Wind Power News: Washington
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
BPA proposes plan to pay wind developers to reduce power when rivers high
The Bonneville Power Administration today proposed paying wind energy developers for reducing output to help balance the electricity supply during high river flows. If BPA decides to proceed with the compensation proposal, it would seek to split the cost equally between customers including electrical cooperatives and public utilities like Idaho Falls Power, and wind developers. BPA is releasing its proposal for public review now so the agency can meet a March 6 deadline for filing the proposal with the Federal . . .
BPA offers to split costs when it pulls the plug on wind farms
The Bonneville Power Administration has proposed to cover half the cost of wind farms’ lost revenue when it shuts off their output because there is too much hydropower already being generated in the region. Renewables advocates said Tuesday that the approach is unacceptable. The cost-sharing proposal is the latest bid to end a dispute that began this spring, when the federal power marketing agency accommodated the massive spring runoff and resulting surge in power production by cutting off wind farms . . .
Unneeded wind turbines can’t help environment
We knew this day was coming but still somehow hoped a voice of reason would provide a solution to a dilemma now faced by power companies. Washington voters approved an initiative in 2006 that required power companies to create green energy or buy credits from others who do. And the first mandate, requiring many utilities to purchase 3 percent of their power from renewable sources, kicks in this month. Unfortunately, hydropower isn’t considered renewable under the initiative. If it were, . . .
Say no to wind farm in the Gorge
This letter is being written with hopes that Gov. Chris Gregoire might read my concern. I was told that she will not read public comments or take phone calls regarding the Whistling Ridge Project. This wind project will place 400-foot-high wind turbines in a location that will forever mar the vistas that inspired protection of the Columbia River Gorge. Wind energy has proven to be not economical and relies on huge subsidies and tax breaks. It took years to create . . .
Ruling on wind power questioned
Washington’s congressional delegation is questioning a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s ruling in favor of Northwest wind power generator operators. Eighteen bipartisan Northwest senators and representatives sent a letter Tuesday to Energy Secretary Steven Chu as the region is weeks away from the spring snowmelt season. At issue is FERC’s December ruling that the Bonneville Power Administration discriminated against wind power generators when it limited the output from power generators other than hydroelectric power generators last year during high seasonal water . . .
Compromise sought on green-power mandate
Power companies this month are facing mandates voters imposed in 2006 to either produce green energy or buy credits from those who do. Utilities complain that Initiative 937 requires them to buy power they don’t need – especially with the economic downturn depressing demand – and say they are passing costs to their customers. Environmentalists credit the law for Washington’s burgeoning green-power industry, which they say has invested $7.5 billion here. Now the chairmen of the House and Senate energy . . .
Lawmakers seek compromise on energy mandate
Power companies this month are facing mandates imposed by voters in 2006 to either produce green energy or buy credits from those who do. Utilities complain Initiative 937 requires them to buy power they don’t need — especially with the economic downturn depressing demand — and say they are passing costs to their customers. Environmentalists credit the law for Washington’s burgeoning green-power industry, which they say has invested $7.5 billion in the state. Now, the chairmen of the House and . . .
Richland council wants to phase in power rate increases
Members of the Richland City Council on Tuesday said that they would prefer to phase in electric utility rate increases over time rather than delay and possibly face a higher lump sum increase. The council has been discussing electric utility rates in recent months since Energy Services Director Bob Hammond told them a rate increase is necessary to keep up with the cost of providing the service. Otherwise, the electric utility could be looking at a $5 million revenue deficit . . .
Rates and consequences
Does anyone remember I-937 that was passed by the voters in 2006? Apparently, many of the recent critics of Cowlitz PUD do not. The voters mandated that the PUD obtain its power from renewable sources, 3 percent this year increasing to 15 percent in 2020. Never mind that hydropower can’t be considered renewable. Do these same critics think that obtaining power from more expensive sources won’t make rates increase? That constructing wind farms and other new generation sources doesn’t cost . . .
Energy Secretary wrong
I am glad to see the recent letters to the editor critical of wind power. It’s an asset but needs improvement. 1. Wind power generation should not be subsidized, it’s too unreliable. 2. Wind energy should not be given priority over hydro energy when transmission lines are at capacity. Letting water spill over the dams hurts salmon recovery efforts that already cost us millions. That’s nuts! 3. Wind power should be used to pump water to higher elevations so the . . .
