Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has signed a bill into law that will require the state Public Service Commission (PSC) to promulgate rules establishing common standards for political subdivisions to regulate the construction and operation of wind energy systems. The legislation seeks to address the patchwork regulatory framework created by local jurisdictions’ development of their own siting regulations, and to address
The Wind Energy Promotion Act: Turbo Charging the Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit
U.S. Representatives Collin Peterson (MN) and Tim Walz (MN) introduced the Wind Energy Promotion Act (WEPA) last month. If WEPA becomes federal law, the Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) promises to become an even more potent driver for wind power project development. Under current law, the PTC may only be used to shelter passive
Minnesota Think Tank Estimates 4,000 MW of More Wind Power Needed
In a recent report published by Minnesota 2020, a non-partisan think tank focused on public policy matters including economic development, health care, education and transportation, the group notes that Minnesota needs an additional 4,000 MW of wind power to meet its Renewable Energy Standard, set at 25% by 2025. The think tank also notes
Show me the Money: Webinar Explaining the Wind Turbine Drivetrain FOA
About a month ago we issued an alert regarding a $45 million funding opportunity announcement ("FOA") for the development of a wind turbine drivetrain testing facility (alert available here).
Today, the Department of Energy ("DOE") announced that they are hosting a webinar regarding this FOA. The webinar will be held July 30, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern.
FERC Aims to Accelerate Smart Grid Deployment
On July 16, 2009, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Policy Statement on smart grid technologies, providing guidance on future smart grid interoperability standards and establishing an interim incentive rate policy that applies to near-term smart grid deployments (even those used in pilot or demonstration projects). Notably, FERC identified four technologies as being
USDA Small Wind Grants Cover 25% of Costs
Farmers, ranchers and rural business owners have until July 31, 2009 to apply for a Rural Energy for America Program ("REAP") grant from the USDA for the purchase and installation of small wind turbines. The grants provide up to 25% of the total installed cost of a small wind turbine system, and together with the
Show me the Money: Applications Available now for Washington’s State Energy Program
On July 1, 2009, Washington State’s Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (“CTED”) issued application guidelines and forms for its State Energy Program (“SEP”) (available by clicking here). The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Recovery Act”) provided $60.9 million in new funding for Washington’s SEP. Subsequently, the Washington Legislature allocated $38.5 million to CTED to administer a loan and grant program for energy efficiency and renewable energy program (see our client alert, available here, regarding the legislative action). Continue Reading Show me the Money: Applications Available now for Washington’s State Energy Program
DOE Announces $59 million in Conditional Loan Guarantees
On July 2, 2009, the Department of Energy ("DOE") announced $59 million in conditional loan guarantees in the form of $16 million for a wind turbine assembly plant and $43 million for a 20 megawatt flywheel energy storage plant.
Nordic Windpower, USA has been conditionally offered a $16 million loan to support the tooling and
San Diego Gas & Electric Issues RFO for Renewable Resources
Today, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) issued a Request for Offers seeking eligible renewable resources that the utility will use to meet its California Renewable Portfolio Standard requirements. Respondents may submit one or more of three alternative proposals:
- Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Respondents are asked to propose a 10, 15, or 20-year PPA
Cowlitz and Klickitat PUDs Share DOE Public Power Wind Pioneer Award
The U.S. Department of Energy Wind Powering America Program today announced that two Washington state public utility districts, Cowlitz County PUD and Klickitat PUD, are the co-winners of the 2009 Public Power Wind Pioneer Award for their outstanding teamwork and innovation in the development of the White Creek Wind Farm. The annual award was created