[XCSSA] Cheaper solar power heads mainstream

Sun, 27 May 2007 23:13:22 -0500

Hey Charles.. Here's that article I think I told you about reporting how 
scientists are starting to challenge the "human causality theory" of global 
warming.

http://tinyurl.com/36jyvw
"Climate Momentum Shifting: Prominent Scientists Reverse Belief in Man-made 
Global Warming - Now Skeptics
Growing Number of Scientists Convert to Skeptics After Reviewing New Research
...
Many former believers in catastrophic man-made global warming have recently 
reversed themselves and are now climate skeptics.  The names included below 
are just a sampling of the prominent scientists who have spoken out recently 
to oppose former Vice President Al Gore, the United Nations, and the media 
driven “consensus” on man-made global warming. 
..."

Tweeks

On Thursday 24 May 2007 21:29, xcssa-admin@xcssa.org wrote:
> On May 24, 2007, at 4:29 PM, xcssa-admin@xcssa.org wrote:
> > I agree 100%.  That's why I said when I build my own -- I won't
> > tell CPS
> > (or whoever) about it and just keep it separate.
> >
> > But if YOU, go out RIGHT NOW and install PV generation -- what do you
> > think is going to happen?  Even *IF* you keep it separate -- there is
> > going to be a drop in demand from CPS.  When Joe Blow's typical
> > bill is
> > $150 a month with lows of $90 and highs of $220, and their computer
> > tells them that now your typical bill is $20 with highs of $40 -- you
> > don't think SOMETHING is going to happen?  You can bet your sweet
> > toilet
> > muscle it will!
>
> In my experience, even with up to 7 months of temporary absence, they
> haven't done this.  There are lots of vacant, abandoned, etc., homes
> in San Antonio.  Even the police don't bother much with vacant homes,
> much to neighbors disappointment.  CPS is more limited in what they
> can do.  But I suppose they could take a look at your roof while
> reading your meter.
>
> In some states, maybe even most, power companies are required by
> state law to "buy back" electricity generated by renewable means.
> Quite often these laws require them to buy back (or credit) power at
> the actual rate paid by the consumer, not at some "wholesale" rate.
>
> The technical term for this is "net metering."   Texas has had a net
> metering law for 10 years.  However, the original law only applies to
> commercial power utilities, not to municipally owned utilities.
>
> Now, apparently there is also a federal "net metering" law, the EPAct
> of 2005, which also has an opt-out provision for municipal
> utilities.  They have to "consider" the new rules (which they just
> did, on May 17) but are not required to adopt them.
>
> CPS has been providing net metering services since 1999.  However, as
> has been said, CPS program only reimburses power returned to the grid
> at a "replacement cost to generate" rate, not the rate you pay.  BTW,
> these services are available to anyone with CPS service, if you want
> them.
>
> Very recently, there has been a public hearing on this (May 17,
> 2007).  Here's a recommendation prepared by CPS staff:
>
> http://www.cpsenergy.com/files/customer_comment_and_input/EPAct%20Net%
> 20Metering-PrelimRec(380706_1).pdf'
>
> It looks like they are pushing for the opt-out option.  Here is a
> page with related documents:
>
> http://www.citypublicservice.com/content_listInternet.asp?
> sect_id=4364&elmt_id=12
>
> I have to say I'm very disappointed with CPS in this area.  However,
> it has to be remembered that they are one of the lowest cost
> electricity providers in the country.  If you lived in Austin,
> Houston, or Dallas, you would be paying a lot more for electricity;
> you can see the comparison on every CPS bill.  That is more important
> to most people than their net metering rules.  Of course all
> utilities lose money when reimbursing power at the retail rate, and
> wouldn't do it if it weren't required by law.  One thing CPS likes to
> complain about is the cost of building and maintaining the grid is
> not accounted for in retail priced net metering.  OTOH, you could
> argue that locally produced energy is likely to be consumed fairly
> nearby, with less loss over the grid.  State and federal mandates
> support customer generated renewable power mainly for the goal of
> increasing renewable electricity generation, and that's your best
> argument.  We all need to do what we can.
>
> If there's something you don't like about CPS, you can contact your
> city council person, the mayor, etc., since they can cause CPS to
> change its policy.  "We" own CPS, and our representatives can make or
> change their rules.  You can also contact state reps, and see about
> changing the law so that municipal utilities have to provide the same
> net metering as commercial electricity providers do, and likewise
> your federal reps.
>
> Every Thursday, the City Council is open at 6pm until whenever for
> public comments.  Get a bunch of friends to go down and complain
> about CPS net metering policies.  You may want to get "on the
> speakers list" earlier in the day to be sure you have a chance to speak.
>
> Too bad we missed the Public Hearing on May 17.  The next CPS board
> meeting is on June 25.  There is also a Citizens Advisory committee.
>
> Thanks for bringing this up!
>
> With local battery storage, it has to be remembered that batteries
> are only about 50% efficient.  So, for fair comparison, double the
> CPS "replacement cost" rate, and consider the cost of batteries and
> battery maintenance.
>
> I suspect CPS would like to avoid getting a lot of attention for
> their stingy net metering rules.  So make a lot of noise.  But it
> helps to get all the facts too.
>
> Charles
>
>
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