MG&E proposes better rates to promote renewables

As part of its ongoing rate case, Madison Gas & Electric filed several tariff rates last Friday proposing changes to its renewable energy program.

First, MGE proposes to lower the premium for purchased renewable electricity from 2.66 cents/kWh to one penny/kWh. The minimum block size, currently at 150 kWh/month, may change.

MGE is also proposing an experimental PV tariff to take effect January 1, 2008. The buyback rate will be set at $0.25/kWh, available through a 10-year contract with the utility. The offer is extended to all customers who (1) are purchasing renewable energy through the utility’s voluntary program and (2) have installed or will have installed qualifying systems after March 6, 2007. The minimum installation size is 1 kW and the maximum is 10 kW (DC). Two utility meters are required. While the tariff sheet specifies a ceiling of 150 kW, MGE has told me that the ceiling will likely be raised, depending on the level of subscription growth in its voluntary renewable energy program. Under this tariff, all renewable energy and air emissions credits become property of the utility.

Apart from the 25 cent/kWh rate, MGE’s tariff appears to be identical to We Energies’ PV buyback tariff.

 

Taxpayers benefit from renewable energy effort

The Sheboygan Press editorialized on May 18 about a new renewable energy project:

We hear lots of talk about reducing the nation’s dependency on fossil fuels, but the partnership between the City of Sheboygan and Alliant Energy is talk in action.

This week, officials from Sheboygan’s wastewater treatment plant and the electric utility unveiled the latest technology in renewable energy — microturbines. There are 10 microturbines at the treatment plant that burn methane gas, a byproduct of the wastewater treatment process. The gas is used to run the turbines to produce electricity.

 

Cranberries power processing plant

A story from the Marsfield News-Herald by Karen Madden:

State leaders got a firsthand look Wednesday at improvements at a Wisconsin Rapids cranberry plant that officials say are creating jobs, benefiting growers and helping the environment.

As part of Capital for the Day - an event that brought the governor and members of his cabinet to Portage and Wood counties - Administration Secretary Steve Bablitch and Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Rod Nilsestuen toured Ocean Spray’s new cranberry concentrator and methane gas energy system facilities.