Submitted by Kim Herb on Thu, 11/12/2009 - 13:12
Posted in
If you think solar is our local energy future and if you want to support local energy efficiency programs, now is the time to act. Call or email the LPEA directors or sign the online petition, http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/lpeagreenpower/ to tell LPEA that you support local energy sustainability and revising the Green Power Program.
LPEA is in the process of revising its current Green Power Program (GPP). LPEA staff have made their proposals, and the board of directors will vote on the revisions at their November meeting. The revised GPP will be implemented beginning Jan. 1 of 2010.
Beginning this fall, LPEA will start promoting its “Just One Block” campaign to encourage participation in the voluntary GPP. LPEA currently charges $0.80 for a block of “green energy.” This is automatically split 50/50, with $0.40 given to Tri-State for wind generation and $0.40 retained by LPEA to fund local renewable generation and efficiency rebates. LPEA staff have proposed dropping the price of the blocks to $0.40 and giving individual contributors each the option of: 1. Designating 100% to Tri-State for wind generation; 2. Designating 100% to LPEA for efficiency rebates and local generation; 3. Retaining a Tri-State/LPEA split.
Election of the Tri-State option (#1) would be best for those seeking to offset their carbon footprint. This option would be appropriate for the new Durango Public Library, for instance. The library needs to purchase renewable power to maintain LEED certification. Because the cost of wind generation is less expensive than other types of renewable energy, Durango would get more value if it chose this option.
The local option (#2) would be best for those seeking to keep their money local. All money would be spent in the LPEA service area. It would create local economic opportunity and encourage investment in local energy efficiency improvements and renewable electricity generation.
LPEA staff have also proposed an LPEA match of members’ voluntary GPP block purchases. This would “encourage and support” participation in the program. If LPEA matched only the money designated for the local option, it would cost most members less than $0.25 a month.
Make your voice heard and your preferences known. Call or email the LPEA directors or sign the online petition, http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/lpeagreenpower/ to tell LPEA you support local energy sustainability and revising the Green Power Program
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