Sierra Club Litigation Stayed for Settlement Discussions
Posted on May 11, 2011 in Litigation | Comments Off on Sierra Club Litigation Stayed for Settlement Discussions
A federal judge has stayed discovery in the Sierra Club’s litigation against Dairyland Power Co-operative to allow for settlement discussions between the parties. The Sierra Club alleges that Dairyland violated the Clean Air Act and Wisconsin’s state implementation plan at two coal-fired power plants. See Law360 for additional details (subscription required).
South Carolina Cooperative Enters Smart Grid Market
Posted on May 10, 2011 in Grid & Infrastructure | Comments Off on South Carolina Cooperative Enters Smart Grid Market
South Carolina’s Central Electric Power Cooperative recently approved the first paid WattBoss pilot program, which is set for deployment this year. The WattBoss technology, being introduced this year by Electranetics Inc., will share information with utilities and the customer, and will provide the customer with greater control of its consumption, thereby decreasing energy costs....
Missouri Cooperative Implements Innovative Funding Plan for Broadband Network
Posted on May 10, 2011 in Financing, Project Development | Comments Off on Missouri Cooperative Implements Innovative Funding Plan for Broadband Network
Co-Mo Electric Cooperative, an electric cooperative in Missouri, has implemented a novel way to raise community support for two pilot fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks. The coop plans to begin construction if it gets 35 percent of customers in its service area to pay a $100 deposit and commit to take one year of broadband service. The coop has also garnered the support of two local...
DOE Recognizes Farmers Electric Cooperative as a Green Power Leader
Posted on May 10, 2011 in Climate Change, Grid & Infrastructure, Renewable Energy | Comments Off on DOE Recognizes Farmers Electric Cooperative as a Green Power Leader
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recognized Farmers Electric Cooperative of Kalona, Iowa, in its annual assessment of leading utility green power programs. Using information provided by utilities, NREL has developed “Top 10” rankings of utility green power programs for 2010 in the following categories: total sales of...
Nevada Coop Approves Award of Patronage Capital
Posted on May 10, 2011 in Patronage Capital | Comments Off on Nevada Coop Approves Award of Patronage Capital
Valley Electric Association (VEA) members voted on Saturday in favor of a bylaw change that will allow half of the coop’s patronage capital to be paid out to current members. VEA’s current bylaw policy disburses patronage capital on a first-in, first-out payment system. Last year, the VEA board approved the payment of $2.14 million in patronage capital to previous members – all those...
Proposed Net Metering Amendment Controversial in Minnesota
Posted on May 9, 2011 in Energy Savings Programs, Legislative & Politics, Project Development, Renewable Energy | Comments Off on Proposed Net Metering Amendment Controversial in Minnesota
A proposed amendment to Minnesota’s net metering law would allow utilities to pay wholesale, rather than retail, rates to small power generators producing less than 40 kilowatts. Many rural coops argue that the state’s current law forces other customers to subsidize the coops’ small generator customers and with significant rate implications. Opponents to the proposed amendment are...
Changes on the Horizon for the Nation’s Largest Coop
Posted on May 9, 2011 in Corporate Governance | Comments Off on Changes on the Horizon for the Nation’s Largest Coop
Two seats are up for grabs on the Pedernales Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, and six candidates are vying for the board positions. Over the next few weeks, coop members will review annual board election procedures in addition to voting for candidates. Also on the ballot is a referendum to determine whether an at-large electoral system should continue or a district-based...
New Mexico Coop Board Seeks Dismissal of Recall Petition
Posted on May 9, 2011 in Corporate Governance, Litigation | Comments Off on New Mexico Coop Board Seeks Dismissal of Recall Petition
An April 29 petition calling for the replacement of all but two members of the Kit Carson Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees faces dismissal after the Board filed a formal motion requesting a judge throw out the recall effort. The Board alleges the petition was signed under false pretenses by many of the signatories who believed it was a petition to prevent rate increases. Read the...
Alabama Coop Makes Progress Restoring Power to Customers
Posted on May 6, 2011 in Reliability | Comments Off on Alabama Coop Makes Progress Restoring Power to Customers
According to The Daily Sentinel, Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative has been able to restore power to around 5,000 of its customers. The coop continues to work with crews from around southeast to restore power for 2,300 more customers, but efforts may take up to five days.
Cooperative Among Participants at Congressional Hearing on the Future of Hydropower Generation
Posted on May 5, 2011 in Environmental, Legislative & Politics, Project Development, Regulation & Policy, Renewable Energy | Comments Off on Cooperative Among Participants at Congressional Hearing on the Future of Hydropower Generation
The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing Wednesday to discuss the legal and regulatory barriers to increased hydropower generation. Consumers Power, Inc., an Oregon cooperative, was among the participants and noted concerns about overgeneration related to the rapid increase of wind being generated in the region. For CPI’s complete testimony, click...
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