NASEO News

FEDERAL UPDATE

Kerry-Boxer Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act Summary and Overview

The U.S. Committee on Environment and Public Works prepared both a summary and overview of the "Clean Energy Jobs and America Power Act" legislation.  To view the summary, please click here.  For the overview, please click here.  To link directly to the committee website to view the original press release, the full text of the legislation, and all summary documents, please click here.

DOE and NREL Announce Open PV Mapping Project

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the beta release of the Open PV Mapping Project. The Open PV Mapping Project is a collaborative effort between government, industry, and the public that will develop a comprehensive database of photovoltaic (PV) installation data for the United States. The project is the largest installation database with over 50,000 entries.  For the full story and a link to the project's website, please click here.

Bold, Transformational Energy Research Projects Win $151 Million in Funding

The U.S. Department of Energy announced major funding for 37 ambitious research projects – including some that could allow intermittent energy sources like wind and solar to provide a steady flow of power, or use bacteria to produce automotive fuel from sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.  The $151 million in funding is being awarded through the DOE's recently-formed Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy ("ARPA-E").  ARPA-E's mission is to develop nimble, creative and inventive approaches to transform the global energy landscape while advancing America's technology leadership.  This is the first round of projects funded under ARPA-E, which is receiving total of $400 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  To view the full press release and additional information on the projects selected, please click here.

President Obama Announces $3.4 Billion Investment to Spur Transition to Smart Energy Grid

President Barack Obama announced the largest single energy grid modernization investment in U.S. history, funding a broad range of technologies that will spur the nation's transition to a smarter, stronger, more efficient and reliable electric system.  The end result will promote energy-saving choices for consumers, increase efficiency, and foster the growth of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.  The $3.4 billion in grant awards are part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, and will be matched by industry funding for a total public-private investment worth over $8 billion.  Applicants state that the projects will create tens of thousands of jobs, and consumers in 49 states will benefit from these investments in a stronger, more reliable grid.  To view the full press release and additional information about the grant awards, please click here

EVENTS AND COMMUNICATION

Mark Your Calendars: 2010 Energy Outlook Conference, February 1-4, 2010

NASEO and ASERTTI will host the 2010 Energy Outlook Conference in Washington, D.C., February 1-4, at the Fairmont Hotel.  Please click here to visit the event website for more information and to register online.  A preliminary agenda will be available soon.  Please continue to check the website for updates. 

National Council on Electricity Policy/NARUC Climate Conference, December 2-4, 2009

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and the National Council on Electricity Policy will co-sponsor the Utility of the Future in a Carbon-Constrained World Conference from December 2-4, 2009. The conference will begin by examining the potential energy landscape in 2030 and then delve into the possible paths that policymakers and utilities may choose to follow over the next few decades. You will hear from the regulators, lawmakers, industry officials, consumer advocates, and other utility executives responsible for getting the nation from the status quo to the new paradigm. Sessions include "Price Effects of a Carbon Policy," "Game-Changing Policies," and "A Look at Baseload, the Resources and the Concept Itself."  For more information on this conference and to register, please click here. Please note that registration is capped at 200 participants, so be sure to reserve your spot soon!

STATE AND LOCAL NEWS

Michigan Wind Energy Resource Zone Board Submits Report Identifying Four Regions with Highest Wind Energy Potential

The Michigan Wind Energy Resource Zone Board issued its final report, identifying the four regions in Michigan with the highest level of wind energy harvest potential. The report reiterates that the transition to increased wind energy development in Michigan will depend on a number of factors, such as state and federal policies and incentives, community acceptance, wind resources, land availability, and economic considerations.  Another factor that may affect the scope and pace of wind energy development will be the ability of the electric transmission system to support the delivery of such power to customers.  Please click here to read the full story.

Colorado Governor's Energy Office Partners with Energy Outreach Colorado to Target Weatherization Improvements for Multi-Family Buildings

The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) has selected Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) in a competitive solicitation for a third party administrator to provide weatherization services for large, multi-family buildings in Colorado. The project is designed to improve comfort, save energy and reduce utility bills for low-income families. EOC will target 700 units as part of its one-year, $2.8 million contract with the GEO. The work will create jobs, as the EOC will add staff as well as hire contract labor to conduct much of the actual weatherization and efficiency improvements. The GEO will gauge the success of this multi-family effort and could extend EOC's contract an additional two years. For additional information, please click here to read the full press release.

South Carolina Schools to Receive Stimulus Funds for Energy Efficiency Improvements

Marion County school districts will receive $264,000 in federal stimulus funds from the South Carolina Budget and Control Board's State Energy Office to make energy efficiency improvements.  South Carolina's 85 school districts are sharing $20.3 million in grants and loans for energy efficiency.  The state's two- and four-year colleges are receiving a total of $12.2 million, and state agencies are getting $7.4 million for energy efficiency improvements.  Each entity's allocation is based on the size of the organization's energy bill.  For more information, please click here to read the full press release.