I've written more words on CWLP's five PURPA standards than any sane person could possibly want to read without being paid for it (sorry, CWLP staff, but you're going to get it all. :) ). So, here's the condensed form, if you want to skip the details and just tell CWLP that now is the time for change.
First, if you have any interest in getting CWLP to actively promote net metering so that it's easier for homeowners and businesses small and large to put up solar panels on their rooftops, let CWLP know that you want another chance to tell them so, face to face. Here's why, and here's how to tell them. We're asking that they merge a second hearing with a CWLP Community Energy Meeting already scheduled for the same night that comments are due, June 21.
Here's an explanation of why we're making the requests that we're making. Overall, we're asking that CWLP use these standards as a way of laying the foundation for a soft energy path that encourages distributed generation and helps to develop renewable energy infrastructure. Simply telling CWLP and your alderman that you support CES's vision for a soft energy alternative for Springfield would be a great help.
If you want to be more detailed, here's what we're asking for each standard:
- Interconnection and fossil fuel efficiency: CES agrees with CWLP recommendation that these standards be adopted, with the following comments:
- No comments on fossil fuel efficiency
- Interconnection: CWLP should provide a little more information in their recommendation, so that the effects of this standard are more easily understood.
- Interconnection: CWLP to review this standard to ensure that it works to encourage distributed generation, rather than simply allow it.
- Smart metering: CES agrees that this standard should be adopted for commercial customers, and further suggests that CWLP not reject this standard for residential customers. In particular:
- CWLP should not rule out the possibility of residential smart metering; in particular, they should investigate the feasibility of smart metering within a wifi network; they should also provide for a trial run for residential smart metering, as well as smart metering for all new residential developments.
- In assessing the potential for smart metering, CWLP should include a broader understanding of its possible benefits, including reduced pollution and a more concrete sense of revenue it may be able to generate from increased sales to the grid during peak demand.
- Net metering: CES agrees that this standard should be adopted, with the following comments:
- CWLP should eliminate or modify its 25 kW limit on net metering, to encourage net metering among its larger customers
- CWLP should eliminate its requirement for 10 customers to be interested before making net metering available; alternately, if CWLP keeps the requirement, it should recruit those ten customers.
- CWLP should drop the requirement that net metering customers fully support development of the net metering program, recognizing that these customers will allow for greater revenue through sales to the grid.
- Fuel diversity: CES agrees that this standard should be adopted, with the following comments:
- CWLP should commit to a public planning process to identify how Springfield wants to promote renewable energy development within our city limits. Part of this process should develop goals for each aspect of a comprehensive fuel diversity plan.
- CWLP should acknowledge the role that its green power program can play in developing renewables within Springfield.
- CWLP should include mention of energy efficiency and non-electrical renewables as furthering the goal of increasing fuel diversity.
You can tell CWLP by email, by phone, by mail, and by fax. All of their contact information is available here. We have no idea how seriously CWLP is taking our comments. We are detailed, but they only see a few of us. If you are interested in a sustainable Springfield--with a clean energy future with enhanced local self-reliance, that combines economic competitiveness with a strong ethic of protecting our natural resources and reducing the energy burden on our neighbors that struggle the most with their energy bills--please: let CWLP and your aldermen know.
Thank you.