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Showing posts with label Eco El Paso. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eco El Paso. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Now the Hard Work Begins
It was a slam dunk to get El Paso City Council to say "no" to the El Paso Electric Company's proposed rate hikes. It will be a whole different game with the Public Utility Commission of Texas. They are supposed to take up EPEC's case on January 15, 2016. Such cases usually take 30 days.
The El Paso Times reported yesterday (PUC staff: Electric rate request $17M too high) that a PUCT staff report recommended a lower rate hike. However, "[t]he PUC staff also allowed the utility to keep its proposed new rate class for residential customers with rooftop solar systems, which would increase those customers' electric rates more than regular residential customers. That proposal is being fought by solar-system installers, homeowners with solar systems and others."
Jim Schwarzbach of El Paso Title commented on Facebook today:
"In Friday's PUC filings, there is one staff recommendation that is troublesome. Brian T. Murphy, a Senior Rate Analyst in the Tariff and Rate Analysis Section of the Rate Regulation Division gave direct testimony on 12/18.
"In this direct testimony he clearly states that he thinks the city/county and university rate classes should go away, but he never mentions partial rate class by name. However, when asked if he supports the Company's proposed classes for the purpose of cost allocation he states 'Yes' without hesitation. He also states that:
"'It is equally important to adjust rate components in the rate design phase to address intra-class subsidies so that the charges experienced by customers within a class are more representative of cost. When customers within a class have not been bearing their fair share cost, it is appropriate to change the rate structure by adjusting the relationships among the existing rate components, or by introducing new, more accurate rate components, so that the charges experienced by customers more accurately represent the costs incurred by the utility to provide services to the customers.'
"I think that statement is his way of saying the residential rate class should be split into solar and non-solar, but he doesn't have the scrotal contents to come out and say it.
"I'm hoping that more staff direct testimony will be filed in the next few days. I also hope these are just recommendations and that the solar penalty known as partial requirement services can be thrown out—but I would have felt a lot better if Brian Murphy had come out against EPEC trying to kill solar."
All of this means that more than ever before, the people of El Paso must make it clear that they want the rooftop solar industry to be protected and they want it to grow with more incentives for people of all incomes to go solar.
The good news is that "U.S. lawmakers agreed to extend tax credits for solar and wind for another five years. This will give an unprecedented boost to the industry and change the course of deployment in the U.S." See Bloomberg Business report, What Just Happened in Solar Is a Bigger Deal Than Oil Exports. (Be sure to watch the video.)
Eco El Paso is a non-profit leading the fight for the rooftop solar industry and user here in El Paso against EPEC's attempt to destroy that industry. Board member, Shelby Ruff, urged people to write the PUC in this email:
"Eco El Paso needs your help!
"We are intervening against El Paso Electric at the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas to stop them from raising our electric rates and attacking solar homeowners by creating a new rate class that penalizes solar homeowners.
"PLEASE WRITE A LETTER TO THE PUC of TEXAS TODAY! Tell them NO to rate hikes and attacks on solar homeowners.
"Public Utility Commission of Texas
Attn: Filing Clerk
Rate Case #44941
1701 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78711-3326"
Be sure to donate whatever you can to Eco El Paso.
Also visit Citizens Against El Paso Electric's Attack on Solar on Facebook.
The really hard work begins now.
The El Paso Times reported yesterday (PUC staff: Electric rate request $17M too high) that a PUCT staff report recommended a lower rate hike. However, "[t]he PUC staff also allowed the utility to keep its proposed new rate class for residential customers with rooftop solar systems, which would increase those customers' electric rates more than regular residential customers. That proposal is being fought by solar-system installers, homeowners with solar systems and others."
Jim Schwarzbach of El Paso Title commented on Facebook today:
"In Friday's PUC filings, there is one staff recommendation that is troublesome. Brian T. Murphy, a Senior Rate Analyst in the Tariff and Rate Analysis Section of the Rate Regulation Division gave direct testimony on 12/18.
"In this direct testimony he clearly states that he thinks the city/county and university rate classes should go away, but he never mentions partial rate class by name. However, when asked if he supports the Company's proposed classes for the purpose of cost allocation he states 'Yes' without hesitation. He also states that:
"'It is equally important to adjust rate components in the rate design phase to address intra-class subsidies so that the charges experienced by customers within a class are more representative of cost. When customers within a class have not been bearing their fair share cost, it is appropriate to change the rate structure by adjusting the relationships among the existing rate components, or by introducing new, more accurate rate components, so that the charges experienced by customers more accurately represent the costs incurred by the utility to provide services to the customers.'
"I think that statement is his way of saying the residential rate class should be split into solar and non-solar, but he doesn't have the scrotal contents to come out and say it.
"I'm hoping that more staff direct testimony will be filed in the next few days. I also hope these are just recommendations and that the solar penalty known as partial requirement services can be thrown out—but I would have felt a lot better if Brian Murphy had come out against EPEC trying to kill solar."
All of this means that more than ever before, the people of El Paso must make it clear that they want the rooftop solar industry to be protected and they want it to grow with more incentives for people of all incomes to go solar.
The good news is that "U.S. lawmakers agreed to extend tax credits for solar and wind for another five years. This will give an unprecedented boost to the industry and change the course of deployment in the U.S." See Bloomberg Business report, What Just Happened in Solar Is a Bigger Deal Than Oil Exports. (Be sure to watch the video.)
Eco El Paso is a non-profit leading the fight for the rooftop solar industry and user here in El Paso against EPEC's attempt to destroy that industry. Board member, Shelby Ruff, urged people to write the PUC in this email:
"Eco El Paso needs your help!
"We are intervening against El Paso Electric at the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas to stop them from raising our electric rates and attacking solar homeowners by creating a new rate class that penalizes solar homeowners.
"PLEASE WRITE A LETTER TO THE PUC of TEXAS TODAY! Tell them NO to rate hikes and attacks on solar homeowners.
"Public Utility Commission of Texas
Attn: Filing Clerk
Rate Case #44941
1701 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78711-3326"
Be sure to donate whatever you can to Eco El Paso.
Also visit Citizens Against El Paso Electric's Attack on Solar on Facebook.
The really hard work begins now.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Is EPEC's Strategy To Be Bought Out?
El Paso Electric Company looks toward the Public Utility Commission of Texas to save their rate hike proposal in El Paso which includes putting rooftop solar customers into a special rate class while raising their rates by nearly 25%. On December 8th, the El Paso City Council voted unanimously against the proposed rate increases and the “attack” on solar homeowners.
The El Paso Sierra Group has supported Eco El Paso financially in its effort to intervene against El Paso Electric both at City Council and now, most probably, in front of the PUCT.
Jefferies, a stock analysis group, predicted that EPEC’s game plan all along has been to take the matter before the Utility Commission. Jefferies reported: “[T]he company will take the long road to Austin for a litigated decision.”
However, EPEC’s longer-range game plan may be more contemptible. In an interview with outgoing EPEC CEO, Tom Shockley, the El Paso Times revealed that he had been an officer of a company in the 1990’s which tried to take over El Paso Electric. Although that attempt failed, the EP Times reports that “Shockley said El Paso Electric may be courted by larger utility companies in the future.”
The implications of his statement are shocking. It seems that El Paso (and New Mexico) ratepayers are footing the bill for large infrastructure projects and exorbitant rates attractive to shareholders in order to make EPEC a more viable and lucrative takeover target.
The PUCT hearing is set for early next year.
Visit www.ecoelpaso.org to help the fight against EPEC.
The El Paso Sierra Group has supported Eco El Paso financially in its effort to intervene against El Paso Electric both at City Council and now, most probably, in front of the PUCT.
Jefferies, a stock analysis group, predicted that EPEC’s game plan all along has been to take the matter before the Utility Commission. Jefferies reported: “[T]he company will take the long road to Austin for a litigated decision.”
However, EPEC’s longer-range game plan may be more contemptible. In an interview with outgoing EPEC CEO, Tom Shockley, the El Paso Times revealed that he had been an officer of a company in the 1990’s which tried to take over El Paso Electric. Although that attempt failed, the EP Times reports that “Shockley said El Paso Electric may be courted by larger utility companies in the future.”
The implications of his statement are shocking. It seems that El Paso (and New Mexico) ratepayers are footing the bill for large infrastructure projects and exorbitant rates attractive to shareholders in order to make EPEC a more viable and lucrative takeover target.
The PUCT hearing is set for early next year.
Visit www.ecoelpaso.org to help the fight against EPEC.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
As Predicted
Here is an email from Shelby Ruff the Co-Founder of Off Grid Hardware:
"City Council Voted NO [unanimously] against El Paso Electric’s proposed rate increases & attacks on solar homeowners. A letter will be sent to the Utility CEO Today to make it official.
"Please continue to support your local non-profits that are paying for the lawyers to intervene on behalf of the citizens of El Paso so we can have a voice. Eco El Paso (www.EcoElPaso.org) is a major voice in this case. EPEC may appeal the ruling to the PUC of Texas so we’re not done yet. We need your support at Eco El Paso and every dollar and volunteer matters a great deal!
"We will keep you posted as the case continues with the Public Utility Commission of Texas and our lawyer will continue to battle on our behalf."
Senator RodrÃguez issued the following statement regarding El Paso City Council's unanimous vote to oppose El Paso Electric Company's proposed rate increases:
"The City Council did the right thing in deciding to contest El Paso Electric's rate proposal, which would raise rates for all residential customers by about 10 percent, and at least double that for customers with rooftop solar. This is particularly troubling because residential solar installation is rapidly growing in El Paso, providing relief to the grid and well-paying building trades jobs for community members. I look forward to the City vigorously advocating for all El Paso Electric customers as the rate case progresses."
Count on EPEC appealing the case to the PUCT. That has been there plan all along.
"City Council Voted NO [unanimously] against El Paso Electric’s proposed rate increases & attacks on solar homeowners. A letter will be sent to the Utility CEO Today to make it official.
"Please continue to support your local non-profits that are paying for the lawyers to intervene on behalf of the citizens of El Paso so we can have a voice. Eco El Paso (www.EcoElPaso.org) is a major voice in this case. EPEC may appeal the ruling to the PUC of Texas so we’re not done yet. We need your support at Eco El Paso and every dollar and volunteer matters a great deal!
"We will keep you posted as the case continues with the Public Utility Commission of Texas and our lawyer will continue to battle on our behalf."
Senator RodrÃguez issued the following statement regarding El Paso City Council's unanimous vote to oppose El Paso Electric Company's proposed rate increases:
"The City Council did the right thing in deciding to contest El Paso Electric's rate proposal, which would raise rates for all residential customers by about 10 percent, and at least double that for customers with rooftop solar. This is particularly troubling because residential solar installation is rapidly growing in El Paso, providing relief to the grid and well-paying building trades jobs for community members. I look forward to the City vigorously advocating for all El Paso Electric customers as the rate case progresses."
Count on EPEC appealing the case to the PUCT. That has been there plan all along.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
El Pasoans Oppose EPEC Rate Hike Proposal
When do solar users, Western Refinery, El Paso Association of Builders, environmentalists, a Roman Catholic priest, the City of El Paso and home owners come together? When El Paso Electric proposes ridiculous rate hikes and a new classification for solar users. That's when.
You can read the El Paso Times story HERE.
El Paso Electric's CEO, Tom Shockley, who was compensated $1.99 Million in 2014, argued that rates for each class must be brought up to cost. Of course, that cost is based on outdated models and outdated methods of production. As Western Refinery pointed out, the cost of a kW is the cost of a kW. It is no different whether you or I buy it or a solar owner buys it or Western Refinery buys it. BTW, Western Refinery let it be known that they are now looking into ways to produce their own electricity. Why buy it from the private company that acts like a public utility and makes $90 Million or so per year and pays Shockley nearly $2 Million? One speaker referred to him as the "Sheriff of Nottingham" from the legend of Robin Hood.
Although EPEC ads and their flim-flam yesterday at City Council continues to purport that everyone is subsidizing solar, it is the other way around. Solar users add to the grid. I'll say that again. Solar users add to the grid. The number of solar users is growing and the job market (primary and so on) is growing with it as evidenced yesterday by nearly a half of Council chambers being taken by Solar City employees.
Ray Adauto, the President of the El Paso Association of Builders, cited a report on national trends showing that, by 2018, one-half of home builders will be using solar voltaics and ground source heating. The trend is toward being more green with the expectation that, by 2020, 81% of American home builders will be green. In El Paso, Carefree Homes and Saratoga Homes have already begun installing solar panels on the homes that they build in El Paso.
In spite of all the opposition to El Paso Electric's rate hike proposals as demonstrated by 99% of those in attendance at yesterday's City Council meeting, EPEC may still have everyone on the ropes. Agreement with City Council is unlikely to be reached so the utility will litigate at the Public Utility Commission of Texas. A November 20, 2015 Jefferies stock report predicts:
"Since the 2012 Show Cause order City Council has four new members (out of eight), a new mayor and a new city manager. While some investors may recall the 2012 Show Cause proceeding, which coincided with Occupy El Paso, it seems from recent press reports that the current City Council may struggle to approve any rate request. Local press reports have emotions running high at the Council over municipal identification cards and a 25% raise to the new city manager. Also Representative Cortney Niland, who in 2012 spearheaded the Show Cause proceeding, narrowly won reelection in May 2015 which we believe will lessen her ability to steer any discussion on utility matters at the Council. Jefferies believes that the politics in El Paso may add to the uncertainty with the rate filing and believe the company will take the long road to Austin for a litigated decision."
The issue is whether smaller intervenors such as Eco El Paso can continue to afford an attorney. Check out www.ecoelpaso.org and, if you can, please donate.
The peak of rhetoric came from Representative Peter Svarzbein in what must go down in the annals of El Paso history as the "Is It Fair" speech. To hear it, go to the city's video page > Special Council Meetings > 12/02/15. Advance to 1:08:07.
Mayor Leeser answered his rhetorical questions thus: "No it isn't," the Mayor said, "and that is why the City is intervening.
You can read the El Paso Times story HERE.
El Paso Electric's CEO, Tom Shockley, who was compensated $1.99 Million in 2014, argued that rates for each class must be brought up to cost. Of course, that cost is based on outdated models and outdated methods of production. As Western Refinery pointed out, the cost of a kW is the cost of a kW. It is no different whether you or I buy it or a solar owner buys it or Western Refinery buys it. BTW, Western Refinery let it be known that they are now looking into ways to produce their own electricity. Why buy it from the private company that acts like a public utility and makes $90 Million or so per year and pays Shockley nearly $2 Million? One speaker referred to him as the "Sheriff of Nottingham" from the legend of Robin Hood.
Although EPEC ads and their flim-flam yesterday at City Council continues to purport that everyone is subsidizing solar, it is the other way around. Solar users add to the grid. I'll say that again. Solar users add to the grid. The number of solar users is growing and the job market (primary and so on) is growing with it as evidenced yesterday by nearly a half of Council chambers being taken by Solar City employees.
Ray Adauto, the President of the El Paso Association of Builders, cited a report on national trends showing that, by 2018, one-half of home builders will be using solar voltaics and ground source heating. The trend is toward being more green with the expectation that, by 2020, 81% of American home builders will be green. In El Paso, Carefree Homes and Saratoga Homes have already begun installing solar panels on the homes that they build in El Paso.
In spite of all the opposition to El Paso Electric's rate hike proposals as demonstrated by 99% of those in attendance at yesterday's City Council meeting, EPEC may still have everyone on the ropes. Agreement with City Council is unlikely to be reached so the utility will litigate at the Public Utility Commission of Texas. A November 20, 2015 Jefferies stock report predicts:
"Since the 2012 Show Cause order City Council has four new members (out of eight), a new mayor and a new city manager. While some investors may recall the 2012 Show Cause proceeding, which coincided with Occupy El Paso, it seems from recent press reports that the current City Council may struggle to approve any rate request. Local press reports have emotions running high at the Council over municipal identification cards and a 25% raise to the new city manager. Also Representative Cortney Niland, who in 2012 spearheaded the Show Cause proceeding, narrowly won reelection in May 2015 which we believe will lessen her ability to steer any discussion on utility matters at the Council. Jefferies believes that the politics in El Paso may add to the uncertainty with the rate filing and believe the company will take the long road to Austin for a litigated decision."
The issue is whether smaller intervenors such as Eco El Paso can continue to afford an attorney. Check out www.ecoelpaso.org and, if you can, please donate.
The peak of rhetoric came from Representative Peter Svarzbein in what must go down in the annals of El Paso history as the "Is It Fair" speech. To hear it, go to the city's video page > Special Council Meetings > 12/02/15. Advance to 1:08:07.
Mayor Leeser answered his rhetorical questions thus: "No it isn't," the Mayor said, "and that is why the City is intervening.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Stop El Paso Electric Limiting Our Ability to Go Solar
Senator Rodriguez's office issued this press release:
Stop EPE from limiting our ability to go solar
WHAT: Solar advocates and concerned Texans will rally in front of El Paso City Hall as they provide public comment in opposition of El Paso Electric (EPE) anti-solar proposal. The special El Paso City Council meeting on December 2nd is being held in response to public pressure against EPE’s proposed rate increases and discriminatory tax on solar customers. The El Paso City Council will take public testimony beginning at 9 a.m. on December 2. The Council is expected to weigh in on the rate case at their December 8th meeting.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 2nd
Rally: 8:30 am
Public Hearing: 9:00 am
WHERE: El Paso City Hall
300 N. Campbell St, El Paso, TX 79901
Background: EPE’s proposal will impede the ability of its customers to go solar and exercise energy choice. The high demand charges, part of three charges included in the proposal would undermine the investments of middle class Texas families, churches and schools that desire to control ever increasing utility charges.
Also be sure to check out ecoelpaso.org for more information and to take action.
Stop EPE from limiting our ability to go solar
WHAT: Solar advocates and concerned Texans will rally in front of El Paso City Hall as they provide public comment in opposition of El Paso Electric (EPE) anti-solar proposal. The special El Paso City Council meeting on December 2nd is being held in response to public pressure against EPE’s proposed rate increases and discriminatory tax on solar customers. The El Paso City Council will take public testimony beginning at 9 a.m. on December 2. The Council is expected to weigh in on the rate case at their December 8th meeting.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 2nd
Rally: 8:30 am
Public Hearing: 9:00 am
WHERE: El Paso City Hall
300 N. Campbell St, El Paso, TX 79901
Background: EPE’s proposal will impede the ability of its customers to go solar and exercise energy choice. The high demand charges, part of three charges included in the proposal would undermine the investments of middle class Texas families, churches and schools that desire to control ever increasing utility charges.
Also be sure to check out ecoelpaso.org for more information and to take action.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Rodriguez Says "No" to El Paso Electric
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| Who will EPEC hurt? Not the rich but young, struggling families such as the Villalreals |
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| Senator José Rodriguez addresses the press |
Several salient points were made:
Solar is clean energy.
Solar reduces the use of our scarcest resource - water.
The rates will penalize the poorest El Pasoan.
Solar adds not subtracts to the electric grid.
Solar technology is 21st Century technology. El Paso Electric Company is operating on 20th Century technology and business model.
Most powerfully - solar is about jobs and not just for installers but for electricians, plumbers, roofers, construction workers and more.
In fact the solar industry nationwide employs more workers than the oil and gas industries combined.
With El Paso's unemployment rate going up, solar should be encouraged.
Students see the potential for jobs and careers in solar.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Eco El Paso Says "Don't Get Shocked"
Eco El Paso announces “Don’t Get Shocked” Outreach
Campaign Saying “No!” to all rate Increases
El Paso, Texas – Eco El Paso and multiple community partners announced the launch of their “Don’t Get Shocked!” outreach campaign. The outreach will focus on directly contacting 10,000 homeowners in high voter turnout precincts throughout the entire city and providing information about the detrimental effects the proposed rate increase could have on El Paso as well as motivating consumers to directly contact their city representative and express their concern.
“Eco El Paso is working on behalf of the citizens of El Paso to keep rates reasonable for all rate classes and encouraging economic growth,” stated board president Fred Dalbin. “The rate case is about keeping all energy generation and conservation technologies, such as solar, accessible for everyone.”
Outreach will initially focus on consumer contact and utilize volunteers to reach homeowners across the city. In addition to volunteer efforts, Eco El Paso is working to develop and deliver paid outreach in the form of mail and broadcast television over the coming weeks.
In August 2015 El Paso Electric Company (EPEC) filed Rate Case #44941, which raises electric rates by 16.45%, proposes higher demand rates that will impact the vast majority of El Pasoans and increases rates for rooftop solar owners by over 36%. Eco El Paso has filed as an intervener in this case arguing that the creation of a separate rate for solar owners is discriminatory and regressive and without reasonable justification. Being an intervener requires EEP to engage an attorney in Austin, where the case will be heard and voted on by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). We are telling the community and PUC not to let El Paso Electric raise ANY of our electric rates.
Eco El Paso is a non-profit organization that promotes eco‐sensitive and energy efficient community planning, building design, construction and facility maintenance in El Paso’s region to professionals in the design, construction and building maintenance industry. It provides educational training seminars and presentations from experts in the various trades for residential, commercial and institutional projects. Go to www.ecoelpaso.org for more information.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Senator Rodriguez to Oppose EPEC Rate Hike Proposal
Word on the street is that State Senator José Rodriguez will hold a press conference this coming Monday, November 23rd. He will be speaking out against the rate hike proposals by El Paso Electric. He has apparently chosen the home of a young Hispanic family as the venue for his conference. The family installed a solar panel and the EPEC hike will hammer them.
El Paso Electric has been falsely claiming in their advertisements that solar users are taking money from all the rest of us and especially from lower-income rate payers. The truth is that solar customers help all customers in the system and EPEC customers shouldn't have to pay for EPEC's outdated business model that builds and minimally uses power generators but still wants everyone to pay more for these dinosaurs. Senator Rodriguez's choice for a venue will demonstrate that it isn't solar users hurting struggling rate payers. No. It is EPEC that is hurting them.
Eco El Paso, which has intervened in the rate case, makes these points:
El Paso Electric has been falsely claiming in their advertisements that solar users are taking money from all the rest of us and especially from lower-income rate payers. The truth is that solar customers help all customers in the system and EPEC customers shouldn't have to pay for EPEC's outdated business model that builds and minimally uses power generators but still wants everyone to pay more for these dinosaurs. Senator Rodriguez's choice for a venue will demonstrate that it isn't solar users hurting struggling rate payers. No. It is EPEC that is hurting them.
Eco El Paso, which has intervened in the rate case, makes these points:
- Solar energy is either immediately used by the homeowner or El Paso Electric immediately sells it to its other ratepayers.
- Solar homeowners pay full retail price for the energy received from the grid and pay all fees and taxes just like every other homeowner. Solar is just an efficient appliance that saves money just like an energy efficient refrigerator or AC unit.
- Electricity from solar homeowners reduces Transmission & Distribution costs on the Utility.
- Solar creates clean solar energy and reduces pollution and fossil fuel dependence.
- Solar reduces peak demand and is as cost effective as natural gas.
- The Sun City has some of the best solar radiation in the country that we can harvest to create jobs and clean energy.
- Solar saves ratepayers money!
- Solar creates jobs and economic development!
- Solar subsidizes the utility!
Visit ecoelpaso.org for more information.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Houston Solar Industry Isn't So Sunny
To be an electric consumer in Houston can be daunting. Just take a look at this chart comparing electric companies in the Space City. The good news is that, because of the deregulated market in Houston, rates are less than other Texas cities. The bad news is that there is no incentive for solar and so solar energy in Houston is more expensive than other Texas cities.
Austin and San Antonio have publicly owned utilities and can, therefore, set goals for solar energy. In Houston solar power lags far behind other Texas cities, Ryan Holeywell writes: "Austin Energy, for example, offers a solar rebate program that pays customers $1,250 per kilowatt of solar capacity they install. It also has a financing program that can offer loans for solar infrastructure of up to $20,000, according to the report. CPS Energy in San Antonio has a solar rebate program too, with extra funding for customers who use local solar installers."
In the long run, photovoltaic solar energy will be the most cost effective alternative for consumers. You pay for the equipment but, from that point onward, you don't pay for the electricity. You also shouldn't have to pay a utility for increasingly antiquated power stations run by natural gas produced by hydrofracking, a process which consumes billions of gallons of water, threatens ground-water supplies, and creates environmental havoc above ground. Those same power plants use billions of gallons of water both for running the turbines and then for keeping the plant cool.
It is unfortunate that El Paso Electric Company has chosen to try to crush the solar industry with all of its jobs and local entrepreneurs. Eco El Paso has become an Intervenor in the EPEC rate hike case before the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). Through Public Citizen they have an action petition online that sends your opposition note to the Mayor and City Council. HERE is the link. There is also a separate petition about the rate hike nonsense HERE. Links to both may be found in the right hand column of this blog.
Please support the work of Elpasonaturally.
Austin and San Antonio have publicly owned utilities and can, therefore, set goals for solar energy. In Houston solar power lags far behind other Texas cities, Ryan Holeywell writes: "Austin Energy, for example, offers a solar rebate program that pays customers $1,250 per kilowatt of solar capacity they install. It also has a financing program that can offer loans for solar infrastructure of up to $20,000, according to the report. CPS Energy in San Antonio has a solar rebate program too, with extra funding for customers who use local solar installers."
In the long run, photovoltaic solar energy will be the most cost effective alternative for consumers. You pay for the equipment but, from that point onward, you don't pay for the electricity. You also shouldn't have to pay a utility for increasingly antiquated power stations run by natural gas produced by hydrofracking, a process which consumes billions of gallons of water, threatens ground-water supplies, and creates environmental havoc above ground. Those same power plants use billions of gallons of water both for running the turbines and then for keeping the plant cool.
It is unfortunate that El Paso Electric Company has chosen to try to crush the solar industry with all of its jobs and local entrepreneurs. Eco El Paso has become an Intervenor in the EPEC rate hike case before the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). Through Public Citizen they have an action petition online that sends your opposition note to the Mayor and City Council. HERE is the link. There is also a separate petition about the rate hike nonsense HERE. Links to both may be found in the right hand column of this blog.
Please support the work of Elpasonaturally.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Say NO to El Paso Electric
El Paso Electric Company's proposed rate hikes are not just a burden on all rate payers such as yourself but punish those who use solar panels and discourage the use of clean, renewable solar energy. The utility argues that added infrastructure costs are not shared equitably because solar users are not buying all of their electricity from them. Yet, if more people used clean, alternative photovoltaic solar power, there would be no need for added infrastructure - power lines and power stations. The simple fact is that El Paso Electric Company wants you to buy all of your electrical energy from them and they want you to buy more of it. And, btw, traditional electrical production requires massive amounts of water - a very scarce resource for all of us. Photovoltaic solar power uses just enough water to clean off the panels maybe twice per year.Support solar energy. Support conservation. Tell the Mayor and City Council of El Paso to say NO to EPEC's request for higher rates on all of us.
When I created the change.org petition yesterday, I told just a few people. I had not posted it to social media yet. I hadn't blogged about it. Almost instantly it got 83 supporters. Let's see what happens now that the news starts getting out.
Go HERE to say HELL NO to El Paso Electric's rate hike proposal. Spread the word.
Friday, February 7, 2014
The Friday Video: Designing Healthy Communities
Following Eco El Paso's successful symposium this week, today's video features keynote speaker, Dr. Richard J. Jackson. It's a bit over an hour so make time to watch it. You can also see it on your Smart TV or stream it to your television with a device such as Roku.
Check the right hand blue column for two books - one edited by Jackson and one by him. Order them to learn more.
New Urbanism makes sense. El Paso continues to sprawl. Some builders insist that the market is for homes with backyards in communities on the edge of nowhere that were created for the V-8 engine and the petroleum industry. One builder even told me once that people want a backyard for their kids to play in. Play what? Video games while texting? Our children (and too many of our El Paso population) suffers from the epidemics of obesity and diabetes. We sit inside. We drive everywhere. We get fat. We become diabetic. Yet our current City Council may be rolling back impact fees thereby encouraging more sprawl and they have shown not just a reluctance to follow Plan El Paso but a desire to promote unhealthy urban designs. What's ironic is that the real estate market is changing and people are beginning to prefer to live in settings more consistent with New Urbanism.
Few builders attended the symposium. However Eco El Paso President, Fred Dalbin, reported that there were some developers and members of the building association and they were talking to the speakers. There is hope and that is exciting.
Enough preaching for now. Time for the video but first much thanks to Fred Dalbin of Eco El Paso and Laura Kissack of City Planning and many others who did influence the mindset of El Paso with an excellent symposium.
The video:
Check the right hand blue column for two books - one edited by Jackson and one by him. Order them to learn more.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Eco El Paso Eyewitness Report
Judy Ackerman sent me this eyewitness summary of the first day of the Eco El Paso Symposium yesterday:
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Eco El Paso City Development Symposium Kicks Off
This conference will help promote learning about New Urbanism principles, which can potentially add value to our community. Through the use of high-performance, value-creating, mixed-use neighborhoods we can reduce sprawl and bring energy to public spaces and our local businesses.
New Urbanism supports design that promotes compact neighborhoods that bring people, goods, and services together with welcoming sidewalks and public spaces. This makes places more pleasant and adds value to these homes and businesses.
By promoting complete streets and thoughtful street design, we can create a well-connect transportation network that encourages biking, walking, and other outdoor activities. This leads to healthier, high-performing communities.
Supporting local food production has been proven to add value to communities. A new report from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture shows that institutional purchases of local food added nearly $9 million to the Iowa economy in 2012 . We will have Aaron from La Semilla, a food co-op based in New Mexico, speaking about sustainable food systems on Thursday.
Another study in Indiana showed that homes within a half-mile of Indiana’s Monon Trail sell for an average of 11% more than similar homes farther away . New Urbanism design supports walking and biking trails near homes and businesses because they add value to local areas. In Minneapolis-St. Paul, another study showed that for every quarter mile nearer to an off-street bicycle trail, the median home value increases by $510 . Lastly, in New York City, after the construction of a protected bike lane and other improvements on 9th Avenue, local businesses saw up to a 49% increase in retail sales, compared to 3% increases in the rest of Manhattan .
New Urbanism changes the way we think about our community—promoting design that connects people to their neighborhoods and environment.
New Urbanism design uses less energy, saves money, and reduces infrastructure costs and promotes a greener lifestyle, increases public safety.
Learn more about New Urbanism HERE.
Eco El Paso (EEP) was created in 2008 by a group of volunteers from different professional organizations including the AIA, USGBC, ASID, ASHRAE, UTEP, TTU, EPBA, and APA. It became a 501c3 in 2009. Founding members include architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, educators, landscape designers, material and systems consultants, manufacturers and general contractors. Mission Statement: Eco El Paso’s mission is to promote eco-‐sensitive and energy efficient community planning, building design, construction and facility maintenance in the Hot-Arid Climate. We provide educational training seminars and presentations for professionals in the design, construction and building maintenance industry, from experts in the various trades for sustainable residential, commercial and institutional projects. EEP has organized and co-organized various conferences with over 30 speakers and over 40 Continuing Education Units on subjects matters for attendees from beginner to advance level of knowledge about planning, building and sustainability issues. Eco El Paso is a community work group dedicated to fostering a learning environment for sustainable systems and life styles while integrating workforce and economic development concepts.
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