June 17, 2009

Sensitive nuclear information has leaked out. A 266-page document that is considered "highly confidential" but not "classified" and containing information on this country's civilian nuclear sites has been mistakenly made public.

On the whole, it is a stain on nuclear energy. And while the industry's foes will use the mishap as a public relations weapon, the matter does pose a broader, legitimate question, namely whether this country is prepared to ward off or to deal with any terrorist attack on its critical infrastructure.

May 26, 2009

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today formally adopted the rules governing interconnection and net metering standards.  It also approved modified uniform forms to be used on an interim basis for Category 1 (20 kilowatts and under) interconnection and net metering standards.

"With net metering rules now formally in place, electric customers across the state can now add small, renewable energy electric generation projects onsite and get credited for the energy they produce in excess of their needs - at the full retail rate," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu.

May 26, 2009

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today approved a modified version of Consumers Energy Company's proposed renewable energy plan (REP) and its energy optimization (EO) plan and surcharges, as required by Public Act 295 of 2008.

Under the approved, modified REP, the utility is authorized to implement its REP surcharge beginning Sept. 1.  Residential customers will see a monthly $2.50 REP surcharge.

May 13, 2009

With the worst part likely over and key aspects of the stimulus program about to begin, a sense of economic confidence is in the air. Yet, green energy developers are starved, not just for seed money but also for political and regulatory certainty.

The stimulus package, which passed in February and which was pushed as the central vehicle that would lift the economy out of recession, has billions set aside for clean technology in the form of loan guarantees, venture capital and block grants provided to the states. It's about supplying much-needed funding to companies at a time when traditional debt and equity markets are hard to crack.

April 20, 2009

The energy sector could spark the rejuvenation of America. It's all about the production of alternative energy and green jobs and it is being spearheaded by the president of the United States.

The federal government is now in the midst of pouring nearly one trillion dollars into the American economy in the form of spending and tax cuts to serve as the central catalyst in the nation's economic recovery. The New Energy economy will lead the charge and attempt to double the production of alternative energy over the next three years as well as build a smart grid so as to help guarantee economic stability and the facilitation of more green fuel sources.