Advanced Energy Perspectives

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has issued its seventh annual ranking of states based on energy efficiency policies and programs. Three years ago, Massachusetts dethroned the perennial leader – California – and has retained the top spot once again.

On November 6, Advanced Energy Economy hosted Heather Zichal, President Obama’s Deputy Assistant for Energy and Climate Change, at a breakfast for advanced energy business leaders, including AEE members. It was one of her final appearances as the President’s closest advisor on issues central to the advanced energy industry’s continued growth. In reflecting on her five years on the job, Zichal said the administration has accomplished more than was expected, but will need help from the advanced energy industry at the state and federal level to meet the challenges of the future.

This Veterans Day, we at AEE would like to take a moment to thank the current and former members of our Armed Services for their service. Military service members put their lives on the line to protect America, and we are proud to help them as best we can.

Computing giant Microsoft announced on Monday that it entered into a 20-year wind power purchase agreement with RES Americas, an AEE member company. The 55-turbine, 110MW, $200 million Keechi project is expected to come online by summer 2015. With this agreement, Microsoft joins Apple, Walmart, and Google as a top-tier company with significant investment in advanced energy.

“It’s a sign of the times that the price point for these renewable projects is quite attractive to them,” Rob Morgan, chief development officer for RES Americas, which develops wind and solar projects, told AP.

The word around the Hill is that the PTC and ITC for wind (above 100 kW) and other technologies are likely to expire at the end of 2013 as scheduled, at least temporarily. Any discussion of extending these key tax benefits for wind development will likely be put off until some time in 2014 as key House and Senate committees examine comprehensive tax reform.