size restrictions for wind and other renewable energy facilities. The passage of H.B. 456 decreased the aggregate size of the large wind program from 450 megawatts (MW) to 150 MW, and increased the available tax credits for the wind portion of the other tax credit from 180 MW to 330 MW. The bill also made changes regarding eligibility for both tax credits. See DSIRE records for Corporate Tax Credit Personal Tax Credit (5) MARYLAND: MEA to Offer Smart Grid Stakeholder Meetings The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to analyze Smart Grid opportunities in the State of Maryland. As part of this grant, MEA is sponsoring two stakeholder meetings to discuss the elements of a Smart Grid that could potentially be used in Maryland as well as the costs and benefits of such a grid for all Marylanders. (6)  MASSACHUSETTS: Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard Emergency Rules in Effect The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Renewable Portfolio Standard proposed final regulations were filed with the legislature in mid-March 2009 (as required by law) and are currently under review. On March 31, 2009 "emergency" rules, which are identical to the proposed final regulations, became effective. DOER is currently working with stakeholders to develop guidance for the requirement that retail suppliers must provide a portion of the renewable energy from in-state, on-site systems (part of the Class I standard). See DSIRE record for more details. (7)  NEW YORK:  Alfred State College Offers PV Installation & Design Course Jeffrey Stevens, Assistant Professor in the Electricial, Computer, and Robotics Department at Alfred State College tells IREC that they're offering a 40-hour theory and hands-on installation course for PV systems. (8)  NORTH CAROLINA: South River EMC Offers Solar Water Heater Rebates South River EMC, a cooperative utility, is offering a rebate of $1,000 to SRCC-certified solar water heaters. The utility will retain the renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with the participating systems, which will help them comply with North Carolina's Renewable Energy and Efficiency Portfolio Standard (see DSIRE record). (9)  NORTH CAROLINA: ARRA Fact Sheets Available on NCSC Website The North Carolina Solar Center's website features three fact sheets on solar incentives from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). (10)  OHIO: Rules for Ohio's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard Issued The Ohio Public Utilities Commission issued rules for its recently enacted Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard. These rules clarify the definitions of biomass and solar thermal. In addition, the rules clarify several outstanding issues surrounding renewable energy credits (RECs), including that RECs cannot be further subdivided into separate attributes (see DSIRE record). (11)  OREGON: Portland Mayor Announces Goal to Install 5 MW of Solar by 2012 In April 2009, Mayor Adams announced the goal of installing 5 megawatts (MW) of solar in the City of Portland by 2012. This installation will build on Portland's existing green power purchasing and generation program and is part of Portland's commitment to solar as a DOE Solar America City (see DSIRE record). (12)  PENNSYLVANIA: State Unveils New Solar Energy Program for Manufacturers, Distribution Projects The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Solar Energy Program offers grants, loans, and loan guarantees for a variety of different project types. Loans of up to $5 million and grants of up to $1 million are available through this program for solar manufacturing facilities, solar distribution projects, and research and development centers. Both photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal projects are eligible for funding (see DSIRE record). (13)  PENNSYLVANIA: ACEEE Report Presents Comprehensive Findings of the Potential for Greater Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy According to an analysis released today by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), energy efficiency improvements can save Pennsylvania consumers nearly $5 billion each year on energy bills and help create 27,000 new, local jobs by 2025. Interview of the Week:   Energy Trust Oregon: A Key Player in Oregon's Solar Success Kacia Brockman, Energy Trust's Senior Solar Program Manager, is doing triple time investing public dollars in new solar energy systems, solar training for the building industry, and public outreach.  She was overly generous with her time to tell IREC about what Energy Trust is doing these days.  MORE Current and Best Practices: NABCEP at 7; Its Positive Influence in Renewable Energy Workforce Development is Undeniable In 2001, Mark Fitzgerald's vision of an internationally-certified solar practitioner program was in the earliest ot nascent stages.  The concept was solid and possible; actualization not quite ready for prime time.  NABCEP's Executive Director, Rebecca Eaton, talks about NABCEP...from its hopeful origins to its current status as a benchmark in renewable energy workforce development.  MORE Grants/RFPs (14) We Energies Renewable Energy Research and Development (R&D) Grant Program We Energies' Renewable Energy Research and Development (R&D) Grant Program offers financial assistance through grants (up to a maximum award of $200,000) to conduct research on renewable energy technologies that results in the generation of electric energy, or to help demonstrate a renewable energy product associated with the production of renewable electricity. Grants are intended for research and development endeavors that will clearly advance a technology or product, and will clearly contribute positively to the renewable energy industry.  Applications received on an on-going basis through 2009. (15)  DOE's Green Power Network RFPs A number of new renewables RFPs are posted at DOE's Green Power Network. You can subscribe to receive RFP updates. (16)  DOE's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy PMC Website This site is a "virtual hub" of project management information and resources for EERE customers, stakeholders, staff and contractors, including locating and tracking funding opportunities. (17)  NYSERDA Funding Opportunities The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has several Program Opportunity Notices (PONs) on the street. To see full details on any of these solicitations, visit the NYSERDA website and scroll through the listings to find them: PON 1060, New York Energy Smart Loan Fundsm invites financial institutions to participate in and customers to apply for low interest financing for energy efficient improvements, new construction, and renewable technology projects.  For information, contact NYSERDA at 866.NYSERDA or by email.  Expiration:  7/31/09 PON 1098,Wind Incentives for Eligible Installers is a  first-come, first-served Financial Incentives for small wind systems that offset customers' electric usage (end-use).  For information, contact NYSERDA at 866.NYSERDA or by email.  Expires 12/31/09 or until funds are fully committed, whichever comes first. PON 1050:  Solar Electric Incentive Program provides cash incentives for the installation of new Solar Electric or Photovoltaic (PV) systems by Eligible Installers.  For information, contact NYSERDA at 866.NYSERDA or by email.  Expiration:  12/31/09 PON 1176:  Renewable, Clean Energy, and Energy Efficiency Product Manufacturing Incentive Program offers $10M to expand the level of manufacturing of renewable, clean, and energy-efficient products in New York State.  Proposals will be accepted through June 30, 2011 by 5:00pm (ET) or until funds run out, whichever is first.  Proposals will be evaluated on a first come, first served basis as they are received.  Contact Jennifer Harvey at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3264 or jlh@nyserda.org. (18) Smart Grid Investments- Recovery Act The U.S. Department of Energy announces its intent to request proposals for the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program. Through this program, DOE seeks to stimulate the rapid deployment and integration of advanced digital technology that is needed to modernize the nation's electric delivery network for enhanced operational intelligence and connectivity. The program will support projects that promote deployment, including development of component technologies. Individual award range anticipated to be $500K to $5 million. The RFP will open on or about 6/17/09. Three due dates anticipated: 7/29/09, 12/2/09, and 3/31/10. For more info, contact Donna Williams. (19)  Smart Grid Demonstrations - Recovery Act The U.S. Department of Energy announces its intent to request proposals for Smart Grid Demonstrations. Through this RFP, DOE seeks regionally unique demonstrations to verify smart grid technology viability, quantify smart grid costs and benefits, and validate new smart grid business models, at a scale that can be readily adapted and replicated around the country. Areas of interest include: Smart Grid Demonstrations, Synchrophasors, and Energy Storage. $615 million expected to be available, up to 36 awards anticipated. Closing date to be announced with release of RFP. For more info, contact Keith Carrington. (20)  DOE's State Energy Program DOE requests proposals for the State Energy Program (SEP). This program provides formula grants to State and Territorial energy offices to design and carry out renewable energy and energy efficiency priorities. $25 million expected to be available, up to 56 awards anticipated. Due dates based on state/territorial program years. For more info, contact Lisa Kuzniar. (21) Software to Analyze Integration of Renewables, Diesel Generation and Energy Storage The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Engineering Service Center seeks a software based model that can be used to analyze the integration of photovoltaic systems, wind energy systems, conventional diesel generation, and energy storage. Award NTE $400K. Abstracts due 5/15/09. For more info, visit https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVFAC/N47408/N6258309R0089/listing.html, or contact Gene Crank. (22) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Training Programs -Appalachia The Appalachian Regional Commission requests proposals for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Training and Certification Programs. Funded projects must focus on training and certification programs, supporting the development of trained employees for jobs in the renewable and energy efficiency fields, as well as providing certified installers to the marketplace. Implementation of energy efficiency education curricula, such as USGBC LEED programs, ASHRAE programming, IECC, or other energy efficiency coursework will also be supported. Projects must take place in the ARC Region which includes all of WV and parts of AL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, and VA. $250K expected to be available, up to 10 awards anticipated. Reponses due 5/29/09.  (23) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for K-12 Schools -Appalachia The Appalachian Regional Commission requests proposals for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for K-12 Schools. This program will underwrite costs of installing renewable energy and energy efficiency equipment in K-12 schools in Appalachia, and provide support for the implementation of associated science, environment, and business curricula in the classroom. Eligible renewable energy equipment includes: Wind, solar, fuel cells, biofuels, and geothermal systems. Projects must take place in the ARC Region which includes all of WV and parts of AL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, and VA. $250K expected to be available, up to 10 awards anticipated. Responses due 5/29/09. (24) Renewables Purchase - Southwest The U.S. Department of the Navy announces its intent to request proposals for the purchase of competitively priced renewable electrical power through power purchase agreements at Naval and Marine Corps installations in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest AOR. The Navy seeks systems that are constructed, owned, operated, maintained and repaired by the successful offeror(s) on Government property located within the installation boundaries. Up to 5 awards anticipated. The RFP will be issued "within the next month." For more info, visit https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVFAC/N47408/N6258309R0085/listing.html, or contact Russell Dominy. (25)  PV Array - Arkansas The U.S. Department of the Interior, Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, seeks replacement of an HVAC system and installation of a PV array to supply a portion of the operating power. Responses due 5/21/09. For more info, visit https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOI/NPS/APC-IS/I730709U123/listing.html, or contact Linda Fritz. (26) Transformational Energy R&D - Recovery Act The U.S. Department of Energy, Advanced Research Projects Agency (a new DOE Agency created specifically to foster R&D of transformational energy related technologies) requests proposals for Advanced Research Projects. Transformational technologies are defined as those that disrupt the status quo; not merely better than current technologies, but significantly better. This RFP supports the Nation's need to overcome the threats posed by climate change and energy security. Concept papers are required, and are due 6/2/09. Final proposals accepted by invitation only. For more info, contact Bradley Poston. (27) Energy Innovations Small Grant Program The California Energy Commission requests proposals for the Energy Innovations Small Grant Program - Electricity Program. EISG funds the early development of innovative energy RD&D projects. Projects must target one of the following: Industrial/Agriculture/Water End-Use Efficiency; Building End-Use Efficiency; Environmentally Preferred Advanced Generation; Renewable Generation; Energy-Related Environmental Research; and Energy Systems Integration. Proposed projects must be clearly relevant to California's electric market. Individual hardware awards NTE $95K, individual modeling awards NTE $50K. Responses due 6/11/09. (28) Texas:  Energy Projects Pre-K to 12 First Choice Power requests applications for Classroom Energy Innovation Grant applications for Texas teachers. This program supports pre-K to 12 teachers working to incorporate projects on energy and energy efficiency in their classrooms. Individual grants NTE $2K. Responses due 9/15/09. FYI (29)  Chuck Whitaker: We Lose a Great Friend It is with deep sadness that we report the death of our dear friend Chuck Whitaker on May 3. Chuck was the co-founder and principal of BEW Engineering. IREC greatly benefited from Chuck's expertise and pursuit of excellence for photovoltaics. He spoke at our meetings on product certification and was the co-author of IREC's 5th Edition of the Connecting to the Grid Guide. More recently, we worked closely with Chuck on the Solar ABCs. We send our sympathy to Carrie Whitaker and all of Chuck's family and friends. Chuck will always be a guiding force for IREC. We will never forget him and will remember Chuck always with affection and a smile. (30)  DOE's Margie Bates Retires She spent nearly 23 years at DOE, the last 11 of which as Energy Star Program Lead and Million Solar Roofs Project Manager.  "I've had 11 wonderful years in solar," she said recently.  Happily, many of us have had the great good fortune to work with Margie.  She was always gracious, thorough, efficient, and enormously friendly.  "it's been quite a journey," she said.  " I'm truly grateful for each experience, and will always treasure the memories."  So will we, Margie.  From all of us at IREC, take good care, and keep in touch. (31)  DOE Issues RFI for Solar Policy and Analysis Regional Centers The Solar Policy and Analysis Regional Centers RFI seeks input on a proposed strategy of creating Solar Policy and Analysis Regional Centers around the country that would fill the need for timely local and regional policy research and analysis supporting solar commercialization. (32) IREC's Larry Sherwood Quoted in USA Today Article; DSIRE's Rusty Haynes Quoted in WSJ Article In an Earth Day article about Wal-Mart doubling its use of solar in USA Today, IREC's Larry Sherwood is quoted. DSIRE's Rusty Haynes was quoted in an article about a potential solar incentive program in Texas in the 4/23 issue of the Wall Street Journal. (33)  DOE Selects Newest Solar America Showcase Recipients The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced three new winners of Solar America Showcases awards in Richmond, California. (34)  CSI Reports More Than 78 MW of New Solar Projects Installed in First Quarter of 2009 The California Public Utilities Commission issued the latest California Solar Initiative Staff Progress Report in April 2009, which shows California leading the nation with more than 500 MW of cumulative installed solar capacity. Driven by the State's solar rebate program, the California Solar Initiative, Californians installed 211 MW at over 15,000 different sites throughout investor -owned utility territories in California since 2007. (35) News from DOE Re ARRA James Ferguson, States Coordinator, Eastern States, National Energy Technology Laboratory, tell us that the the two most recent editions of the Solicitations newsletter, issues #189 and #188, include recent funding opportunities for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability projects.  He also gave us the following resources for The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as the Recovery Act: Federal Government Recovery Act website DOE Recovery Act website DOE Recovery Act Clearinghouse (Toll-Free): (888) 363-RCVY or (888) 363-7289 EERE Recovery Act website Federal government funding opportunities are located at http://www.grants.gov/, and at https://www.fbo.gov/ (36)  ASES Website Offers Solar Grants and Funding Opportunity Information You can find a comprehensive listing of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding opportunities on the ASES website. (37) Tribal Business Development and Project Financing & Optional One-Day Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Training There are two upcoming workshops for tribal leaders, staff and other interested parties to understand the range of energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities that exist within their communities.  The Business Development and Project Financing workshop, June 23-25, 2009, is designed to identify the business structures, financing methods, and legal and institutional frameworks needed to bring projects to reality.  The one-day renewable energy and energy efficiency training, June 23, 2009, will help attendees develop an outline for a tribal strategic plan and will explore how energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies can be used to meet tribal objectives.  Both workshops will be held in Denver. (38) DOE Guide to Tribal Energy Development The U.S. Department of Energy's Tribal Energy Program's web site provides information for Tribes to achieve their energy goals, including a process for strategic planning for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. (39) DOI to Open Four Renewable Energy Permitting Offices and Create Renewable Energy Teams To expedite production of renewable energy on public lands while protecting land, water, and wildlife, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar pledged to create four Renewable Energy Coordination Offices, one each in California, Nevada, Wyoming, and Arizona, along with smaller renewable energy teams in New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, Colorado and Oregon. (40)  EPA Unveils Top 50 U.S. Green Power Purchasers State governments that made the National Top 50 list include the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of Connecticut, and the State of Wisconsin. Local governments that made the National Top 50 list include the City of Houston, the City of Dallas, the City of Chicago, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, and the City of San Diego. (41) New WRI Report Concludes Southeast Could Supply 25% of its Electricity from Local Renewable Resources by 2025 The World Resources Institute (WRI) just published Local Clean Power, a WRI issues brief for April 09.  Drawing on recent government and regional studies, the report suggests there are sufficient renewable energy resources to meet as much as 30 % of the Southeast's electric power needs. EVENTS For a full listing of events, click the calendar icon on the IREC home page. About this Newsletter/How to Subscribe The State & Stakeholder Newsletter is published electronically on a semi-monthly basis by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.  To subscribe to this newsletter, click here and follow the instructions. There is no fee for this newsletter.  If you have comments or news items, please send them to Jane Pulaski.  Disclaimer. The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC's endorsement or recommendation. FAIR USE NOTICE This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of energy, economic, scientific, and related issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in the newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. About IREC Celebrating its 27th year, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to moving renewable energy resources into the marketplace. IREC emphasizes education and outreach, stakeholder coordination, technical assistance, workforce development, the adoption and implementation of uniform guidelines and standards, consumer protection and building networks to share experiences and information. In This Issue... State News Interview of the Week Current and Best Practices Grants/RFPs irecusa.org Extra, Extra! May 2009 updates for IREC's Interconnection and Net Metering Tables (see Available Documents) Join IREC Join us, and help us continue moving sustainable markets for clean and renewable energy into communities like yours. ASES's 2009 Solar Conference Final Program Now Available New Ideas in Educating a Workforce in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency 2009 Conference   Register Now! Read IREC's Small Wind Newsletter Larry Sherwood, editor published bi-monthly Read IREC's Connecting to the Grid Newsletter. Laurel Varnado, editor published monthly

Forward email Email Marketing by Interstate Renewable Energy Council | P.O. Box 1156 | Latham | NY | 12110-1156