Boise Guardian » Energy

Ada Dump Seeks Green Power Trash Talk

dave — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 04:28:50 +0000

METHANE POWERED ELECTRIC GENERATOR AT ADA DUMP

The Ada Commishes are trying to generate some trash talk–or talk generating with trash– with the idea of making prime real estate out of the county dump.

They issued a “REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST” for anyone willing to talk about using trash to generate energy and potentially building a “Renewal Energy Industrial Park” at the Hidden Hollow Landfill near Hidden Springs subdivision.

They already generate some electricity with a methane gas compressor plant that recovers gas from the rotting trash. As long as the Commishes don’t put any public money into one of those cobbled together “private-public partnership” schemes, it could have some potential.

Certainly doesn’t hurt to talk about the idea which will no doubt compete head-to-head with Boise City’s grand scheme to convert the airport into a giant industrial park financed by bonds that will supposedly be repaid by rent. Both city and county should stay out of the land speculation business –especially trying to become landlords.

The GUARDIAN was skeptical of projected revenues four years ago. Records show the generator has never attained the projected $324,000 annual income, but has indeed proven viable.

The following are revenues from the sale of landfill gas:

Fiscal Year 2007 – $132,311.66
Fiscal Year 2008 – $262,272.71
Fiscal Year 2009 – $289,632.23
Fiscal Year 2010 (through May ONLY) – $176,431.50

Total through May 2010 = $860,648.10 in revenue from the sale of landfill gas.

COMPLETE TEXT FOLLOWS:

Drilling For Money At BP Well?

dave — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:33:22 +0000

The GUARDIAN returned yesterday from a visit to Florida yesterday and it was interesting to see how many folks are “standing in the welfare line” that leads directly to BP.

While we agree that BP should pay “all legitimate claims” and their leaking well has killed 11 humans (even though they may be small people), we noticed a wide assortment of motels, restaurants, fishermen, and others ready to blame the oil giant for their economic woes. Areas currently “clean” are caught between telling the world to come visit their pristine beaches and setting the stage to make claims against BP or the government for “lost revenues.”

From POET PAUL–
The situation in the gulf is getting hotter
And makes for political fodder
With the Prez and BP’s deal
They really make us feel
It’s like mixing oil with water!

Gas-Fired Power Plant Aborted, City Headed For Solar Deal

dave — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 04:27:36 +0000

Like their unending efforts to get into the train business, Boise’s Team Dave is headed into a scheme with a private business using public land–this time for yet another electricity generating facility.

Back in January 2006 the GUARDIAN REPORTED on a below market lease subsidy deal for a gas-fired plant near Gowen Field. That plan fell apart because Idaho Power said they had no need for excess generating capacity. This time Boise City is touting a solar farm they claim would be capable of providing power for as many as 1,500 homes–but not at night!

The GUARDIAN is as green as the next guy, but we have been critical of Boise’s land speculation efforts for years. Each deal is announced to great fanfare, but when the deals collapse–as many do–there is little coverage. They brag of 20 jobs being created, but don’t mention the loss of 60 jobs at Val-U Stores (Albertson) the same day despite “face to face visits” from Mayor Bieter and others who had previously flown to Minneapolis to meet the CEO.

We find it problematic when the landlord (Boise) is also the regulator, taxman, banker, planning and zoning authority and legal counsel. These so called public-private partnerships can place the businesses and city against the best interests of citizens. We have also heard of wind farm being constructed just over the hill from the City land.

Next step will be increasing the population and creating a housing boom to sell all the electricity.

Under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), Idaho Power has to purchase electricity generated by these small facilities. If the small generators get free land or low priced leases from the local government, taxpayers are on the hook and also stand to get rate hikes from Idaho power under certain circumstances.

Since Idaho Power is required to provide “peak load capacity” it is not always in their best interests to buy outside power.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.
Here is a statement from Idaho Power with regard to the project which was described by the Statesman as the “centerpiece of the mayor’s address to the Chamber of Commerce:”

Idaho Power supports renewable generation and economic development opportunities throughout our service territory. We are continuing diligent planning for the future energy needs of our customers, which includes maintaining a balanced portfolio of generation resources. As with all opportunities, solar resources must be evaluated against other available options on all fronts-including who will pay for the power generated-as part of deciding what’s best for our company, customers and shareowners.

We do not have a comment specific to the proposed Sunergy World project, as we understand it is in the preliminary stages.

Could F-35s Limit Wind Power Production?

dave — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:58:43 +0000

A story comes to us from TEXAS about the potential problems associated with wind power generation conflicting with radar used for both military purposes and weather predictions.

Short version is spinning blades of giant windmills can create false radar readings or “shadows.” We are all used to seeing one of the many “chief meteorologists” explain the readings seen on the doppler are “ground clutter.”

Let’s see how long it takes the local government promoters to minimize this little quirk. It would seem logical to address the issue in advance prior to offering a blanket endorsement for a noisy fighter that is looking less likely to ever enter production.

State Retirement Funds For Energy?

dave — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:55:36 +0000

We have a new GUARDIAN consultant who is a real doc and works on “gut issues” like internal medicine and renewable energy. Prior to working on humans, he worked for Idaho Fish and Game as a biologist. ( please excuse the format problem–using a foreign computer at the moment)

BY BOB McKIE, MD

Green energy projects have been proposed as a way to create jobs and reduce energy consumption. Unfortunately, deteriorating budgets at the national, state and local level limit the ability of governments to support these initiatives. Idaho has the ability to modestly facilitate green energy development by allowing state employees to voluntarily access retirement funds to make energy investments.

The State of Idaho should provide vested state employees with the option of taking one-time disbursements of retirement funds in order to make cost-effective renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades.

In exchange for the disbursement, the employee will give up a share of retirement
benefits. The amount of the benefit reduction will be calculated by state accountants to be in proportion to the size of the disbursement.

If the program is a success, it could be expanded to other energy saving interventions like hybrid cars, energy efficiency upgrades, solar water heaters, solar panels and perhaps even small hydroelectric power plants on canals or existing dams. Technologies with clear track records like ground source heat pumps and stoves would be approved automatically, and other technologies would be approved once they prove that they can pay for themselves over a period of about 15 years. This would prevent unscrupulous dealers from selling ineffective products to well-meaning state employees. Several renewable energy technologies are cost-effective for home use.

Ground source (geothermal) heat pumps, wood stoves and pellet stoves can all displace oil, propane, natural gas and electricity from home heating. Ground source heat pumps can also heat water and cool buildings far more efficiently than conventional systems. According to the Department of Energy, ground source heat pumps can reduce electricity use in heating and air conditioning by 25-50% or more. These systems usually pay off in about 8-12 years. Unfortunately, energy upgrades require substantial up-front investments.

These energy investments would benefit everyone involved. State employees would have the right to take some of their retirement benefits to make energy upgrades that would immediately reduce their energy bills. This would lower retirement expenses and exposure to unstable energy prices. Work and tax revenue would be generated in the industries that build and install ground source heat pumps, wood stoves and pellet stoves. Work would also be created for wood cutters and wood pellet manufacturers. Pellet stoves can be modified to run on nut shells, fruit pits and other wastes. Only EPA certified stoves would be eligible for the disbursements, and areas like Boise with local air pollution problems would not be eligible for wood stove installation.

Idaho would experience other benefits. Idaho produces no propane, natural gas or oil, and is a net importer of electricity. Replacing these energy sources with local wood and geothermal power would keep money in Idaho. Displacing fossil fuels with wood and geothermal power will reduce Idaho’s carbon footprint. Ground source heat pumps reduce peak electricity use, which improves the function and reliability of the electric grid. Finally, local demand for renewable energy products will make Idaho a more attractive destination for the manufacturers of green technologies. This would not be a panacea for Idaho’s problems, but it would be a meaningful step in the direction of energy independence, natural resource conservation and economic recovery.

Toll Are Answer To Costly Highways

dave — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:01:54 +0000

The GUARDIAN is currently driving around France for the day job and spending more Euros than we like on tolls, but it is obviously the only fair way to finance highways.

The surfaces are flawless and drivers are courteous and competent–despite what you may hear about speed and disregard for safety in Europe. The exception is motorcycles which fly past well in excess of 100 mph.

Driving along the Rhone we see nuke power stations alongside giant windmills, providing power to run things like the high speed TGV trains that pass by at up to 200 mph. The river itself carries barges laden with freight, but we see little coal as an energy source.

It is a joy to motor through the countryside, but if one wishes to go quickly between towns, the rule is “pay to play.”

GUARDIAN Thoughts After 5,400 Mile Drive

dave — Mon, 25 May 2009 01:24:11 +0000

Sorry for not posting more often this past few weeks, but the day job and family demanded our attention. We previously posted some observations and offer more after driving 5,400 miles in two weeks.

Navajo Girl

–Without question the USA is BIG, beautiful, diverse, a true sleeping giant, and probably in for many months of bad economic times. Unemployment dominates every newscast and coffee shop conversation throughout the Midwest. Three of our family are out of work (lost jobs) and none of the younger college set can find jobs.

WISCONSIN DAIRY FARM

–Wisconsin farmsteads are well kept and a joy to see driving the back roads from Madison to Minneapolis. They look prosperous with clean fields and plenty of dairy cows.

–An outfit called CARBON MOTORS plans to build a factory–or occupy an existing plant–for the exclusive production of police cars. They are pitting cities in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio against each other for the 1,500 jobs they claim to create. The cars will be built for the single purpose use, not retrofitted brand names.

–In rural Michigan it seems like every residence has a boat, car, tractor, or shed for sale in the yard.

–Restaurants are full up in Minneapolis and Lansing. Partly due to graduations, but people are still dining out.

–Many on unemployment are working part time “under the table” which will create a financial burden on employers and state budgets.

–Didn’t see many coppers on the highways, but that can be attributed to stealthy cars with “visor lights” as much as layoffs–like the 145 Michigan troopers out of work.

WIND FARM PROJECT IN WESTERN KANSAS

–Wind generators are as much a part of the countryside in many places as trees. Especially large concentrations abound in Wyoming, Kansas, and even Minnesota. Propellers and giant tubular center columns are seen aboard trucks on most major highways.

CHICAGO SKYLINE, SEARS TOWER ON SHORE OF LAKE MICHIGAN

–Chicago is one of the most beautiful “big cities” in the country. Lots of new towers, including the latest Trump venture. The view from the waterfront of Lake Michigan is spectacular by day or night. Good bus system with hybrid power.

–The capitol building in Madison Wisconsin sits on the highest real estate in town and streets radiate off in all directions with “Capitol Boulevards” all over the place. Charming, but also confusing to strangers. The lakes within the city limits are an added charm.

IKE STATUE IN ABILENE

–The best idea Eisenhower stole from Hitler was the Interstate “Defense Highway” system.
While not pretty in many areas, it speeds cars and goods to destinations from coast to coast.

–Freight trains are big, powerful, modern, profitable and haul more coal from the West than one can imagine to generate electricity in the East.

Regulatory Agency Demands High Tech Meters

dave — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:38:46 +0000

METER READERS SOON TO BE SHORT CIRCUITED

Cheap thrills peeking at topless babes in the back yard, garden gates left open, and dog bites will soon be things of the past for Idaho Power meter readers.

In fact, meter readers themselves will be passe’ thanks to automated meters which will be installed throughout Southwest Idaho over the next three years. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has directed the electrical utility to install the meters at an estimated cost of $71 million.

Rates will get adjusted to cover the investment of course, but the neat thing is that anyone with a computer will be able to monitor their power usage over the internet on a daily basis. They can see a bar graph showing high consumption times, increases due to the clothes dryer or savings from cutting the use of air conditioning and other products.

Using the existing electrical connection to your house, the company will be able to remotely switch the power off/on with no telephone, cable or radio connection. Folks in McCall and Emmett are already outfitted with the automated meters.

The PUC said in a statement, “the potential benefits of advanced metering to ratepayers and the company are too great to delay implementation.”

While the company will be able to instantly turn on the power to new customers, they will also be able to turn it off just as easily when people fail to pay their bills.

Idaho Power, PUC Join Growthophobes?

dave — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:53:44 +0000

In what can only be termed a good move toward the common sense line of thought espoused by GROWTHOPHOBES, Idaho Power and the Public Utilities Commission are aiming to have growth “pay for itself” with a modification of rules and increases to developers.

Surprise to no one, Building and Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho, the City of Nampa, the Kroger Company and the Association of Canyon County Highway Districts oppose the move which would put the financial burden for GROWTH on those who create it instead of forcing current customers to pony up the cost for new power lines and moving power lines to make way for road widening to accommodate the increased traffic.

Currently, Idaho Power pays for the relocation when it is being required by a governmental agency such as the state Department of Transportation or county or city highway departments. When a third party requests relocation of distribution facilities, the third party must bear the cost. Idaho Power claims there have been recent instances where public road agencies have requested relocation on behalf of third-party developers. Idaho Power wants public road agencies to more clearly demonstrate that the relocation is for the public benefit and not for the benefit of a third party.

Idaho Power’s application, as well as testimony provided by company officials and intervenors, can be accessed on the PUC WEBSITE. Click on the electric icon, then on “Open Electric Cases,” and scroll down to Case No. IPC-E-08-22.

Growthophobes Claim Victory In Water Fight

CWI Joins Long List of Faltering Ventures

dave — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:29:36 +0000

The new College of Western Idaho, set to open January 20, joins a long list of ventures that glibly blame “the soft economy” for failing to meet predictions. It looks like the long awaited opening will fall two-thirds short of predicted enrollment.

We fear the bill of goods sold to voters was overly optimistic and a bit simplistic. When folks–including the GUARDIAN–pointed out there were plenty of educational opportunities already available, they were shouted down. We are particularly concerned with the scheme being put forth by the city of Caldwell to build facilities for the Oregon based Treasure Valley Community College, in direct competition with CWI.

Officials at TVCC, CWI, and BSU have all claimed “there is plenty of need” go go around. Apparently that is simply not the truth. Truth is, the institutions all compete with one another for student dollars and government funding. All too often educational institutions view students as sources of revenue instead of minds to educate.

There is really a lot more involved in most of these “risky businesses” than a soft housing market, banking crises, stock market crash, demise of the auto industry etc. GROWTHOPHOBES need to unite and demand that proponents of ANYTHING impacting society “Show us the money.”

Remember Tamarack was claiming all sorts of huge sales–which were really nothing more than EARNEST MONEY AGREEMENTS. Those agreements didn’t translate into cash and they blamed a crooked stock broker in Paris. Right!

Micron gets all sorts of tax breaks, will never pay corporate income tax and remains the largest non-profit corporation in Idaho. Meanwhile businessmen who run a tight ship, pay their staff and don’t run off to Asia have to pay nearly double their unemployment tax rate to care for unemployed workers.

Today’s Daily Paper reports that growthophile developers are scamming to bring in more California companies to populate the foothills near Eagle. Meanwhile Idaho Power is quietly aiming–if we understand the P.U.C. filings correctly–to increase rates for those of us already paying for power so they can service new customers.

Easy to blame “the economy,” but most of these projects are ill conceived and are a house of cards waiting to fall. Whether it is dishonest lenders and borrowers or developer/promoters lobbying governments to give them breaks, the solution is NOT putting more individuals and businesses into deeper debt to “stimulate the economy.”

SINGER TOP PAXTON SUMS IT ALL UP in this song. fannie_mae.