EC February 2010

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15 participants
35 discussions

Fw: Chief Logan State Park
by Frank Young 04 Feb '10

04 Feb '10

----- Original Message ----- From: johnmcferrin(a)aol.com To: WVHCBOARD(a)yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 11:11 AM Subject: [WVHCBOARD] Chief Logan State Park Chief Logan State Park needs your help. As you know, we have appealed to the Supreme COurt the decision to allow gas drilling in Chief Logan State Park. The Court does not have to review every case. First it takes all the cases and sorts them into three piles: 1. Now worth fooling with. Judge in Circuit Court was obviously right, not interesting issues, whatever. 2. Definitely worth reviewing. 3. Can't decide if it belongs in #1 or #2 so we will let the appellant's lawyer appear and argue that it is worth reviewing. The Court has two dates scheduled for meeting and deciding which pile cases go in--February 11 and March 11. These are private conferences; no open court, public, etc. This is where you come in. The COurt will go into these meetings with a big pile of cases before it. Each one does not get a lot of attention. We need something to get the court's attention, make sure it does not glance at ours, toss it into Pile 1 (not worth fooling with). To do this, we need LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.. The judges read those. When the case comes up in conference, they will remember that this is something that hasa been in the paper, somebody cares about, etc. It helps make sure they pay attention to our case and don't just give it a quick look and toss it into the "not worth fooling with" pile. Our attorney, Tom Rodd, councils subtlety. He worked up there for several years and knows the score. He says that the Court does not like raucous public demonstrations. They would not agree to review a case if they thought that it would mean a hallway full of people dressed in fish costumes, Big Oil hung in effigy on the lawn, chanting, etc. If the letters are so outraged that the Court thinks this is a campaign that might result in a big demonstration, street theater, etc.they will just reject the case. The most useful letters are those which convey the message that this is a big deal, one that somebody on the court or in government needs to look at. Subtle enough so that the COurt does not get the idea that granting this appeal will produce a circus. Letters to the Gazette, the Dominion Post, or any other paper one of the judges might read are helpful. Writing sooner is best just in case our case comes up Feb. 11. Thank you John McFerrin John __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group Messages in this topic (1) Recent Activity: Visit Your Group Start a New Topic Working since 1967 for the conservation and wise management of West Virginia's natural resources Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest . Unsubscribe . Terms of Use. __,_._,___

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Re: [EC] WV Net Metering rules vs. "Alternative" energy
by DSGJr＠aol.com 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

I am simply not sure that is the case, Paul. Mike Manypenny has offered a new net metering bill of his own. We are still trying to sort all this out. Don Garvin, WVEC lobby team In a message dated 2/3/2010 3:44:55 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, pjgrunt(a)gmail.com writes: so we cannot put up these small windmills? (_http://www.ownyourwind.com/_ (http://www.ownyourwind.com/) ) and get net-metering for individual homes? cheers, paul On Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 11:04 AM, James Kotcon <_James.Kotcon(a)mail.wvu.edu_ (mailto:James.Kotcon@mail.wvu.edu) > wrote: The original net-metering rules, established around 2007, only applied to large utilities, and exempted the small municipal systems and rural coops in the state. This new rule would apply to all sellers of electricity, including those smaller systems with <30,000 customers. The new net-metering rules were mandated in the Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Act of 2009, pushed by Gov. Manchin. The biggest concern I have is that it extends the net-metering to non-renewable sources including various coal, tire-derived-fuels, natural gas, waste coal, and coal-bed methane. Furthermore, it retains the limit of 1 % of the utilities aggregate load, and no more than 15 % on any one 3-phase line or 5 % on a single-phase line. I think that means that an industrial facility using a waste coal or natural gas generator could preclude net-metering to residences using wind or solar. The more I think about this, the more it seems like a REALLY BIG PROBLEM. While the Governor's bill established the portfolio standard, it is not clear that it was meant to apply to the net-metering program. JBK >>> "John Balasko" <_mjmb(a)westco.net_ (mailto:mjmb@westco.net) > 2/3/2010 10:49 AM >>> This may be the original "net metering order" filed by the Commissioners for all electric utilities. Why don't the currently proposed rules apply to all electric utilities and not just those with less than 30,000 customers, and what are the significant differences? In response to the case 06-0708-E-GI, several smaller utilities filed net metering tariffs with the Commission. Mr. Rodecker filed for the Philipi utility. I'm new to this area, but I was told by a friend who has solar panels that excess generation produced by the customer was not paid for by the utility. The currently proposed rules provide for a true-up at the end of each reporting period. I'll have to do some more reading. John _06-0708-E-GI_ (http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/viewCaseForWebViewForm.cfm?Cas…) 01/26/2007 Order _View Document_ (http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI… NotType='WebDocket') General investigation into net metering, smart metering and interconnection standards set forth in the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 Commission Final Order that all electric utilities providing service are directed to file the net metering tariff on or before 2/15/2007; that each electric utility shall inform its customers of the net metering tariff and contact information for those customers interested; that each utility shall file affidavit evidencing notice on or before 4/10/2007; etc. Case Final. Removing from open docket. From: _Bill Howley_ (mailto:billhowley@hughes.net) Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 9:49 AM To: _John Balasko_ (mailto:mjmb@westco.net) Cc: _owner(a)goetc.com_ (mailto:owner@goetc.com) ; _WVBiker98(a)aol.com_ (mailto:WVBiker98@aol.com) ; _WVaPATH(a)yahoogroups.com_ (mailto:WVaPATH@yahoogroups.com) Subject: Re: [WVaPATH] WV Net Metering????? The rules for larger power companies may already be in place. I know of quite a few people who have been doing net metering with Allegheny and Appala chian Power for a couple of years now. The rules you note only apply to smaller utilities that do not have net metering programs in place. Allegheny has been doing net metering in MD for ten years. They already have programs set up. This rule is specifically for smaller WV companies, because they have never had to do net metering before. Del. Mike Manypenny from Taylor County has introduced a bill in the current legislative session that would dramatically expand WV's net metering program. Right now, net metering is set up so that any credits you run by producing more power than you use disappear in a relatively short time. Manypenny's new bill (I'll get you a bill number soon) allows businesses, homeowners and farmers to become net producers of electricity by requiring power companies to actually purchase power from you up to certain limits. I believe Manypenny's bill requires power companies to buy power up to 3 megawatt hours per year from businesses and 1 megawatt hour per year from farmers. John Balasko wrote: Thom, Kathy, Donna, Bill, WVPATH I thought you all might enjoy the continuation of this joke that we have gotten ourselves into. Is this something that requires lobbying action? _http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI D=288733&NotType='WebDocket'_ (http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI…'WebDocket') _GO 258_ (http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/viewCaseForWebViewForm.cfm?Cas…) 02/02/2010 Order _View Document_ (http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI… e='WebDocket') General Order No. 258 Commission Procedural Order that the Rules Governing Electric Utility Net-Metering Arrangements and Interconnections are promulgated as Commission proposed legislative rules; directing the Executive Secretary to publish a copy of the Notice of Rulemaking in Charleston; directing the Executive Secretary to serve a copy of the Notice by electronic mail or by First Class Mail upon all electric utilities operating in WV; directing the Executive Secretary to file a copy of the Rules with the Office of the Secretary of State; establishing a comment period; Initial Comments may be filed on or before 4/4/2010; Reply Comments may be filed until 5/5/2010; etc. The way I read the proposed rules Allegheny Power and Appalachian Power would be exempt from net metering because they serve more than 30,000 customers. Here is a list of the other generators affected: Black Diamond Power, Elk Power, Union Power, City of New Martinsville, City of Philippi, Craig-Botetourt Electric Coop; Harrison Rural Electrification, Shenandoah Valley Electric Also, "The total rated generating capacity of all customers served under this tariff shall be limited to one percent (1%) of the Company single hour peak load during the previous year. Do you think the legislature will approve the proposed rules????? The whole state and everything in it is controlled by COAL. Why do we allow our metallurgical coal to be shipped to China, India, and Eastern Europe by Consol, Massey, and others. If these companies and our "leaders" were so concerned about "national security," the shipments would be stopped. John __._,_.___ _Reply to sender_ (mailto:mjmb@westco.net?subject=Re:+[WVaPATH]+WV+Net+Metering?????) | _Reply to group_ (mailto:WVaPATH@yahoogroups.com?subject=Re:+[WVaPATH]+WV+Net+Metering?????) 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Re: [EC] WV Net Metering rules vs. "Alternative" energy
by James Kotcon 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

The original net-metering rules, established around 2007, only applied to large utilities, and exempted the small municipal systems and rural coops in the state. This new rule would apply to all sellers of electricity, including those smaller systems with <30,000 customers. The new net-metering rules were mandated in the Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Act of 2009, pushed by Gov. Manchin. The biggest concern I have is that it extends the net-metering to non-renewable sources including various coal, tire-derived-fuels, natural gas, waste coal, and coal-bed methane. Furthermore, it retains the limit of 1 % of the utilities aggregate load, and no more than 15 % on any one 3-phase line or 5 % on a single-phase line. I think that means that an industrial facility using a waste coal or natural gas generator could preclude net-metering to residences using wind or solar. The more I think about this, the more it seems like a REALLY BIG PROBLEM. While the Governor's bill established the portfolio standard, it is not clear that it was meant to apply to the net-metering program. JBK >>> "John Balasko" <mjmb(a)westco.net> 2/3/2010 10:49 AM >>> This may be the original "net metering order" filed by the Commissioners for all electric utilities. Why don't the currently proposed rules apply to all electric utilities and not just those with less than 30,000 customers, and what are the significant differences? In response to the case 06-0708-E-GI, several smaller utilities filed net metering tariffs with the Commission. Mr. Rodecker filed for the Philipi utility. I'm new to this area, but I was told by a friend who has solar panels that excess generation produced by the customer was not paid for by the utility. The currently proposed rules provide for a true-up at the end of each reporting period. I'll have to do some more reading. John 06-0708-E-GI 01/26/2007 Order View Document General investigation into net metering, smart metering and interconnection standards set forth in the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 Commission Final Order that all electric utilities providing service are directed to file the net metering tariff on or before 2/15/2007; that each electric utility shall inform its customers of the net metering tariff and contact information for those customers interested; that each utility shall file affidavit evidencing notice on or before 4/10/2007; etc. Case Final. Removing from open docket. From: Bill Howley Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 9:49 AM To: John Balasko Cc: owner(a)goetc.com ; WVBiker98(a)aol.com ; WVaPATH(a)yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [WVaPATH] WV Net Metering????? The rules for larger power companies may already be in place. I know of quite a few people who have been doing net metering with Allegheny and Appalachian Power for a couple of years now. The rules you note only apply to smaller utilities that do not have net metering programs in place. Allegheny has been doing net metering in MD for ten years. They already have programs set up. This rule is specifically for smaller WV companies, because they have never had to do net metering before. Del. Mike Manypenny from Taylor County has introduced a bill in the current legislative session that would dramatically expand WV's net metering program. Right now, net metering is set up so that any credits you run by producing more power than you use disappear in a relatively short time. Manypenny's new bill (I'll get you a bill number soon) allows businesses, homeowners and farmers to become net producers of electricity by requiring power companies to actually purchase power from you up to certain limits. I believe Manypenny's bill requires power companies to buy power up to 3 megawatt hours per year from businesses and 1 megawatt hour per year from farmers. John Balasko wrote: Thom, Kathy, Donna, Bill, WVPATH I thought you all might enjoy the continuation of this joke that we have gotten ourselves into. Is this something that requires lobbying action? http://www.psc.state.wv.us/scripts/WebDocket/ViewDocument.cfm?CaseActivityI…'WebDocket' GO 258 02/02/2010 Order View Document General Order No. 258 Commission Procedural Order that the Rules Governing Electric Utility Net-Metering Arrangements and Interconnections are promulgated as Commission proposed legislative rules; directing the Executive Secretary to publish a copy of the Notice of Rulemaking in Charleston; directing the Executive Secretary to serve a copy of the Notice by electronic mail or by First Class Mail upon all electric utilities operating in WV; directing the Executive Secretary to file a copy of the Rules with the Office of the Secretary of State; establishing a comment period; Initial Comments may be filed on or before 4/4/2010; Reply Comments may be filed until 5/5/2010; etc. The way I read the proposed rules Allegheny Power and Appalachian Power would be exempt from net metering because they serve more than 30,000 customers. Here is a list of the other generators affected: Black Diamond Power, Elk Power, Union Power, City of New Martinsville, City of Philippi, Craig-Botetourt Electric Coop; Harrison Rural Electrification, Shenandoah Valley Electric Also, "The total rated generating capacity of all customers served under this tariff shall be limited to one percent (1%) of the Company single hour peak load during the previous year. Do you think the legislature will approve the proposed rules????? The whole state and everything in it is controlled by COAL. Why do we allow our metallurgical coal to be shipped to China, India, and Eastern Europe by Consol, Massey, and others. If these companies and our "leaders" were so concerned about "national security," the shipments would be stopped. John __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group Recent Activity: Visit Your Group Start a New Topic MARKETPLACE Going Green: Your Yahoo! Groups resource for green living Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use. __,_._,___

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Fwd: New State and Local Victory Tracker
by Paul Wilson 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

fyi, paul ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Scott Elkins <scott.elkins(a)sierraclub.org> Date: Mon, Feb 1, 2010 at 4:11 PM Subject: New State and Local Victory Tracker To: CONS-CRP-MEMBERS(a)lists.sierraclub.org *Announcing the launch of the Sierra Club’s new State and Local Victory Tracker* http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/chapters/tracker/ Every day throughout the country, Sierra Club staff and volunteer activists are working hard and winning victories that improve their communities and make the world a cleaner, greener place. Now, we have a place on Clubhouse where we can recognize, celebrate and learn from our many state and local successes. The new State and Local Victory Tracker is available to all Sierra Club leaders and staff through the intranet Clubhouse site. The Tracker is set up to sort and filter victories by a number of variables, so that it’s easy to see the wins that are important to you. It’s a resource where chapter leaders can learn about proven campaign ideas; communications staff can find stories to share in Sierra Magazine, the Insider and other Club communications; and where everyone in the Club can keep up with the vital conservation work of chapters and groups. You are vital to the success of this new resource. We can’t begin to track all of the victories that Sierra Club activists are winning throughout the country, so we need you to be a part of making this happen. Visit the Tracker at the link below. If your chapter or group has won a victory that creates a positive change in the world, and if you don’t see that victory on the Tracker, let us know about it. A link at the top of the Tracker page will navigate you to the entry form, which takes only a few minutes to complete. After you submit your victory, we’ll confirm the information in your entry, and then post it to the tracker. New victories will be posted every week. Visit the State and Local Victory Tracker today. Learn about the work of your colleagues and friends, share in the celebration, and add your own stories. http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/chapters/tracker/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the CONS-CRP-MEMBERS list, send any message to: CONS-CRP-MEMBERS-signoff-request(a)LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp -- Paul Wilson Sierra Club 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-1361 "There is no forward until you have gone back" ~Buddha

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More greenhouse gas reduction than 100 Nukes!
by James Kotcon 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

What little know section of the House Cap-And-Trade bill would produce more greenhouse gas reductions than building 100 nuclear power plants? How about a Green Buildings Act? http://solveclimate.com/blog/20090723/oh-those-sexy-building-codes-more-eff… Enjoy! JBK

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EC February 2010