PUC Approves Advanced Grid and Decoupling Cases
Two major cases affecting the future of electricity in our state were decided in COSEIA's favor by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission in oral rulings recently. The PUC approved the settlement of an Xcel Energy plan that will create a more advanced electric distribution grid, and another request from the utility to implement rates that will "decouple" Xcel's
incentive to sell more electricity from its ability to cover its fixed costs.
The PUC endorsed a settlement reached by a broad group of intervenors, including COSEIA, that will allow Xcel to install advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and associated components of an advanced communications network for customers. The improvements
will boost power reliability, allow for better integration of distributed generation onto the electric grid, and provide customers with more information to control and track their energy use. COSEIA was especially concerned about consumers having access to their own energy data, and commissioners emphasized consumer rights in their deliberations.
In the other major decision, the PUC endorsed decoupling for small commercial as well as residential customers. An Administrative Law Judge had recommended against including commercial customers. The Revenue Decoupling Adjustment is intended to remove Xcel's disincentive for encouraging both energy efficiency and distributed generation. Under decoupling,the PUC establishes a target level of sales for the utility. The PUC then compares actual revenue to the target level, and makes adjustments.
Background information on both cases is posted on the COSEIA web site in the
news section here and written decisions on both cases will be posted there when they are issued.
Request for Tariffs Could Double Solar Panel Prices
A solar trade case pending before the International Trade Commission poses significant risks to the entire U.S. solar industry, believes the Solar Energy Industries Association. This petition was filed by Suniva, a Chinese-owned solar company that has filed for bankruptcy,and supported by SolarWorld, a German-owned solar company. They are requesting that the federal government impose tariffs on imported solar cells and establish minimum prices on imported solar panels.
SEIA estimates that if the companies prevail, solar panel prices will double and the solar industry will lose up to 88,000 solar jobs nationally - and about 2,000 in Colorado.
COSEIA is asking member companies to let us know if you want to sign on to a letter that will be sent to members of our Congressional delegation. Please email Rebecca at
rcantwell@coseia.org if your company wants to sign on. There is also a model letter on the
COSEIA web site you can use to send your own letter.
Companies are also asked to fill out a questionnaire on the case. You can find more details and a template letter
here
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Solar Industry Comes Together to Celebrate the Solstice
The Solstice Celebration June 21 on the grounds of the Colorado Governor's Mansion was a big success with about 300 guests enjoying conversation, lawn games, trivia and the wonderful bluegrass music provided by
Thunder and Rain. Guests commented it was a rare chance for solar workers from a variety of companies to come together and party!
The event will support the
education and policy work of
New Energy Colorado
, a COSEIA- affiliated nonprofit. NECO works to educate Coloradans about clean energy. It is the home of our Solar CitiSuns initiative which encourages people to show their support for solar and joining a growing community willing to learn and get involved.
In addition to photos here, you can see more on the COSEIA Facebook Page.
Thanks to all of our great sponsors:
CertainTeed Solar, EcoMark Solar,
Sunrun, Namaste Solar, New Resource Bank, BriteStreet Energy, QuickmountPV, Aztech Energy and Clean Energy Collective
Special thanks to COSEIA Board member Kate Collardson of
CertainTeed Solar for her efforts spearheading planning for the Solstice Celebration.
McCarthy to build Weld County Solar Farm
The Poudre Valley Electric Association expects its new solar farm will include more than 40,000 panels and serve more than 600 customers through the 3.5 megawatt array. Under construction in the town of Kersey in Weld County, the 30-acre Platte Valley Solar Farm will be a project of Nashville, Tenn.-based Silicon Ranch Corp.
McCarthy Building Cos. Inc. will build the project and and plans to hire local subcontractors and craftsmen to provide the bulk of on-site construction work for the project, which is expected to last approximately three months. Read more
here.
Arion Energy Aquires SunKey Solar
Arion Energy announced the successful acquisition of Sustainable Designs, LLC DBA SunKey Solar, a Colorado distributed generation solar EPC contractor. SunKey, a privately owned company, has designed, and constructed more than 400 residential and commercial solar PV systems across Colorado and surrounding States since its inception in 2013. Read more
here.
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Boulder County Offers PV Rebates
Boulder County' has released a
Solar PV Rebate to help moderate income Boulder County residents afford a solar array. Eligible Boulder County residents can now apply for and receive $1/watt up to $3,000 to aid them in purchasing or leasing rooftop solar.
EnergySmart IQ Solar PV Rebate Details:
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Home must be located within Boulder County and owned by the applicant.
- Homeowner must enroll in EnergySmart and receive written confirmation that an EnergySmart IQ rebate has been reserved in their name, prior to signing a contract with a solar contractor.
- Income qualifications- ≤ 120% of the Boulder County Household Median Income found here.
- $1.00/watt and up to $3,000 per home can be awarded.
- Solar incentive will be paid directly to the homeowner.
Funds are limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fort Collins Utilities Offers Commercial Solar Purchase Program
Fort Collins Utilities has opened its Solar Power Purchase Program to incentivize the installation of new local solar systems on facilities of commercial customers. The basis is a fixed-price 20-year power purcha
se agreement between Utilities and system owners for solar generation.
Commercial customers may enter agreements with solar developers for installation of the systems, which may include financing, lease-purchase and rooftop property leasing.
Applications for the 2017 SP3 program will be accepted through Sept. 8, 2017.
Further details on the program can be found
here
.
Black Hills Offers RFP for New Resources
Black Hills Energy is seeking up to 60 megawatts of eligible energy resources in Phase II of its 2016 Electric Resource Plan (2016 ERP). Black Hills is conducting this competitive bid to determine if it can acquire eligible energy resources that will save customers money and renewable energy credits for compliance with Colorado's Renewable Energy Standard. The solicitation will be
completed online.
Black Hills will host a webinar on July 10, 2017 to review the bid criteria, evaluation process, bid policies, transmission and point of delivery details, dispatch and control requirements and the RFP schedule.
Proposals are due by 12:00 p.m. MDT, August 4, 2017. For more information about the RFP, bid policies and to submit a proposal go to
Black Hills Energy's Eligible Energy
.
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Announcing the Inaugural
Clean Energy Means Business
Corporate Summit
November 7-8, 2017 | History Colorado Center, Denver
Business leaders in the mountain west are increasingly seeking ways to lower
energy costs and advance sustainability plans. This gathering will provide executives and energy management leaders concrete information about how to pursue clean energy projects and save money by managing energy costs. Sponsored by the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association(COSEIA), the event will showcase regional and national pioneers in the corporate clean energy space.
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable insights on clean energy solutions, best practices and financing strategies. For more information on attending or sponsoring this event, please visit our website
here.
NREL's 40th Anniversary
Wednesday, July 12, 7 pm - Jefferson Unitarian Church
Denis Hayes: How NREL Won The Long Game for Clean Power
This event marks the 40th Anniversary of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and its predecessor, the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI).
Hayes was SERI's second director and famously co-founded Earth Days.
Co-sponsored by New Energy Colorado, the Colorado Renewable Energy Society
, and the JUC Green Task Force. Free, donations welcome.
14350 W. 32nd Ave Golden, CO 80401
Energy Day 2017
September 23, 2017 | Denver East High School
Energy Day 2017 is Colorado's inaugural FREE family festival showcasing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Energy Day will feature interactive demonstrations and exhibits with industry experts to spark students' interest in energy, efficiency, conservation and STEM careers. Participants of all ages will enjoy music, food and fun activities.
Denver Metro Green Homes Tour
October 7, 2017 | American Mountaineering Center, Golden, CO
Come and see some of the most green homes in the Denver Metro! Register at the American Mountaineering Museum, receive the map, guidebook, and take the self-guided tour. Visit each "green" home and talk with the home owners and volunteers about the green features of each home.
Full details are available
online
.
U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathalon
October 5th-15th | The 61st and Pena Blvd. Light Rail Station
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is a collegiate competition made up of 10 contests that challenge student teams to design and build full-size, solar-powered houses. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends design excellence and smart energy production with innovation, market potential, and energy and water efficiency. Additional activities will include educational talks provided by COSEIA.
More details can be found
here.
ASES Solar 2017
October 7-12, 2017 | CU Denver
SOLAR 2017 marks the American Solar Energy Society's 46th annual National Solar Conference, an event long-regarded for delivering cutting-edge research and valuable trends and analysis to the solar and renewable energy community.
More details can be found here.
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Know Someone Who Wants to Join COSEIA?
Elevate your business and establish your organization as a solar leader. Become a member of Colorado's solar trade association.
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Post news releases on our website homepage for free
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Promote your organization in our directory of solar businesses
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Benefit from website and sponsorship advertising opportunities
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Get professional recognition throughout Colorado and beyond
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Optimize financing for residential and commercial projects
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Reach valuable prospects - we are frequently contacted by developers and solar customers - we'll connect them with your business
To learn more about the advantages of COSEIA membership, contact Keelin Kelly at 303.333.7342 or visit
www.COSEIA.org
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