It may be one of the oldest cooperative utilities in the country, but in the next six months, Farmers Electric Cooperative (FEC) of southeastern Iowa will be leading the nation in this 21st century energy source. Upon completion of a new solar array, the 640-member cooperative will have over 1,500 … [continued]
By Maud Texier Where does cleantech stand? After a big boom in early stage investments and a green policies kick-off a few years ago, the cleantech industry has been through the struggles that always come with a young and maturing industry. Where are we standing now? Unavoidable growing pains Back … [continued]
For now it remains large, investor-owned utilities, and ostensibly locally-focused rural cooperatives and municipal utilities. But the energy landscape of today gives me uncomfortable reminders of the Athenian tragedy by Sophocles — the Oedipus tale. John Farrell, ILSR’s Director of Democratic Energy, gave this panel presentation at the 23rd annual conference of … [continued]
Below is an excellent reflection on solar politics transitions that happened in 2013, some of which I wasn’t actually aware of. Some great stuff. A big thanks to Peter Allen for writing this up. One note I’ll make concerns the part about “double agent” Kreamer. I would just clarify that … [continued]
Josh covered the big news earlier this week that Google just acquired Nest (for $3.2 billion). Our friend Yann Brandt over on SolarWakeup has a good follow-up on this news that he passed along. He connects a few important dots, and the end conclusion is surely a possibility. We’ll have to … [continued]
Originally published on SolarWakeup by Yann Brandt Governor Hickenlooper (D-CO) nominated former Colorado State Representative Glenn Vaad to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Mr. Vaad began his 4 year term on January 7th while waiting for his confirmation by the Colorado State Senate. The interesting point about Mr. Vaad’s nomination is … [continued]
Two developments this month raise the possibility New Jersey could overcome Governor Chris Christie’s withdrawal and rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Originally published on Cost of Solar. As the holiday season rolls in, I think that most of us tend to pay a little closer attention to our finances. We’d all love to have a little more money to spend on our loved ones. For a lot of households, every month, … [continued]
Is having local control of a utility the key to ramping up renewable energy? In 2011, Boulder citizens voted to have their city take over the electric utility, joining 1 in 7 Americans served by municipal electric utilities. Their feasibility study suggests they can more than double renewable energy on their … [continued]
To help push for action at COP 19, the World Energy Council (WEC) recently published a report pushing for what many others — including some prominent Republicans (not the ones in office, unfortunately) — have been pushing for: strong and predictable carbon pricing. The report is based off of research … [continued]
