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Cost Shifting and Kentucky’s Solar Credits

Rooftop Solar

CEA’s Brydon Ross told the Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy that private credits given to solar customers who participate in programs like net metering–which gives retail credit for excess solar energy fed into the electrical grid—allows those customers to avoid paying costs that most consumers on the grid pay. Kentucky has had a net metering program since 2004.

The issue, said Ross, is that net metering customers in Kentucky are paid a retail rate that is three times the competitive market rate even though they don’t pay many of the costs that other electricity customers do. Current solar energy policies in at least 15 other states have also proven costly, he said.

“Our analysis found that private solar credits are shifting costs on to less affluent customers,” said Ross. “Those who can’t afford private solar should not subsidize those receiving private solar credits.”

He was quick, however, to emphasize that his organization supports solar energy.

Read More – The Manchester Enterprise

Consumer Energy Alliance on Keystone XL Approval: Economic, Environmental Win-Win for Nebraska, U.S.

Pipeline worker in pipe

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) Executive Vice President Michael Whatley released the following statement after the Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) announced they would grant the final major permit needed for construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline to begin:

“CEA applauds the Commission for their approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. This project will not only be the most efficient and safest way to move oil from Canada and the Bakken Shale to markets, but according to the U.S. Department of Energy, it’ll also help lower the price of fuel that all Americans – including local families and small businesses in Nebraska – use to power their daily lives.

“What’s more, this project will help American drivers by providing a stable and reliable supply of North American crude oil for refineries in the Gulf Coast region. It’ll also provide a much-needed boost to the American economy by creating thousands of high-paying jobs and will be the safest pipeline ever built in the United States. This makes this announcement a win-win – economically and environmentally – for Nebraska’s families, businesses and for people across the United States.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

Consumer Energy Alliance Kicks Off Energy Education Campaign in Virginia

Virginia Appalachian Trail

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – November 16, 2017 – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today announced the start of a statewide campaign designed to educate Virginia policymakers, families and businesses about the benefits of energy and the central role it plays in their everyday lives and budget.

CEA’s “Campaign for America’s Energy” will highlight the importance of affordable, reliable energy in the lives of families and businesses and the consequences that result from bad policy decisions. CEA will continue to hold the energy industry in Virginia and throughout its neighboring states to a high safety standard while recognizing the need for continued innovation to advance environmental goals.

The launch of this movement, aimed at changing, balancing, and improving the energy discussion so that those directly impacted – American families and businesses – have a greater voice in the dialogue. The effort will encourage elected officials and those in the Old Dominion to adopt policies that support energy production and delivery as well as sound environmental stewardship. Specifically in Virginia, the Campaign will focus on key energy issues, including offshore development, infrastructure and personal energy security.

CEA also aims to bring greater awareness to how rejecting or delaying energy production and infrastructure projects hurts lower-income households and those on fixed incomes. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Virginians spend nearly $3,290 annually on energy. For a low-income Virginian living at the poverty line, that translates to over 27 percent of their individual income. These expenses often saddle households who can least afford them, especially like the almost 15 percent of Virginia residents who are seniors.

“Today’s hyper-partisan political climate is preventing Virginia’s small businesses and families from reaping the benefits of advancements in energy production and delivery,” said Brett Vassey, President of the Virginia Manufacturers Association. “We must commit to energy diversification and invest in infrastructure to ensure access to affordable energy for all Virginians, regardless of their economic status. CEA’s Campaign for America’s Energy will prompt elected officials and ordinary citizens to seize the opportunities presented by Virginia’s energy resources and to understand how we can satisfy the state’s energy needs while also protecting our environment.”

“Virginians shouldn’t have to choose between heating their homes, buying a meal, or filling a medical prescription, yet for too many, that’s precisely what’s happening – and energy costs are a big reason why,” said Brydon Ross, Director of CEA Southeast. “Yes, we agree: We must push energy companies to innovate, reduce emissions and improve performance. Protecting and improving the environment is a must-do. But so is lowering the cost of energy, and we can only do this if Democrats and Republicans work together to push more balanced legislation.”

CEA, an advocacy organization representing families, manufacturers, agriculture, transporters, distributors, energy producers, renewables and various other industries in Virginia and across the U.S., focuses on helping ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. The organization pushes energy companies to innovate and improve performance while supporting energy independence and a diversification of our energy resources, including renewables like solar and wind.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.consumerenergyalliance.org/campaign-for-americas-energy/Virginia.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

Top 5 Stories in Energy This Week

Coal Pile at Mine

1Coal Energy Trade Deal Reached Between U.S. and Poland (via DW)

More than 73,000 tons of coal extracted from American mines are on their way to Poland as part of a new trade agreement ironed out by the Trump administration. With European coal prices at historically high levels, the trade deal makes financial sense for Poland and can be considered a political victory for the White House; however, energy analysts have commented that this agreement is being enacted at a time when nearly 20 nations have resolved to phase out their coal energy operations over the next few years.

Getting Ready for a Road Trip

2Thanksgiving Holiday Expected to be a Gas Station Bonanza (via USA Today)

Millions of American drivers are planning to hit the road this year to visit loved ones, and gas station owners around the country are prepared to welcome them. According to a business forecast recently published by the American Automobile Association, the number of drivers who will travel more than 50 miles during the Thanksgiving holiday will be the highest since 2005. Gas prices are at their highest levels in the last three years and may increase over the next two weeks, but drivers seem to be shrugging this trend.

Northeast Snow Storm

3More Homes Heated by Natural Gas in New York  (via PR Newswire)

More homeowners and apartment building managers in the suburban Boroughs of New York City are switching from oil-burning furnaces to gas heating units, and this is part of a trend that has been developing across the United States over the last few years. Less than 10 percent of American households are burning heating oil in the winter time; natural gas extracted from shale deposits, which are plentiful in the U.S., tends to burn cleaner and more efficiently than oil. At a time when OPEC is devising various strategies to boost crude oil prices, gas heating units are considered to be more financially attractive.

Electric Car Charging On Street

4Illinois State Officials Brace for a Fuel-Efficient Future (via State Journal-Register)

Electric and hybrid vehicles are being blamed for the numerous delays in improving the highway infrastructure of Illinois. For nearly three decades, the Illinois state coffers have been filled to the tune of 19 cents per each gallon of gasoline pumped into trucks and automobiles, and most of this revenue has been used to maintain roads and bridges. With more Illinois drivers switching to electric and hybrid vehicles, state officials are trying to figure out their next step. Additional fuel taxes could be forthcoming, but some economist believe that such a move would be an unpopular band-aid. More public transportation projects in urban areas are being considered a better option; at any rate, the tax revenue shortfall is bound to become critical over the next few years.

Texas drilling rig

5America’s Oil and Gas Output Could Soar 25% by 2025 (via CNN)

The dramatic shifts envisioned by the IEA in its World Energy Outlook would transform the U.S. from an energy importer into a major player in global markets capable of producing 30 million barrels of oil and gas a day by 2025. The U.S. surpassed Russia in 2011 to become the world’s top producer of oil and gas, with a current daily output of 24 million barrels. But the expected increase would put the U.S. further into uncharted territory.

David Holt: Campaigning for Consumer’s Energy Needs

People waiting to order at restaurant

Energy is the lifeblood of the economy and is critical to households, small businesses and all consumers. David Holt of the Consumer Energy Alliance is working hard to make sure state and federal legislators understand this. David spoke with the Heartland Institute to discuss the importance of energy resource development.

The Consumer Energy Alliance’s “Campaign for America’s Energy,” is educating consumers on the critical nature of energy to their lives and encouraging them to vote on energy matters when they go to the polls.

Listen Here

Consumer Energy Alliance Kicks Off Energy Education Campaign in Alabama

Alabama Rikard's Mill

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – November 16, 2017 – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today announced the start of a statewide campaign designed to educate Alabama policymakers, families, and businesses about the benefits of energy and the central role it plays in their everyday lives and budget.

CEA’s “Campaign for America’s Energy” will highlight the importance of affordable, reliable energy in the lives of families and businesses and the consequences that result from bad policy decisions. CEA will continue to hold the energy industry in Alabama and throughout its neighboring states to a high safety standard while recognizing the need for continued innovation to advance environmental goals.

The launch of this movement, aimed at changing, balancing, and improving the energy discussion so that those directly impacted – American families and businesses – have a greater voice in the dialogue. The effort will encourage elected officials and those in Alabama to adopt policies that support energy production and delivery as well as sound environmental stewardship. Specifically in Alabama, the Campaign will focus on key energy issues, including offshore development, infrastructure, and energy security, with a specific focus on how energy development can be help to provide Alabamians with jobs, revenue and economic activity.

CEA also aims to bring greater awareness to how rejecting or delaying energy production and infrastructure projects hurts lower-income households and those on fixed incomes. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Alabamians spend nearly $4,140 annually on energy. For a low-income Alabamian living at the poverty line, that translates to over 34 percent of their individual income. These expenses often saddle households who can least afford them, especially like the more than 16 percent of Alabama residents who are seniors.

“From the perspective of industry and manufacturing, reliable and affordable energy is absolutely critical to maintaining competitiveness,” said George Clark, President of Manufacture Alabama. “Fully utilizing all of Alabama’s energy resources in an environmentally friendly manner will bolster the state’s economy by generating revenue to modernize our infrastructure systems and by creating more career opportunities that will support families across our state.”

“Alabamians shouldn’t have to choose between heating their homes, buying a meal, or filling a medical prescription, yet for too many, that’s precisely what’s happening – and energy costs are a big reason why,” said Brent Greenfield, Vice President of Policy for CEA. “Yes, we agree: We must push energy companies to innovate, reduce emissions and improve performance. Protecting and improving the environment is a must-do, but so is ensuring affordable energy, and we can only do this if Democrats and Republicans work together to support more balanced policies.”

CEA, an advocacy organization representing families, manufacturers, agriculture, transporters, distributors, energy producers, renewables and various other industries in Alabama and across the U.S., focuses on helping ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. The organization pushes energy companies to innovate and improve performance while supporting energy independence and a diversification of our energy resources, including renewables like solar and wind.
For more information on the campaign, visit www.consumerenergyalliance.org/campaign-for-americas-energy/Alabama.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

 

Consumer Group Commends the Advancement of Senate Bill to Develop ANWR

Family in the Snow

HOUSTON, TX – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt commends the advancement of a bill in the Senate that would open up a small section of the Arctic Natural Wilderness Refuge to onshore development with new lease terms and the option for revenue sharing with the federal government. Holt said below that:

“Alaska’s onshore and offshore production is crucial to contributing to America’s oil supply, nationally and along the West Coast, as well as our country’s geopolitical presence in the Arctic and for consumer energy prices overall.”

“Through the continued improvements in technology and the proven track record of responsible development by the industry in Alaska, it is clear that environmental stewardship can coexist with energy production. By developing ANWR we can create much-needed jobs for Alaskan families, further expand our energy portfolio and reduce our reliance on foreign energy.”

“The underpinning of Alaska’s economic lifeblood lies in future energy development to not only meet the needs of families and businesses but to produce critically-needed jobs with family-supporting wages to communities across the state. The responsible development of this small section of ANWR would not just have immediate positive effects on those in Alaskan communities but the nation as a whole.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

Consumer Energy Alliance Kicks off Energy Education Campaign in North Carolina

North Carolina Mountains

RALEIGH, NC – November 14, 2017 –– Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today announced the start of a statewide campaign designed to educate North Carolina lawmakers, families, and businesses about the unending benefits of energy and the central role it plays in their everyday lives and budgets.

CEA’s “Campaign for America’s Energy” will highlight the important role that affordable, reliable energy plays in the lives of families and businesses, and the consequences that result from bad policy decisions. CEA will continue to hold the energy industry in North Carolina and throughout its neighboring states to a higher safety standard, recognizing the need for continued innovation to advance environmental goals.

The launch of this movement, aimed at changing, balancing, and improving the energy discussion so that those directly impacted – American families and businesses – have a greater voice in the dialogue. The effort will give elected officials across the nation the opportunity to adopt new policies that support energy production and delivery. CEA also aims to bring greater awareness to how rejecting or delaying energy production and infrastructure projects hurts lower-income households and those on fixed incomes, like retirees.

The campaign comes at a time when, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, North Carolinians spend just over $3,000 annually on energy.  For a low-income person living at the poverty line, that translates to 25 percent of their individual income. These expenses often stifle economic development in communities across the state, while driving their residents into energy insecurity.

“North Carolina’s economic development infrastructure is reliant on a modern energy policy that promotes affordable and reliable energy production and delivery while protecting our farmers, landowners, and natural resources” said Larry Wooten, President of the North Carolina Farm Bureau. “CEA’s Campaign for America’s Energy will lead the way by reminding North Carolina policymakers of their unique chance to understand how the state’s energy needs can be effectively met with fresh solutions, while also protecting our environment.”

“North Carolinians shouldn’t have to choose between air-conditioning, buying a meal, or filling a medical prescription, yet for too many, that’s precisely what’s happening – and energy costs are a big reason why,” said Brydon Ross, Director of CEA-Southeast. “Yes, we agree: We must push energy companies to innovate, reduce emissions and improve performance. Protecting and improving the environment is a must-do. But so is lowering the cost of energy, and we can only do this if Democrats and Republicans work together to push balanced legislation.”

CEA, an advocacy organization representing many different types of consumers like families, manufacturers, agriculture, transporters, distributors, energy producers, renewables and various other industries in North Carolina and across the U.S., focuses on helping ensure stable prices, energy security, and balanced energy policy for those consumers across the country. The organization pushes energy companies to innovate and improve performance while supporting energy independence and a diversification of our energy resources, including renewables like solar and wind.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.consumerenergyalliance.org/campaign-for-americas-energy/North-Carolina.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:

Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

 

 

Marcellus Natural Gas Lowers Bills For All Americans

Natural gas powerplant

Without new and upgraded pipelines, Americans across the country would be unable to access abundant natural gas from the Marcellus shale play in Pennsylvania.  Jude Clemente looks at states like Pennsylvania, which have seen their CO2 emissions reduced by 30% as a result of new power generation. He goes on to explain other key benefits, namely lower cost energy.

In fact, my home state should consider changing its nickname from The Keystone State to The Giving State because it’s the Marcellus that’s allowing the entire country to increasingly turn to natural gas, a cleaner, lower cost energy source that also has the flexibility to ramp up in minutes to back up wind and solar power. Pennsylvania is critical to our gas-based manufacturing renaissance and why U.S. gas exports will continue to increase to help lower emissions globally and reduce our own trading deficit.

Read More – Forbes

Top 5 Stories in Energy This Week

Woman Reading During Power Outage With Flashlight and Candles

1Massive Power Outage Returns Most of Puerto Rico to Darkness (via UPI)

The island of Puerto Rico cannot seem to catch a break. In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico suffered a total loss of its electrical infrastructure; weeks of emergency repairs and rebuilding resulted in a partial restoration of about 5 percent. Unfortunately, a failure in the transmission line that originates in Arecibo and distributes power to most of the island. Engineers estimate that more than 80 percent of residents have once again lost power; this situation was expected to continue through the second weekend of November.

Solar Installation

2Wisconsin Residents Embrace Solar Power (via WUWM)

According to a recent jobs report published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 3,000 have been created by solar energy projects in the state of Wisconsin over the last few years, reflecting a growth of 2 percent in this particular sector. A few residential subdivisions with more than 30 single-family homes entirely powered by solar panels have caught the attention of prospective home buyers who are now inquiring about rooftop panel installations. Another reason that explains the surging interest in solar panels is that many churches across Wisconsin have installed them. Many residents believe that the monthly savings do not yet justify the initial investment, but they are willing to take a chance.

Gas station fuel pump octane

3Tennessee Gas Stations Among the Most Affordable (via Times Free Press)

Two gasoline stations in Tennessee are competing for the honor of being named the establishment with the lowest prices in the U.S. The two businesses are located in Hixson, and they both offered prices as low as $1.89 per gallon on November 8. According to analysts at GasBuddy.com, the two stations are waging a price war that is likely forcing them to offer gasoline at rates that leave them without profit; the idea is to get customers through the door and into the convenience shop, where they can get coffee, snacks, drinks, and other products that generate greater earnings. Heading into mid-November, most American gas stations posted prices higher than $2.00 per gallon.

Electric Car Charging On Street

4Indianapolis Makes History With Electric Shuttle Fleet (via Inside Indiana Business)

Airport officials in Indianapolis recently unveiled their first passenger shuttle bus powered entirely by electricity; this is the first phase of a project that seeks to switch the entire shuttle bus fleet to electric vehicles. According to news reports out of Indiana, the international airport in Indianapolis could be the first in the U.S. to achieve zero emissions status over the next decade. Immediate plans include expanding the electric shuttle fleet to nine buses, which would be equivalent to taking more than 5,000 gas-powered vehicles off the state highways.

Pipeline construction

5Keystone XL Open Season Draws Strong Interest From Shippers (via Reuters)

TransCanada said an open season that ended in late October has attracted sufficient demand from shippers to justify building the Keystone XL pipeline. The company could make a final investment decision by December, but the project still needs approval from the state of Nebraska, which is expected to issue its decision by the end of the month.

 

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