News for July 09, 2002

Renewable Energy Benefits California Economy - More Jobs Created By Renewables Than Natural Gas, Says New Report

Interview with Tom Starrs

Power Crisis II - New problems could short out Dave Freeman and his DWP legacy

First Zero Energy Home Set for July Completion [Pleasanton, CA]

Powerlight enters Performanced-based Agreement with NEL-Hawaii

UniSolar inaugurates new Production Facility

Soaring achievement in spying - UC Berkeley team creating solar powered 'microfly' to infiltrate enemies

Toyota Advances Marketing of Fuel Cell-Electric Hybrid SUV

Making Electricity Directly from Sunlight [John Perlin]

Solar Energy Switch Could Add Jobs [Fresno]

IN BRIEF

California State Solar Tax Credit still in Limbo - In the governor's May update for the State Budget, it was proposed to suspend the Solar Tax Credit (SB 19xx) for one year. The Governor estimates the short-term suspension will help the State capture approximately $34 million in savings. The legislature has not approved the budget yet and there is still opportunity to voice your concerns by contacting the Chair and Vice Chair of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee to urge their retention of funds for the Solar Energy Tax Credit.

They can be reached at: Senator Steve Peace, Chair, Joint Legislative Budget Committee, State Capitol, Room 3060, Sacramento, CA 95814 AND Assemblywoman Jenny Oropeza, Vice Chair, Joint Legislative Budget Committee, State Capitol, Room 2196,Sacramento, CA 95814.

Joe Nation, Assemblyman from Marin/Sonoma, advises,"It is important to remember that the May Revision is simply an updated budget proposal put forth by Governor Davis, and I am confident the Legislature's Budget Committees will consider all available options for achieving a balanced budget, and in doing so, look at options to minimize cuts to homeowners. With that in mind, I urge you to contact the Chair and Vice Chair of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (of which I am not a member) to urge their retention of funds for the Solar Energy Tax Credit."

Solar Legislative Update - Net Metering (AB58) & CEC Renewable Energy Investment Plan SB 530 - AB58 (Net Metering) made it out of the energy committee and is moving along. SB 530, the bill that will enable the continuation of the CEC Buydown program, the committee has postponed the hearing. [Ed. note: seems all my Sacramento sources are on vacation. hopefully we'll have more details next time. Anyone close to the situation, pls send an email with more detailed update info. thx. Tor]

Summer 2002 Electricity Rates for PG&E, SCE and SDG&E Residential Customers - California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has posted a comparison table of electricity rates for Residential Customers. The latest rates include 5-tier rate structure, based on usage. It encourages energy conservation because rates increase as usage increases.

Alliance to Save Energy Pleasantly 'Shocked' That Its Humorous, 'Shocking' 'Static Electricity House' TV PSA Judged #2 TV Commercial in World Washington D.C., May 14, 2002 - The Alliance to Save Energy got a pleasant "shock" Saturday night when it discovered that its "Static Electricity House" television spot on home energy efficiency was voted the #2 TV commercial in the world. View the spot by clicking on the link above!

Habitat for Humanity Builds Zero-Net-Energy Prototype Homes DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) announced in mid-June that it is working with Habitat for Humanity to build 20 energy- efficient houses in nearby Lenoir City, Tennessee. The majority of the new homes will be prototypes of zero net energy homes -- homes that produce as much energy as they use. A house now under construction, for instance, will include structural insulated panels, a raised metal-seamed roof, a biomass-fired microturbine, a 2-kilowatt solar electric system, and a hydronic heating system. Four of the energy efficient houses have already been built.

So. Cal Edison Photovoltaic Workshops (FREE)- Gary Gerber, P.E., of Sun Light & Power Company, Berkeley, California, will discuss the pros and cons of different installation types and provide answers to frequently asked questions regarding photovoltaic (PV) installations. The discussion provides the basic information needed to size, locate, and install PV systems. Robert Thomas, P.E., of Southern California Edison, will discuss the Self-Generation Incentive Program, which provides cash incentives of up to 50% of the project's costs for the installation of new low or no-emissions generating systems.(4 AIA Learning Units). Dates/location: 8/5 Goleta(SCE Service Center); 8/6 Pt. Hueneme (Bldg 850); 8/7 Irwindale (CTAC). For more details and to register call (626) 812-7537 or (800) 336-2822 x2537