• Public comment needed on proposed IRP regulation changes
• Energy, Agriculture depts. provide $8.3 million for biofuels research
• Tidal power options explored in SF Bay
• Applications available for NABCEP’s next exam
• DOE, Disney join forces for energy-saving campaign

Public comment needed on proposed IRP regulation changes

Western is seeking public comment on changes proposed to the current regulations governing the integrated resource plans Western requires its customers to submit.

Customers will receive a letter notifying them of the date and location of a public forum, to be held later this summer in Denver, Colo. Western will also be accepting written comments from the public. More information about the public comment process will appear on the Western and Energy Services Web sites.

The proposed changes will cover three aspects of the current IRP regulations. The first proposal involves making customer IRPs more accessible for public review, such as by posting them on Western's external Web site.

The second proposal addresses issues faced by some member-based associations due to their large number of members and diverse member interests. Western is proposing to modify the requirement that each member of an MBA approve the IRP, confirming that all requirements have been met.  Instead, the proposal would require only the governing body of an MBA, which serves the interest of each member, to approve the IRP.

Finally, Western is proposing to allow customers to prepare regional IRPs, even when the customers may not be members of an MBA.  The proposal is intended to encourage cooperation on projects that would benefit from a regional approach to planning, such as collaborating on transmission projects.

Written comments will be accepted for 90 days following the publication of the Federal Register notice launching the formal process for the revisions. Comments from the public on other possible changes to Western’s IRP regulations will also be considered. For more information, contact Energy Services Manager Ron Horstman at 720-962-7419.

Energy, Agriculture depts. provide $8.3 million for biofuels research

The development of alternative fuel resources recently received a big push when Departments of Energy and Agriculture selected 11 biobased-fuel research projects for awards totaling $8.3 million.

The funding represents a continuing commitment to fundamental research into biomass genomics that will further the use of woody plant tissue for bioenergy and biofuels. The program was announced at last year’s Advancing Renewable Energy: An American Rural Renaissance, a conference jointly hosted by the two agencies in St. Louis, Mo.  In its second year, new research projects on cordgrass, rice, switchgrass, sorghum, poplar and perennial grasses join the projects on poplar, alfalfa, sorghum and wheat.

Starting in 2007, DOE will provide $5.5 million in funding for seven projects, while USDA will award more than $1.5 million to fund three projects; one project will receive $1.3 million in joint funding from both agencies.  Initial funding will support research projects for up to three years.

Awards have been selected for:

• University of Minnesota, $715,000
• South Dakota State University, $420,000
• Mississippi State University, $1,300,000
• University of Georgia, $400,000
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, $1,200,000
• University of Florida, $750,000
• University of Delaware, $600,000
• USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center (Albany, CA), $600,000
• USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center (Albany, CA), $600,000
• USDA-ARS (Cornell University), $700,000
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory, $1,040,000

The awards will be made through the Office of Biological and Environmental Research in the DOE Office of Science, and USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service National Research Initiative.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company signed an agreement with the City and County of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Energy Company to conduct a comprehensive study on harnessing the tides in San Francisco Bay to create a new source of zero-emissions, renewable electric power.

The initial phases of the multifaceted study will begin this summer and are estimated to take approximately twelve months. It will include thorough analyses of the Bay's energy potential, existing and emerging technologies to capture tidal energy, possible environmental impacts from such a project and the economic feasibility and other costs and benefits of tapping this new energy supply. If initial research findings affirm the feasibility and promise of tidal power, future plans could lead to the development of a full-scale commercial project.

The study effort will combine the resources and expertise of PG&E, CCSF and Golden Gate Energy. PG&E is committing to provide up to $1.5 million to fund research by third-party experts, dovetailing with up to $346,000 from CCSF for feasibility studies and stakeholder outreach. Golden Gate Energy, which currently holds key federal regulatory permits necessary to study the San Francisco Bay location, will work cooperatively to support the effort.

If the study results were to support the development of a project, the undertaking would require governmental regulatory review and approval, including public participation. As a result, the parties estimate that operation of a project would be at least three to five years away.

Applications available for NABCEP’s next exam

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners announced that applications are available for the September 29, 2007, Solar Electric and Solar Thermal exams for installer certification. Applications are due by July 27, 2007.

Applicants should first read the PV Candidate Information Handbook or the Solar Thermal Candidate Information Handbook for eligibility requirements. Application forms for the PV exam or the solar thermal exam can be downloaded. Users can also register free of charge to apply online for the September 2007 testing date.

Signed application forms must be accompanied by the required permits, inspection certificates, training transcripts and other documentation. A check or money order for the $50.00 application fee must be included for processing. For more information, contact NABCEP at 518-899-8186.

NABCEP offers national certifications for solar electric/photovoltaic installers and solar thermal installers.  Exams are administered twice a year, usually in the fall and spring. 

DOE, Disney join forces for energy-saving campaign

Rodents named Remy, Emile and Skinner will be spreading the message about energy-efficient lighting this summer through a partnership between the Department of Energy and Disney.

A 30-second animated spot featuring characters from Disney Pixar's new film, "Ratatouille," encourages viewers to switch from incandescent light bulbs to EnergyStar compact fluorescent lighting. Viewers are urged to visit the DOE Web site for more tips on saving energy or using renewable energy technologies in the home.