FLORIDA SPACECOAST FOR PICKENS

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Comment by Mark Hedtke on February 4, 2009 at 11:52pm

If you would like to participate in a Central Florida Earth Day Event contact us!!!
It will take some great volunteers and planning to bring off this event. So, How about a Earth Day event? The FL-24th Congressional District is seeking like minded volunteers to create a conference right here in Central Florida as an Earth Day Event, April 22nd. Not only would this be a great PR opportunity for Pickens Plan locally, but it also would be a great chance for adjoining Districts to work together. Come join with us in seeing this become a successful green energy event as well. The event is in it's planning stages and invites volunteers, businesses who would like to participate and Pickens Plan members to also join the FL-24 group. An article was posted on Topix.com at this link!! Basically, what we are attempting to do is to seek out our Federal, State and Local representatives and political leaders to join the Pickens Plan, speak publicly in support of alternative energy leading to a greater public understanding and education of the value a greener environment will be for us all. We also are seeking the sponsorship by area businesses who have a interest in a greater green public perception through this event.
Besides that, we encourage Districts all across the country to join together with your neighbors and set up Earth Day events just like we are. Anyone who would like to participate or has specific knowledge and ability in such an event undertaking, please contact the FL-24 group on what you would like to do in support of this event or to just participate by contacting business sponsors and political speakers. We can use you expertise, guidance and warm bodies too. All will be appreciated, as you know it is for a great cause. Thank you in advance. The Earth Day site has alot of information on organizing that we all could draw from and use just like the Topix article explains.
--Mark Hedtke

Comment by Ray Osborne on February 3, 2009 at 11:53am

These are some talking points at the City of Cape Canaveral I will bring
up tonight.

1) I want to bring up my 'green paper idea' that I introduced fall of last year. Do you still have the copy I gave you? The city officials were going to look at how beneficial the solar collectors were at Manatee Park. I think as a city we may want to look at alternative energy and sustainability as part of the community visioning process. Start off small and maybe see if we can subsidize the water treatment center with alternative energy. There was a green audit. Is there an official release on the findings from that? Remember Green is the color of money too so all this is inter-related.

2) I would like to solicit opinions from the city council to see if there is mutual interest
in stating a local heritage group. A group of city volunteers interesting in ways we can
restore the local area history. Is there is an update with the the oral history project? Last
I read in Senior Life is that they were taping videotaping Leo Nichols. Hope there are
some more highlights to this project.

Comment by Ray Osborne on December 28, 2008 at 12:18pm

Hello,

I would like to invite you to be part of our community at Facebook. Please
consider joining. It is a great way to handle your online contacts and promote our
local community.

Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach

I think this link will work. If not let me know and we will work out something else.

-RKO

Comment by Roy R on December 9, 2008 at 4:17am

My name is Roy Ratner, and I represent Atlas Solar Innovations and the Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy - (FARE).
Atlas Solar Innovations is a subsidiary of All Atlas Roofing of South Florida. We are distributors, designers and installers of Photovoltaic (PV), Domestic Hot Water (DHW), and Solar pool heating Systems for both residential and commercial properties. We cofounded the Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy - (FARE) for the promotion of renewable energy policies that will permit every individual, business and organization in the state of Florida the opportunity to become independent producers and sellers of all forms of renewable energy. We are very committed to be a part of this movement toward a healthy environment, future energy independence, and economic prosperity for the state of Florida.
Our Association endorses and promotes the adoption of the renewable energy policy that is proven to be the most successful and efficient renewable energy policy in the world. This policy mechanism is responsible for 50% of the world's renewable energy deployment in the past few years. Currently 45 countries worldwide utilize this simple, transparent policy. By adopting this policy, Floridians will be able to deliver renewable energy more rapidly and for less cost by including the participation of everyone; homeowners, business owners, churches, schools, farmers and others. Currently Hawaii, Oregon, California, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Rhode Island and the city of Gainesville Florida are in the process of adopting this policy mechanism.
Germany, the first European country to implement this policy, is a great example of this renewable energy deployment success.
As a direct result of this policy, renewable energy accounts for 14% of Germany's energy supply as of 2007.They are targeting 27% by 2020, and 45% by 2030. They have 70,000 employed in the wind industry, 50,000 employed in the PV industry, 8,000 employed in the biogas industry. With a total of 250,000 people employed in the renewable energy industry. Germany’s policy success produces a $30 billion turnover and a net benefit of $9 billion annually. This simple policy levels the playing field for all producers and sellers of renewable energy.
It is imperative that we participate in the environmental and economic gift that renewable energy gives us.
We have the opportunity to create a widespread home-grown industry, the chance to spare the environment further damage, create thousands of local jobs, collect millions in local revenue, and establish Floridian generated energy independence.

Do not let Florida miss this renewable energy boom, bring it home, and bring it to Florida
At The Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy we firmly endorse the policy of Renewable Energy Payments (REP’s) also known as Feed- in Tariffs (FIT’s) to be the single most effective way to achieve widespread rapid deployment of renewable energy in Florida.
Please join us and help others to understand the necessity of this policy adoption for the future of state of Florida @ www.farenergy.org.

Thank you,
Roy Ratner
Atlas Solar Innovations 1-877-299 –Solar
www.Atlas -solar.com
rr @Atlas -solar.com

Comment by Leslie G. on December 7, 2008 at 6:12am

This gentleman wrote an Editorial article about Solar Power in my local newspaper and I have been corresponding with him about the Pickens Plan. I am posting this for any Solar Group who would like to get in touch with Mr. Eckhart to publish a column in the Treasure Coast Newspaper.
Mrs. Grenstein,
Thank you again and if there is anything I can do to help, let me know. We need to combine all the environmental and industry groups together. A main block that shows we carry votes. This pressure should be applied to the governor, legislators and the psc. If they don't want to play ball, then we need to get rid of them for the good of the state and environment. Mr. Crist ran on the promise of "green jobs", well he better do as he says. Also, if you or anyone else wants to publish a column of 600 words or less, I can get run in the Treasure Coast Newspaper, which is part of Scripps. The editor is going through the rebate process and wrote a whole page in the editorial section of the paper on 11/17/08, asking the question why isn't this program properly funded. He called out the solar industry, the governor and legislators. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Rand Eckhart
President
Energy Structures & Systems, Inc.
P 772-419-6055
f 772-419-6054
c 561-248-9022

www.esssolar.com

Comment by Roy R on December 5, 2008 at 6:40am

Job Creation, Energy Independence, Environmental Stewardship

The energy market has dominated headlines for as long as can be remembered. As we climb our way out of the current economic cycle, new leaders are created and new industries will lead the way back to a strong, robust economy. Those who look to the future of the energy market know that Renewable Energy is an industry that is boiling over with potential. A growing new Renewable Energy industry in Florida will create untold thousands of jobs, collect millions in local tax revenues, and bring us to the forefront of the national stage on energy independence and environmental stewardship.
Renewable Energy Payments are a policy mechanism that have proven to promote the fastest, cheapest, and most widespread growth of Renewable Energy anywhere in the world, with implementation in over 45 countries. Currently at least 8 states in the U.S. are considering a Renewable Energy Payment (also known as Feed in Tariff) policy mechanism. Today the State of Florida is positioning itself ahead of the curve and providing a beacon for the rest of the country to follow by considering this policy mechanism.
A Renewable Energy Payment (REP) provides a fixed contract to the producers of Renewable Energy. The contracts, which are fixed for typically twenty years, afford the producer the ability to borrow against a mandated, guaranteed payment from their utility company. Also, these contracts, which are transparent, simple to understand, and open for inspection, include long-term agreed upon prices that the utility company will pay the producers for the energy it buys. The prices are set high enough to be an incentive to new producers and encourage existing producers to maximize their capacity.
The key components to a proven successful REP model:
• Anyone can access the grid, democratizing the new market and allowing anyone to produce renewable energy.
• All producers will receive a fixed payment, at reasonable rate of return, for a fixed period of time, typically 20 years, for the renewable energy that they produce.
• There is no limit to the amount of renewable energy that can be produced.
• The contracts are transparent and simple to understand.
With these features included in the design, a Renewable Energy Payment policy would create a stable and competitive renewable energy marketplace. Imagine if homes, churches, schools, hospitals, condo associations and ranchers could all install solar, wind and other renewable energy sources on their rooftops or land and then produce energy and sell it to the utilities for profit.... It could completely transform our economic landscape. Floridians are owed the chance to participate in the Renewable Energy market with a level playing field, and Renewable Energy Payments are the single most effective way to make sure this happens.



The key results of a REP market include:

• Job Creation. All levels of jobs are created including high-skilled positions in engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, and electronics. Jobs in banking and finance, breathing life in to a lending industry.

• Stability and Investment Security. REP incentives also have massive appeal to investors and lenders. Unlike Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) which have annually fluctuating values through a trading mechanism, REP incentives never change and never require any administration or additional cost. As long as the RE system is generating electricity it continues to make the system owner a guaranteed return on their investment.

• Stay at home revenue. With REPS, the revenue from producing renewable energy will stay in the county and state where it is produced. This will create "local wealth" and stimulate the local economy.

• Equality. REPs create a level playing field for all different sizes of renewable energy producers. It encourages individuals, small businesses and larger businesses to become renewable energy producers and rewards them all.

• Reduce Carbon Output. Burning fossil fuels releases 75% of the greenhouse gases that are heating the planet. It is estimated that by switching to renewable energy we can cut CO2 emissions in half by 2030.

• Stabilize Energy Costs. Communities that use locally produced renewable energy have more stable energy costs. Once the systems are set up, their renewable fuels such as sun and wind are low cost or free. Overall, energy costs will be more predictable and controllable, creating economic stability.

• Create Energy Security. Renewable energy production will lesson a community’s or nation’s vulnerability to increasing fossil fuel prices and will increase self-reliant economic growth. Those who install renewable energy the soonest will save the most. The costs for renewable energy are expected to decline due to economy of scale and technological progress.





REPs Basic Steps


1. Priority access to the grid over conventional fuel sources [prevents gaming from utilities inhibiting grid access] within [60] days for all systems

2. Purchase guarantee with standard offer contracts (SOC) with the local utility standardized by the Public Service Commission. Contracts shall be 20 years fixed price with an inflation escalator [makes projects financeable with low cost debt versus expensive equity – target should be >70% debt for most technologies]

3. The SOC will be the broadly the same for all system sizes under 20MW – with the intent that the SOC provides a speedy transparent method for a RE producer to sell power to the utility

4. Pricing will be determined by the PSC but would be based on cost plus reasonable profit
a. To mimic the regulatory returns that regulated utilities currently enjoy in Florida for fossil generation projects.
b. Pricing to be differentiated by system size to factor in economies of scale that typically reduce installed costs for larger systems
c. We recommend that the PSC include in its calculation of return all federal ITC and other benefits such as accelerated depreciation.
d. A pricing digression methodology would be employed whereby every [2 years] the PSC can alter prices for new RE producers to factor in changes in costs
e. REPs by utilities for RE would be allowed to be recovered in the normal regulatory adjustment mechanism via a RE surcharge that would be allocated to each customer bill. The surcharge would be allocated by the PSC state wide to ensure that all customers pay for RE not just those customers of any one IOU
















Renewable Energy Payments


REPs are a simple, elegant, and cost-effective mechanism for supporting large-scale RE deployments in aggressive timelines. Germany alone has deployed 12 times the RE as the US since 2001, even though they have 1/7th the population and have ¼ the renewable resources for solar and wind (RE breakdown: 46% wind, 24% biomass, 4% solar). The Germans have already achieved the implementation of RE which accounts for >15% of their total power generation resources.


Germany’s FIT Success Story (through 2007)
1. Total Grid Contribution:
a. Baseline of 6.6% in 2005
b. 15% achieved by 2007
c. New 27% goal by 2020
2. Wind: 20,000+ MW installed (30.5 TWh generated) [45%+ of market]
3. Solar: 5000+ MW installed (US had 250 MW in 2007) [4%+ of market]
4. Biomass: 27% of market
5. Hydro: 24% of market

Approximate Cost in Germany
1. ~$2.80 (USD) a month (price of a loaf of bread)
2. Total Policy Cost of $2.4. B dollars annually
3. Net Policy Benefit of $4.8 B dollars Annually


Benefits of the REP Policy
1. Costs the ratepayers ZERO ($0) if the market does not support
2. REQUIRES NO STATE GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION or tax credit support
3. Incentives are calculated around each RE technology’s cost structure and are adjusted on a set performance schedule
4. Supports all RE technologies equally or can be adjusted for weighted average
5. Will help lower grid electricity prices through widespread adoption of RE into the power mix with low/no fuel input costs over the long term
REP Policies – Overview

1. Florida should immediately begin to increase its proportion of solar and renewable energy. In doing so it will:

• Improve Florida’s energy security by reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels
• Create a wealth machine from solar and renewable energy. New construction, installation, electrical, manufacturing and finance jobs emerge as we expand on and establish a vibrant solar and renewable industry in Florida
• Improve our environment now and for the future citizens of Florida

2. REPs greatly increase competition in the renewable electricity generating sector in Florida. REPs policies allow everyone to become a solar and renewable energy producer up to 20MW per project, encouraging residential, commercial and larger investment groups to invest in and participate in solar and other renewable energy production. Each producer is allowed to self generate renewable power and sell the power back to their local utility
3. Utilities have hitherto been reluctant to invest the time and resources in building out small scale renewables projects since it adds minimal benefit to their earnings per share. Conversely, smaller renewable projects are best done by households, local community groups (churches/schools), farmers and developers, commercial groups and renewables companies. These policies therefore encourage renewable generation competition, and allow for a more efficient matching of producer and renewable resources. REPs allow a vast deployment of sub 20MW solar and renewable energy projects by providing solar and renewable energy priority access to the transmission grid and requiring that the utilities buy whatever power is produced.
4. Cost – REPs require NO taxation, NO upfront state payments or subsidies; the cost of paying the renewables producers is passed through to all utility customers through the usual PSC rate recovery mechanism. Costs will only rise if these policies are successful in delivering rapid deployment of renewables. Caps can be introduced to manage the desired growth.
5. Market mechanism – the state policy framework allows the private sector and market forces to work and invest; unlike renewable energy credits, there is no need for any state administration.
6. The solar and renewable energy REPs policy requires that all solar and renewable energy generating technologies are part of the solution. It is required that all renewable energy technologies as defined in [section 366.91] Florida Statutes, become part of the comprehensive REPs policy.







Recent REP Headlines

Nov. 18th Rep. Law introduces a feed in style renewable energy project in Michigan

Nov. 12th Gainesville Moves Forward on Feed-in Tariff

Nov. 7th. "Nov 4th" was a great day for Renewable Energy

Oct. 20th: Florida conference looks at German solar experience

Minnesota Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff Bill

Illinois: Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff Introduced in House of Representatives

Feed-in Tariff for California First

Germany sets shining example in providing a harvest for the world

Solar World expands in Orgeon

Comment by Ray Osborne on October 10, 2008 at 7:45pm

Here are some events I am involved with. I always have time to talk about
the Picken's Plan.

Comment by Bill Tucker on October 9, 2008 at 9:46am

This is a response to a letter I sent Governor Crist,


Thank you for contacting Governor Charlie Crist. Governor Crist
appreciates your concerns about Florida's energy needs and asked that I
respond on his behalf.

Governor Crist recently met with Mr. T. Boone Pickens at the Clinton
Global Initiative to discuss renewable energy opportunities in Florida.
To date, Florida has taken a very proactive position to support
renewable energy, alternative fuels and other clean technologies such as
compressed natural gas. Since the creation of the Florida Renewable
Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act in 2006, which includes
rebates, grants, and other economic incentives for energy investments,
Florida has contributed millions of dollars to stimulate research,
development and commercialization of renewable energy.

There are a number of solar energy projects under development in Florida
positioning it as the second leading state in the nation for solar
energy production. Additionally, a one megawatt solar panel system will
be installed on the Orange County Convention Center making it the
largest rooftop solar panel installation in the Southeastern United
States.

In addition, Florida is investing in wind technology. Florida Power and
Light is committed to the viability of large-scale wind generation in
Florida. Up to six utility-scale wind turbines will generate
approximately 13 megawatts of electricity. The second project,
constructed by Progress Energy, will look at small-scale wind energy
generation using turbines with a smaller capacity for businesses and
residences.

Like the Pickens Plan, Florida is currently considering all
transportation fuel options available, including compressed natural gas.
The Governor's Energy Office is also working with the state's Clean
Cities Coalitions to promote alternative fuels and advanced vehicles,
fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, and idle reduction. There
are currently 15 compressed natural gas stations in Florida that
primarily serve local government and private business fleets. This
office will continue to work with other interested parties to increase
the availability of compressed natural gas in the marketplace.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact Governor Crist. For
information about Florida's environmental policies and alternative fuel
initiatives, please visit www.myfloridaclimate.com and www.flgov.com.

Sincerely,


Warren Davis
Office of Citizen Services



To receive Governor Crist's weekly newsletter, "Notes from the Capitol,"
please visit www.flgov.com and click on "Subscribe to Notes from the
Capitol."

Comment by Bill Tucker on September 30, 2008 at 3:35pm

This is a response I recieved from Senator Bill Nelson to a proposal about how the EPA could speed up the conversion kit approval process:



Dear Mr. Tucker:

Thank you for contacting me about increasing our nation's use of natural gas.

We must develop a long-term energy strategy that alleviates high energy prices and reduces our dependency on foreign oil while protecting our precious environment. The prices of home energy and gasoline have risen in recent months, leaving many struggling to afford driving to work and heating or cooling their homes.

Natural gas usage shows promise as way to lower energy prices and greenhouse gas emissions in the short term. Florida currently consumes over 894 billion cubic feet of natural gas each year, and most of Florida's counties have access to natural gas.

In the long run, however, we need to shift towards alternative energy and to drastically increase the efficiency of our cars, buildings, and appliances.

I will keep your views in mind as the Senate continues to consider ways to address America's energy problems. Please do not hesitate to contact me again.

Comment by Bill Tucker on September 30, 2008 at 3:25pm

This is a response I recieved from Senator Mel Martinez to a proposal about how the EPA could speed up the conversion kit approval process:

Dear Mr. Tucker:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the energy campaign of T. Boone Pickens. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond to your concerns.

Today, our nation is 66 percent dependent on foreign sources of energy. It is critical for our national security that we adopt an energy policy that promotes conservation and efficiency, increases domestic production, and diversifies the nation’s energy supply. Mr. Pickens has suggested that we generate 20% of our electricity from wind within ten years and that we replace petroleum with natural gas to fuel our vehicles to decrease our demand for foreign oil.

I agree with Mr. Pickens that the $700 billion a year our nation spends on foreign oil is unacceptable, but an "all of the above" approach is our best option for solving this energy crisis. I have consistently supported an environmentally responsible approach for oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). I have also promoted coal-to-liquids technology, the development of cellulosic ethanol and other non-food-based renewable fuels, tax incentives for renewable energies, the expansion of nuclear power, and the extraction of vast oil shale deposits in America's West. To reduce demand, I have supported increases in fuel efficiency standards and investment in mass transit. Congress must encourage the utilization of all of our domestic energy resources and the development of new technologies.

Mr. Pickens has many good ideas, and I believe Congress needs to take up legislation to promote greater energy independence. Please be assured that I will keep your views in mind as we continue developing a competitive national energy policy. I am committed to working with my colleagues in the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the full Senate to promote renewable energy.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your views with me. If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. In addition, for more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

Mel Martinez
United States Senator

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