Solar Energy in Oregon, Washington Projected to Make Big Gains!
Powered by growing residential and commercial markets, the neighboring states of Oregon and Washington are set to make significant gains this year in new solar installations, according to the recently-released U.S. Solar Market Insight 2014 Year in Review. The two Northwest states are expected to top 200 megawatts (MW) of combined solar electric capacity by the end of 2015 - enough to power nearly 25,000 homes. Read more here.
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PGE Wants to Raise Rates in 2016
PGE recently filed a general rate case which proposes to raise rates in January 2016 and later in the second quarter of 2016. The first increase is 2.6% on residential customers and the second is 4.3%. The reason for the second increase is that it corresponds with the date when PGE's new power plant comes on-line.
PGE proposed to partially offset this increase by paying a refund to customers over one year rather than two years. In addition, because the BPA's residential exchange credit (the mechanism that shares benefits of the federal hydro system with customers of investor owned utilities) is increasing, residential customers will receive an additional offset. The net effect is that rates would go down by 1.2% in January, before they go up by 4.3% in the second quarter of the year.
CUB is just beginning its review of the filing. Our initial review has identified several things:
1. The 2.6% rate hike on January 1 is not justified by the filing.
Read More.
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Northwest Solar Communities: Making Solar Permits Easy for Oregon!
In Oregon, rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are growing at a rate of over 30% annually, providing an ever increasing number of jobs and becoming a more common clean energy choice for homeowners. As residents and businesses increasingly choose to install solar electric systems, jurisdictions are searching for new systems to efficiently meet increased customer demand for permits. Responding to this challenge, Northwest Solar Communities (NSC) convened a team of jurisdictions, industry partners, and citizen groups to develop standardized solutions that make the process of going solar simple, fast, and cost effective for customers and the jurisdictions that serve them.
Read more here.
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New NABCEP Career center!
The NABCEP Career Center is designed to help companies of all sizes find and hire the most qualified professionals in the solar industry and offers the best opportunity for job seekers to get hired. As a Job seeker, you can set up an account for free to search for jobs in the solar industry. You can also upload and maintain resume documents, or take advantage of the resume critiquing tool featured on the website. The NABCEP Career Center is the perfect place to highlight your NABCEP Certification to get noticed by companies that are hiring. As an Employer, you can easily set up an account and post job opportunities in the solar industry. Employers who are seeking NABCEP Certified Professionals or candidates with PV Entry Level Achievement to fill a position will receive a discounted rate. You will be able to manage and organize all submitted applications as well as search the resumes posted on the career center for applicants that meet your company's qualifications. Click Here to get started!
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Elemental Energy Goes Off-Grid in Mexico
One of the cornerstones of Elemental Energy is facilitating the advancement of renewable energy technology worldwide. We've dedicated our personal time and professional expertise to solar installs on medical clinics, schools, dormitories, and homes in underdeveloped regions of Central America and Africa.
In January we traveled to Playa Agua Blanca, a small coastal community in Mexico's Oaxaca State, for an install on an off-grid bed and breakfast. Read more here.
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From 30 to 0: In the Time it Takes to Make Up Your Mind
by: John Patterson
I remember being told by an older, wiser gentleman that he could be dropped naked out of an airplane, parachute into the middle of nowhere and be able to survive and eventually thrive. He said, "The first night I'd find or make shelter. The next day I would get food and make something to wear. Eventually I would find my way to civilization and get a job. There would be something I could do that would have value to someone, even if it were sweeping the floor. From there I would climb the ladder of success and eventually arrive where I am now." He owned his own company, an employment agency. Read more here.
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Take the Pledge: Renew Oregon
TAKE THE PLEDGE Oregonians are committed to a clean energy future that will keep pollution out of the air we breath, the water we drink and the places we call home. Living up to that commitment means transitioning off of dirty, polluting energy to a renewable, efficient energy economy. It's time for Oregonians to join together and take a stand for good-paying jobs, healthy communities and the clean environment we all deserve.
We have a chance to put Oregon on the right path. We can promote a prosperous economy while limiting pollution. We can protect Oregon for future generations while taking care of families today. We need your voice to do it.
* Support clean energy and better jobs for all Oregon families * Transition Oregon off coal power to clean, renewable energy sources * Support clean fuel choices and expanded transportation options * Hold big polluters accountable for the true cost of their carbon pollution
Click here for more information.
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Climate Solutions 7th Annual Breakfast
Monday, May 4th - Seattle, WA
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