Save the date: December 10 - 12, 2012 Bastrop, TX |
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DATES TO REMEMBER
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Lampasas Hearings on Proposed Solar and Wind Ordinances
Lampasas, TX
Thu Apr 5, 2012 6:00 PM
Texas Policy Luncheonand TREIA Policy Committee Update
Austin, TX
Monday, April 9, 2012 TREIA Board Meeting Austin, TX April 13, 2012
Denver, CO April 16 - 19, 2012
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NEW MEMBERS
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Energy Strategy Group
San Antonio, TX
Kyle McKeen
Individual Member
Richardson, TX
David Weinberg Texas League of Conservation Voters Austin, TX
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TREIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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President: Steve Wiese, Clean Energy Associates
Vice President: Hala Ballouz, Electric Power Engineers, Inc.
Secretary: John Lichtenberger, SunEdison
Treasurer: Richard Amato, Venti Energy
Members:
Kevin Gresham,
E.On Climate &
Renewables
Andrew McCalla,
Meridian Solar
Colin Meehan,
Environmental Defense
John Pitts,
SunPower Corporation
Mike Sloan, Virtus Energy
Research Associates
Billy J. "B.J." Stanbery,
HelioVolt Corporation
Carol Tombari,
Carol Tombari Consulting
Mark Walker, NRG Energy
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TREIA STAFF
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Executive Director:
Russel Smith
Director of Finance: Kathryn Houser
Manager of Operations: Scott Kornfeld
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Greetings!
Welcome to the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association newsletter. This newsletter is sent to you as a member or Friend of TREIA. If you've got suggestions please let us know by hitting reply and giving us your feedback. Thanks for staying in touch!
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Texas Policy Luncheon & TREIA Policy Committee Update ...
Open to TREIA Members and All Interested Parties
"Policy Luncheons provide opportunities to hear from and get to know the leaders of agencies of government whose decisions shape our future. Large attendance at policy luncheons and forums featuring these officials affirms to them our continued high level of commitment to developing renewables in Texas and helps address challenges ahead." - Russel Smith
The featured speaker is H. B. "Trip" Doggett, President and CEO, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and ERCOT Representative on Board of Directors.
ERCOT has successfully integrated the highest level of renewable energy in the nation into its grid operations. Mr. Doggett will discuss some of ERCOT's successes and challenges at this dynamic time. His presentation will be followed by a Q&A period.
When: Monday, April 9, 2012
Where: Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
700 San Jacinto at 8th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Ticket: $35 - TREIA Members
$45 - Non-Members
Registration: Click here to register online now
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Save the Date ...
TREIA Electric Generation Adequacy & Reliability Forum
The Case for a More Diversified Grid
May 8, 2012
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Texas Capitol Building
Open to public - No Charge
Detailed Agenda Available Soon
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PUC Energy Storage Rule Final Order Filed
The Public Utility Commission's Staff Proposal for Adoption of the Rulemaking on Energy Storage Issues (Project No. 39917), has been approved.
The rule as proposed was initially approved by the Commissioners at Open Meeting on Feb. 23 with some modifications expressed by the Commissioners in general terms but not in specific language. The effective date was to be March 29. On February 29 the Staff filed their proposed edited version incorporating language which was to reflect the Commissioners' intent. The Commissioners determined that it did not accurately reflect the desired changes.
A Corrected Version came before the Commission in Open Meeting on March 7 and was once again approved pending incorporation of additional changes. PUC Staff finished crafting language reflecting these latest changes, and the Commissioners have accepted the new language. The ORDER ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO §25.192 AND §25.501 AS APPROVED AT THE MARCH 7, 2012 OPEN MEETING was filed on March 30. Links to the 60 page Order appear below. More>
Click here> Pages 1 - 50
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DRG 3rd Party Ownership Rule Awaits Final PUC Action
On December 13, 2011 the Public Utility Commission of Texas filed its proposal to amend PUC Substantive Rule §25.211, relating to Interconnection of On-Site Distributed Generation (DG), and §25.217, relating to Distributed Renewable Generation. This action, identified as Project No. 39797, is more commonly referred to as the "Rulemaking to Implement SB 365 & SB 981 Relating to Distributed Generation." Of direct interest to TREIA is the implementation of SB 981, the "Third Party Ownership Law" passed by the Legislature in 2011.
The proposed amendments that implement SB 981 streamline theregistration of on-site distributed generation, and amend the definition of distributed renewable generation owner (DRGO) to include retail electric customers that contract with third parties. This allows for third party ownership models for DRG, broadening the definition of a DRGO to include ... More>
El Paso Electric Co. (EPE) filed initial comments in which it proposed an addition to the definition of a DRGO in the Commission's proposed rule. This added language would have the effect of exempting EPE from the measure. In a separate not directly related action, on February 1, 2012, EPE filed a general rate case (PUC Docket No. 40094). TREIA filed reply comments at the PUC on February 6 expressing opposition to inclusion of the EPE proposed modification to the proposed definition of a DRGO, and suggesting ... More>
Subsequent to these events and actions, on February 27, Senator Jose Rodriguez, Senator John Carona, and Representative Dee Margo filed a letter expressing legislative intent at the Commission relating to Project No. 39797 which strongly supports the TREIA position affirming the definition of a DRGO as stated in SB 981 and in PUC proposed rule language. At time of this newsletter's publication the Commission had yet to adopt a Final Order the under Project No. 39797. More> |
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Rulemaking Giving ERCOT Authority to Evaluate Alternative Technologies Open for Comment
PUC Project No. 40150 - Rulemaking on ERCOT Authority to Conduct Pilot Projects to Evaluate Resources, Technologies, and Processes - is currently in play.
The Commission has proposed amendments to §25.361, relating to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The proposed amendments add a new subsection (k) that would give ERCOT the authority to conduct pilot projects and allow ERCOT to grant temporary exceptions from ERCOT rules, as necessary to effectuate the purposes of the pilot projects. These amendments are competition rules subject to judicial review as specified in Public Utility RegulatoryAct (PURA) §39.001(e).
The Proposed Rule was published in the TEXAS REGISTER on March 9, 2012. Comments were due on March 29, 2012. Twelve comments were filed.
Reply comments may be filed through April 8 ... More>
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Port of Corpus Christi's Harbor Wind Project Goes On Line - A Texas First
Corpus Christi, TX (March 9, 2012) -
Revolution Energy, LLC, the Port of Corpus Christi, and U.S. Bank are proud to celebrate the official opening of the first phase of the "Harbor Wind Farm." The event will be held on Monday, March 12 at 3:30 p.m., at the Harbor Wind Farm located at 3918 Joe Fulton Corridor, followed by a reception at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center located at 402 Harbor Drive.
The project was developed on the North side of Port Corpus Christi Inner Harbor. Revolution Energy's Harbor Wind Farm is known to be one of the first wind energy farms located on industrial port property in North America. "The Port is honored have Revolution Energy, LLC as one of its tenants. This project marks a step forward towards the Port's support to the future of clean energy; positioning the port as one of America's Wind Energy Ports leaders." said Mike Carrell, Chairman, Port Corpus Christi Commission. ... More>
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Seminole: 2008, $500,000 (increased to $650,000 last year). Desalination project using wind power as energy source. Funding partners include Texas Water Development Board and Texas Tech University.
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$5 Million + Awarded For Texas Renewables Since '08 Listed
The Program Continues At Texas Dept. of Agriculture
The 82nd Texas Legislature in 2011 voted to eliminate the Texas Department of Rural Affairs (TDRA) and transfer its programs and some of its personnel to the Texas Dept. of Agriculture (TDA). Over the previous three years, the TDRA had maintained a modest focus on renewable energy development in rural areas. One staff person, Travis Brown, was tasked to administer grant funds for a Renewable Energy Demonstration Pilot Program (REDPP) funded primarily with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies.
Attached is a list of six awards that have been made through REDPP over the past four years. ... More>
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New Round Of Renewable Energy Grants For Texas Communities Announced
$500,000 Maximum Available From Texas Dept. of Agriculture
Grants for rural communities to install wind turbines, solar panels or other renewable energy technologies on water or wastewater treatment systems are available from the Texas Department of Agriculture. The grants are offered through the department's Renewable Energy Demonstration Pilot Program (REDPP). For 2012, $500,000 is available, with a maximum grant of $500,000. "That means we probably will fund only one or two projects," said Travis Brown, renewable energy program manager with TDA. Brown said the application form and guidelines will be available in mid-April and the deadline for applications will be in mid-July. Those interested in applying should contact Brown at (979) 968-5103 or at travis.brown@texasagriculture.gov |
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Eneref Institute Seeks Solar Thermal Case Studies For Web And Media Spotlight
Doylestown, PA (March 1, 2012) -
The second phase of Eneref Institute's "Solar Thermal Advantage" initiative - designed to promote the benefits of solar heating and cooling to the trade media was launched on March 1st 2012. ... More>
As part the initiative to promote solar heating and cooling, Eneref Institute will launch an industry-wide website www.shc.eneref.org featuring successful case studies demonstrating the benefits of using the sun's energy for heat. A promotional effort for the website will begin in the second quarter of 2012. Solar heating installers and manufacturers are invited to submit their successful case studies online, at www.casestudy.eneref.org.
For details on Eneref Institute's mission, research, and efforts to promote sustainabile technologies through the media, go to www.eneref.org. To contact call 917.779.8600 or e-mail casestudy@eneref.org.
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Ribbon Cutting For Fort Hood 684 kW PV System - Axium Solar Installed
Fort Hood, TX (March 27, 2012) -
Fort Hood, joined by partners Universal Services Fort Hood ("USFH"), Axium Solar ("Axium"), and SCHOTT Solar PV, Inc. ("SCHOTT Solar"), today celebrated the activation of a 684 kW photovoltaic (PV) system at the base's Liberty Village Military Housing.
"The future of the Army starts here at Fort Hood," said Garrison Commander Col. Mark Freitag. "Generating solar energy at military housing is a win for our soldiers, for Fort Hood, and for our larger community. We are committed to bringing renewable energy to the base and leading in the Army's challenge for Net Zero energy." ... More> Axium, a woman owned solar EPC (Engineer, Procure, Construct) firm executed the 4-month project to install the solar energy system. "Axium Solar is proud to have been able to design and install a project that benefits our soldiers and their families," said Yvonne Kendrick, President and CEO of Plano, TX based Axium Solar. "Because this project is so important, we were extra diligent in our selection of partners. SCHOTT Solar is a valuable partner to us not only for the high quality panels they produce in Albuquerque, but their proven stability of their products over the life of the system. This solar energy system will produce clean energy for the Army for decades to come." ... More> The Department of Defense objective is to use 25% renewable energy to power its installations by 2025. Contact Rusty Speed, Axium Solar, 972-633-8680, rustyspeed@axiumsolar.com, www.axiumsolar.com. |
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Texas Green Chamber of Commerce Established
A new business organization, Texas Green Chamber of Commerce, has been formed in Texas to empower sustainable economic development throughout the state. The organization's mission is to promote sustainable economic development in Texas by advancing public policy initiatives and business practices that foster environmental and social responsibility. Individuals interested in learning more about The Texas Green Chamber are invited to attend a Special Reception in the Dallas area on March 27 and Houston on April 3. ... More>
For more information visit www.texasgreenchamber.com, email info@texasgreenchamber.com, or contact Greg Vaughn, g.vaughn@texasgreenchamber.com, (214) 620-9165.
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Principal Solar Names J. Peter Lynch To Advisory Board
Principal Solar, Inc, a publicly traded renewable energy holding company rapidly advancing the inevitable, worldwide utilization of solar energy through a unique roll-up strategy, today announced the appointment of J. Peter Lynch, a pioneer in renewables in the investment banking industry and a renewable energy expert with more than 35 years of experience as a Wall Street security analyst and investor in emerging technology firms, to its Advisory Board. Lynch, who served as contributing editor for the Photovoltaic Insider Report for 17 years, provides thought-leadership on a global basis to major energy companies, utilities and governments. ... More>
Contact Joelle Caputa, CPR for Principal Solar, Inc., 201.641.1911 x54, Jcaputa@cpronline.com.
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ImagineSolar Hosting Free Hands-on PV Mounting System Training
Date: Thursday, April 26th
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: 4000 Caven Road, Austin, Texas
You can pre-register for this free event here or register onsite for an opportunity to win a seat in ImagineSolar's PV601 course on Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Design and Costs.
Participants can earn North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Continuing Education credits to keep their NABCEP certification requirements. ... More>
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SolarBridge Welcomes New Vice President Of Marketing
Austin, Texas (March 14, 2012) -
 SolarBridge Technologies (SolarBridge), a leading provider of PV microinverter solutions, today announced that Craig Lawrence, Ph.D., has joined SolarBridge as vice president of marketing to support the worldwide deployment of SolarBridge's innovative, award-winning power electronics solutions. In this role, Lawrence is responsible for strategic marketing, product management, product marketing and marketing communications. ... More> |
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German American Chamber of Commerce Houston Office Undergoing Leadership Changes
March 13, 2012 - Houston, Texas-
In 2008, the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc. (GACC South) re-opened a branch office in Houston, Texas to bolster German-American business activity in the southern United States. Starting with just three staff members, the Houston office has experienced impressive growth since then. Its strategic placement has allowed the GACC South to grow its membership in the south Texas area and focus on renewable energy projects, which thrive in Texas as the state is number one in wind energy capacity. ... More>
Last week, Jan Christoph Wiedemann, who helped open the branch as Managing Director, announced his departure from the GACC South, effective May 1. ... More>
Julia Zimmermann, who also helped open the branch as Project Manager, will be promoted to Managing Director of the Houston Office. ... More>
Julia is excited about her new role and about working with the GACC South's new President & CEO Martina Stegmeier. ... More>
Contact:Pamela Jackson, Manager, Communications, (404) 586-6833 pjackson@gaccsouth.com.
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Solar Capital Group Funds Arlington's Largest Solar Installation
Austin, TX (3/19/12) - a
President Jim Young, and VP Blake Taylor of Solar Capital Group, LLC toured the completed commercial solar system at Brandon Oaks Apartment Complexin Arlington, Texas. The 205 kw systemwas one of 3 multi-family sites completed with funding assistance provided by Solar Capital Group's Utility Rebate Funding Program. The apartment complex's system was comprised of both roof-top solar and parking lot structures.
City of Arlingtonbuilding inspectors stated, "these systems are the largest photovoltaic systems that have been installed via building permit in the City of Arlington". ... More>
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DISCLAIMER: Reference to a specific company, product, or service, in TREIA's Renewable Energy Record, does not constitute or imply recommendation or endorsement by TREIA. TREIA is not legally responsible or liable for claims by third parties expressed herein or in links from this publication. We hope the information in this newsletter was of value and easy to read. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for timely topics!
Sincerely, |
Russel Smith, Editor
Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association
Debrah Dubay, Layout & Design
Dubay Communications |
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