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Report Shows Utility Resource Planning Emerging as Driver of New Wind Generation

Utility resource planning is becoming an important driver of new renewable generation in the West, according to a new report released by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Through the resource planning process, 12 western utilities have called for the addition of more than 8,000 MW of new renewable generating capacity by 2014. Nearly half of these additions are planned not because of state or federal requirements, but rather because utilities are finding that renewable energy can make good business sense for them and their customers, according to the authors. This growing utility acceptance of renewable energy especially wind power is motivated by the improved economics of renewables, they say, as well as an increasing recognition of the inherent risks such as natural gas price risk and environmental compliance risk in fossil-based generation portfolios. The report, “Balancing Cost and Risk: The Treatment of Renewable Energy in Western Utility Resource Plans,” examines how the utilities treat renewable energy in their recent resource plans. “Our purpose is to highlight the growing importance of utility resource planning as a current and future driver of renewable generation,” said Mark Bolinger, one of the authors of the study, “as well as to suggest possible improvements […]

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Wisconsin Governor Proposes Renewables Portfolio Standard

On August 18, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle (D) recommended a 10% statewide renewables portfolio standard as part of a package of environmental bills and executive orders that he is calling “Conserve Wisconsin.” The Governor also recommends that state government lead the way by purchasing 10% of its power from renewable sources by 2006 and 20% by 2010. “Our strategy to grow our economy is to invest in our natural strengths our workers, our schools, and our environment,” Doyle said. “In my budget and as part of Grow Wisconsin, we’ve moved forward with real investments in our workers, and we’ve strengthened and protected our schools. To promote our quality of life and to continue to grow our economy, we must act now to preserve our environment for future generations.” The full agenda includes measures to: protect and conserve the state’s waters; prevent the spread of destructive invasive species; preserve forest land; clean up and revitalize contaminated, blighted urban neighborhoods; promote energy conservation and efficiency; and restore the state’s public intervenor to help citizens advocate for continuing environmental protection. “Wisconsin’s natural resources are not just part of our economy or what we do for recreation, they’re a fundamental part of who we […]

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