Earth Sheltered Home ....ALASKA!

short film shot here

2011-04-10T06:55:00.011-08:00

From time to time someone will ask me for pics of the interior of the house here. I will admit that I am a bit lax about getting some good shots of it and that the site has become more an energy and sustainability based site than I had initially anticipated. But such is the nature and passion of my advocacy.
That being said. Here's a link to a short film that was shot here this last winter that does show some of the interior. As well as some of the property too. About 85% of it was filmed here. It was filmed for The Anchorage International Film festivals 24 hr film competition and took the 2nd place award at the contest.
Enjoy.

click here for the video

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Kids Fun Activities at Anch Museum -Earth Family Day

2011-04-09T06:32:00.003-08:00

1 to 6 p.m.
4/10/2011
Learn about the ways humans depend on the environment. Discover new strategies for green living from local community groups. Appreciate the environment through art projects, including using recycled materials to create something new. Free

>link to anchorage museum event info

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Alaska House Joint Resolution 23 hydroelectric power

2011-04-08T05:59:00.002-08:00

HJR 23
“Urging the United States Congress to classify hydroelectric power as a renewable and alternative energy source.”

Sponsor statement and links to full bill text here

Sponsor statement:
House Joint Resolution 23 urges the United States Congress to classify hydroelectric power as a renewable and alternative energy source.

The U.S. has long used targeted tax credit programs to incentivize investment and innovation in the energy sector. This is true for fossil and renewable projects resources alike — and the Investment and Production Tax Credits for renewable energy have been highly successful. According to the National Hydropower Association, tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in private investment across industries — not to mention gigawatts of affordable, reliable, and renewable power — have been driven by smart tax policies.

Hydroelectric has extraordinary potential in Alaska, and the ability to displace diesel generated power with little to no environmental impact. However, hydropower receives only one half the credit available to other renewable energy sources. Equalizing the tax credit for hydropower will help Alaskans in their efforts to displace costly non-renewable generation of power.

HJR 23 sends a strong message urging Congress to develop a working definition of renewable and alternative which includes our hardest working renewable resource, hydropower. Please join me and sending this unified resolution to our elected Representatives in Washington D.C.

2011 Business of Clean Energy in AK Conference

2011-04-08T05:50:00.002-08:00

2011 Business of Clean Energy in AK Conference

Alaska House Energy Committee to Hear Public Testimony on Susitna Dam Legislation

2011-02-23T05:41:00.002-09:00

House Energy Committee to Hear Public Testimony on Susitna Dam
Legislation

The House Special Committee on Energy has scheduled two days for
public testimony on plans to build a hydroelectric dam on the Susitna
River in the Lower Watana area and legislation to empower the Alaska
Energy Authority to take steps to advance the project.

The committee will hold hearings on Thursday, February 24, and
Tuesday, March 1, 2011, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Members of the public may testify in the Alaska State Capitol, Room
124, in Juneau or from any Legislative Information Office across the
state.

Alaska State House Special Committee On Energy 2011

2011-02-08T13:20:00.002-09:00

The legislation has introduced the bill to establish a house special committee on energy. I will follow that on this post. Including but not limited to all committee members contact info as it comes available. So watch this space for those going ons.

House Resolution 2
House Special Committee On Energy
Passed House! (H) Resolve 2
Sponsored by the House Rules Committee

“Relating to establishing a House Special Committee on Energy.”

Status: (H) Resolve 2 : 2011-02-08

HR2 page

HR2
Bill History/Action for 27th Legislature

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Fun Learning Activities about renewable energy for Kids & Adults PLANNING mtg

2011-01-14T06:13:00.001-09:00

meetup

Alternative Renewable Energy in Alaska Meetup Group & Anchorage Resiliency Sustainability Meetup Group will be co-sponsoring some fun hands-on activities for kids & adults to learn @ renewable energy, energy conserv., & sustainable living, ie: make your own LED flashlight, solar mini car, wind powered radio, or plant a medicinal herb & how to use it, etc. We would like to invite this meetup group to join us.
Weâ€™ll also create some adult learning activities like basics of solar, wind, geo, hydro, etc energy so weâ€™re better informed renewable energy seekers.

We will need at least 4 families w/kids & a few w/o kids to commit to helping about 4 months. If you are interested, please bring your ingenious ideas & general time frame of what works for you, & your interests & RSVP to this planning meeting Sat 11/15 sat 11-1pm at Park and Play 6901 E. Tudor Rd,

Thanks Triena. this is a wonderful idea!

Begich Middle School, students study wind

2010-12-20T06:35:00.003-09:00

Anchorage Daily News ADN Article Monday 20 Dec 2010

Students study wind energy as turbines gain favor ADN Article

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Nov. 19: REAP 6th Anniversary Party & Fundraiser

2010-11-16T15:41:00.001-09:00

Celebrate six years of working to energize our state with clean, local sustainable power. Enjoy a night of fun and support renewable energy development in Alaska!

Music · drinks · raffle · door prizes · free appetizers · special guest appearance by the renewable energy fairies

5-8 pm Friday, Nov. 19
Snow City Cafe, Anchorage
1034 W. 4th Avenue

REAP 6th Anniversary Party & Fundraiser Flyer with links

A Bear intrusion

2010-11-15T21:08:00.008-09:00

Ok, so on oct 19th a Bear tried to push it's way into my garage.

The story:
So the night of the happening I was down in my shop working on a new rig for my video cam. (I make short horror/thriller films) when I heard some snorting and scuffling in the driveway. I went out to check it out, it was dark and couldn't see a thing. But I continued to hear the scuffling and snorting. moments later a moose came charging down by me and into the woods. That in itself was pretty freaky since it was so dark I couldn't see the thing at all until it was going by me. ZOOM, into the woods went the moose. a moment of silence and the shuffling sounds continued from the driveway. Then Bang BAng! something was beating on something. Ok, thats a bear I thought to myself. The sound got more intense so I made my way up to the house, in through the front door and proceeded to the garage. When I opened the house door to the garage and turned on the light the garage door was BANG, BAng, heaving in and being forced off it's rails. ""expletive" BEAR! Get the ,expletive out of here" that's all it took, and the bear was gone. I guess I spooked it. but that's not before it did the damage that you see in the above pic.
What was in the garage that the bear could have wanted? not sure. I've emptied it out over the course of the summer and turned it into an indi-film studio. All that was left in there that I might think a bear would have wanted was an empty freezer, which I had recently cleaned out and bleached. All I can figure is that the bear was all jacked up because it had missed an opportunity of creating moose carnage all over my driveway and took it out on my garage door. Not sure but happen it did.
Well, for what it's worth the bear did succeed in expediting a project I was probably going to do come next spring anyway. That is removing the garage door, and framing it in for a pair of solid,(no glass :) french doors. So that is something I've now done. Of course the doors were special order because it's Alaska and much of what we need seems to be special order. Well, I framed it in the weekend it happened and the door unit came in just last thursday so now I have it all secured again. I had plywood screwed up over the opening 'till the door unit got here of course ;)
So, check back and I'll post some pics of the project of doors, wall, and interior film studio renovation. Right now it's dark outside and I'm just done for the day.
Time for a movie before sleep.

Nite.

CIRI fire Island wind project town meeting oct 20 2010

2010-10-15T18:46:00.003-08:00

CIRI's Fire Island Wind project enjoys broad public support and is a strategic first step to lessening our dependence on dwindling sources of Cook Inlet natural gas. A construction company has been hired, civil and electrical engineering are underway and favorable pricing for equipment has been achieved. This project stands ready to provide hundreds of local jobs and millions in municipal tax revenue while benefitting from federal renewable energy grants to further reduce the cost to ratepayers. Yet the project has never been more imperiled.

CIRI invites you to join state policy-makers and business leaders to learn about the progress made to date on advancing the Fire Island Wind project. While discussions with local utilities continue to move forward, I want you to understand that time is of the essence. Completion of the project and capturing its significant benefits will require executed utility board- and Assembly-approved Power Purchase Agreements to be submitted to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska by mid-December 2010. The proposed timeline will enable the project to secure favorable project financing and significant federal funding. Time is running short.

As the Municipality embarks on its second annual "Energy Watch" campaign, calling on citizens to reduce energy consumption during cold snaps that stress our brittle gas system, we urge you to encourage your Southcentral utilities to embrace this fuel-free alternative.

Fire Island Wind is a real, cost-effective solution that can be online and producing fuel-free power by fall 2012.

CIRI strongly believes that there will never be a better opportunity to bring on a commercial-scale wind project at such competitive power costs. The time is now. Please join us.

Respectfully,

Margie Brown
President and CEO
RSVP by replying to this e-mail or e-mailing rsvp@ciri.com.

THANKS GOES TO....
Patrick Lavin

Conservation Policy Advocate

...for the heads up on this one.

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Oct. 13 REAP Forum

2010-10-12T13:34:00.001-08:00

Oct. 13 REAP Forum:
From the Hydrogen Highway to Osmotic Power
6-8pm at the Anchorage Museum auditorium, 625 C Street
Alaskan Austin Johnson will talk about his recent trip touring renewable energy facilities in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and the UK...

MORE INFO HERE

I'm going to try my best to make it to this one, finally. :p
It looks very interesting and ya know what? I've been filming and editing a ridiculous amt on these 2 film projects I have going on that I really need to just get out a bit. So...hope to see you there!

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sorry about the inactivity here...

2010-10-07T06:40:00.002-08:00

...but I've been involved in a very time consuming project.
film project

But I do have some news concerning WECS in Anchorage. If you haven't heard the WECS ordinance has finally passed the assembly a few weeks ago. There are good and there are bad. sadly enough it appears they watered down a few important aspects but at least we have a framework to petition er/or...apply for a variance.....

promise, I'll be back to normal in a few days and probably do a bit of catch up posting.

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WECS on agenda at tonights Anchorage assembly 17 aug '10

2010-08-17T17:12:00.001-08:00

Sorry about the last minute posting but Wecs (wind energy conversion systems) is on the agenda at tonights Anchorage assembly meeting. hopefully for passage this time!

WECS at anchorage assembly tonight

6th Annual Alaska Renewable Energy Fair

2010-08-04T05:44:00.004-08:00

It's time again for the Annual Alaska Renewable Energy Fair.

Saturday, Aug 7th 11am-9pm, at the Anchorage Park Strip.

REAP newsletter, including energy fair info

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thanks for attending

2010-07-10T20:47:00.010-08:00

Thanks to those who came out to the house for July's meet-up!
think I'll uncork that wine we didn't open :)

hey,I'll get more.

Quiet summer's eve

A short while before the 1st to arrive the bears made a showing. I'll talk with them and see if we can work on the timing a bit for next time :)

there's another cub under the truck. shadowed of course :p

Sponsor Statement: House Bill 306 Alaska State Energy Policy

2010-06-17T18:36:00.002-08:00

Sponsor Statement: House Bill 306
Alaska State Energy Policy

HB 306

Haven't had a chance to browse through it yet but I thought I'd go ahead and post the link.

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Alaskans for Alternative energy July meetup

2010-06-09T17:01:00.011-08:00

Hi, Some of you may be familiar with the group "Alaskans for Alternative energy"; Some of you I am certain are not. But I'd like to take a moment to introduce you to the group. Honestly, I could just sit here and write a huge post about who they/we are but I think the best way is to simply give you a link which you can browse thru.
Alaskans for Alternative Energy group

I will be hosting the July 6 meeting at my house here in South Anchorage. As the header to this site says it is an earth sheltered home. I was built in 1986 and is serving me very well. While this home could admittedly use some basic upgrades ,(as the pocketbook allows :), I am very happy with the design, setting, orientation, and operability I have acquired with it. There was a lot of thought and research that went into the design and location of this home. The basic heating system works wonderfully and is a relative big savings over a standard style stick built home.

The upcoming July 6th meetup will consist of:
A- 6:30 pm- a casual potluck and social hr( I'll provide a bit of wine and cheese :)
B- followed by a brief monthly meeting discussion
C- we will be screening some yet undecided renewable energy and sustainability themed films.

If you are interested in meeting some like minded individuals bent on education and advocacy for renewables please stop by for the meetup. Come advocate and educate us as well with your own projects etc!
You can RSVP at the link given below.
Hope to see you here!

RSVP here
Location and directions will be mailed out via email prior to the meeting.

While I prefer an RSVP thru our meetup you can also reach me here if it best suits you.
Earth Sheltered Home Ak contact

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Sustainable Girdwood Alaska

2010-04-28T17:53:00.008-08:00

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Check out this exciting new comprehensive plan for a sustainable community here in Alaska. It's called sustainable Girdwood.
Looks great!
This is one to watch. I don't just mean the video. Keep your eye on this project. This would be breakthrough.
I will admit that I honestly didn't do another post for some time later for the purpose of extending the time that this post stayed on the front page for a bit longer.This is a wonderful undertaking that deserves much support from the community.

Sustainable Girdwoods website

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REAP. Renewable Energy Alaska Project-sponsored forum April 14

2010-04-08T22:09:00.002-08:00

On Wed April 14th 2010 REAP,(renewable energy Alaska Project ), will be sponsoring a forum on using solar thermal power in Alaska. The forum is in Anchorage, but people can listen in from anywhere in the state.

REAP’s free forum is from 6-8 p.m, April 14, at the Anchorage Museum auditorium.

for more details please go HERE

This looks to be a good educational forum and yes you read it right. It is FREE.

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Anchorage: An ordinance amending Title 21 for wind energy conversion systems

2010-03-23T18:00:00.002-08:00

The proposed ordinance is headed back to the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 5 for a public hearing. The commission is being asked to review and recommend approval of the ordinance to the Anchorage Assembly. Based on feedback from the Assembly’s Title 21 Subcommittee, several changes have been proposed.
The proposed ordinance is posted on the Planning Department’s Cases Online. If you have comments, please follow the link below, enter Case # 2010-038 and submit comments. Comments submitted by Thursday at noon will be included in the staff report that will go to PZC members.

View the document here

leave comments here
you will need to open the drop down box and find case number 2010-038 and it will take you right to the comments section for this case.

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Alaska Legislative session starts today 19 Jan '10

2010-01-19T05:50:00.005-09:00

wow, I can't believe it's been over a month since I have done a post on this site. To those that come here as a regular and/or infrequent visitor I just want to say I'm very sorry for that. I can't believe it myself. I haven't lost interest, quite the contrary I have been busy working on a couple film projects, post production one 1 which is a script based project and info gathering etc for the RE film. One which I expect to pick up now that the session has begun. Another reason is that I'm also gearing for and doing some offline prep for another website for an Alternative energy advocacy group which I belong to as well.
That said I must get to my regular place of employment so that I can continue the other aforementioned projects and please keep checking back as I expect sooner than later we'll be feeding this site with all kinds of info and advocacy because it's harvest time in the legislature folks!

AK State Legislature official website

:)

ADN story on wind energy, turbines 29 nov 09

2009-11-29T21:15:00.002-09:00

I don't think I've ever linked a newspaper or any other form of medias story from this site but this one appeared in the Anchorage Daily News today. ADN. It talks of wind energy conversion,turbines, etc and Alaska. I'm not going to make judgment one way or the other except that to say that no matter what you might think of the article it is a sign that Renewable energy in Alaska and elsewhere is becoming a newsworthy.
With no further delay here's the link.

ADN story on WECS

29 Nov 2009

Renewable Energy Alaska Film Project

2009-11-23T17:51:00.012-09:00

Some of you that visit this site will know and of course many others of you that come by here will not, but I am in pre-production on a film documenting Renewable Energy in Alaska. By pre-production at this time what I mean is that I am formulating, researching, and gathering content that will or could possibly fit into the theme of the film, which will at this point be in part or whole divided into segments comprised of the following.

A-What the state of Alaska has to offer in renewable Energy resources and possibilities. How do they vary from region to region.

B-Means by which those offerings can be harnessed and to what degree.

C-What hurdles political, environmental and otherwise are presented to those individuals, businesses, communities, etc. who seek to implement their own generation.

D-How has the field changed in recent years due to political, environmental, and technological changes and advancements.

E-Showcase some select projects that are currently in operation, being researched, or moving forward in the state, from home based to utility scale.

F-Who are currently and who has been the players in this state.

G-What does it look like the future may hold in Alaska for renewables.

Of course this is at this time only a seeding of an overview toward what I am researching right now for this project and is of course subject to change.
I am also looking into financing, funding, and the ways and means that I can adequately document the research and footage of above said segments.
I am at this point also currently doing some filming when opportunity presents itself in an effort to gather footage to draw from when it is time to start assembling the film.

At this point I am working on a potential time line of mid October 2010 to finalize post production.

My main drive in this is that of public education. Because I believe it is through education of the public that real, sustainability in energy generation can become a reality in hopefully a shorter rather than longer time frame. To be honest, I am not against fossil fuels, they will have a large role for many years to come but to not look and work towards the next stage is not only irresponsible but it is also denial and selfish at best.

In closing, If the above interests you and you believe you have something of value in the way of research, information, logistics, financing possibilities, or technical skills, etc. at your disposal please contact me Here and we'll talk! I'm not making any promises of what will and will not be included in the project at this point but I certainly don't want to miss an opportunity or leave out something that I will later wish had been included.

I AM making this film.
If it is wholly by my own time and money I AM making this film. How much I can afford to put into it only time will tell but I do want to produce something of value to this cause that will at once enlighten, awaken, and help the forward motion of this issue to not only keep going but to thrive and flourish. Believe me I am constantly learning the great scope of this issue and no matter how much research I and you do there will always be more to learn and more concerns, conflicts, and issues which keep this an interesting and deeply woven subject. One which there is no easy answer and certainly none that will ever appease everyone. This film is of and about Alaska but it is a world stage issue. But Alaska is my home and I've heard that to change the world then start at home. Well here I am. Here we are. Lets go.

There's a reason I keep the following words at the bottom of every page on this site.

"Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That maybe it couldn't, but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried."
Edward Guest

Forward this on to others you might feel could have an interest in this project and to those you feel just might simply be interested! :)

As always, Thank you for stopping by and please keep checking back!

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just heard a great saying.scary as it is.

2009-11-21T23:18:00.003-09:00

"The bureaucracy is expanding to meet the needs of the expanding bureaucracy."

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Press Release:Alaska House Energy Committee

2009-11-18T05:59:00.011-09:00

Mayors Weigh in on Statewide Energy Policy for Alaska
Ak Legislative Majority Ak Legislative Majority

Rep. Charisse Millett R-30
Ak House Majority
Co-Chair, (H) ENE Com.

Rep. Bryce Edgmon (D-37)
Co-Chair, (H) ENE Com.
Chair, (H) FSH Com.

Posted: November 17, 2009

(Anchorage) - Mayors from all four corners of Alaska joined the House Special Committee on Energy this afternoon in its effort to create a statewide energy plan. Fourteen mayors testified about how a statewide energy plan can help make energy more affordable, reliable and efficient in their communities.
Ak St Legislature Majority

Ak St Legislature MajorityFor any energy plan to work it has to work at the local level and with the help of the chief executives we heard from today we are on track for a successful energy policy next session.
~ Rep. Charisse MillettAk St Legislature Majority
Ak St Legislature Majority

Today's hearing was part of the Alaska Municipal League's 2009 Annual Conference.

"It was a privilege to listen and learn from local leaders about energy policy," said Energy Co-chair Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage. "For any energy plan to work it has to work at the local level and with the help of the chief executives we heard from today we are on track for a successful energy policy next session."
Ak St Legislature Majority

Ak St Legislature MajorityRural leaders are leading the way to solving the energy crisis in their own communities. With some carefully measured assistance from the legislature and the administration they can get a lot more done in the next few years on renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
~ Rep. Bryce EdgmonAk St Legislature Majority

"The energy needs in rural areas are unique not only to Alaska but to the entire country," said Energy Co-chair Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham. "Rural leaders are leading the way to solving the energy crisis in their own communities. With some carefully measured assistance from the legislature and the administration they can get a lot more done in the next few years on renewable energy and energy efficiency projects."

Committee members also received an update on the House Energy Stakeholders Group. The group of Alaskans from the natural resource development, business, conservation and renewable energy organizations are close to finalizing a state energy policy, which if passed next session, will be put into statute. The update was given by Bill Popp, President & CEO, Anchorage Economic Development Corporation and Chris Rose, Executive Director, Renewable Energy Alaska Project.

Energy Co-chairs Edgmon and Millett are also working on an omnibus energy bill for next session.

For more information, contact Rep. Millett at (907) 269-0222 or Rep. Edgmon at (907) 269-0275.

I attended the Alaska House Special Committee hearing on Energy today...

2009-11-17T18:36:00.003-09:00

I attended the Alaska House Special Committee hearing on Energy today.
I am very glad I went to this function. My camera's eye, (yes I took video of all the testimony and I hope to have at least a bullet point video put together by the end of this coming weekend so watch this spot), and myself came away with a good feeling of the direction that renewable and alternative energy will hopefully be playing in Alaska's future. If the testimonies of the Mayors or their representatives hold any water with the house we are really on the cusp of something major in this state. I must say that every single speaker advocated for renewables in one form or the other during their testimonies to the committee. Some VERY much so! Of course the type and scope varied pretty greatly depending upon where their particular area of this very large state is. But the soundbites were very much the same.
'We need this.'
'Please do what you can to make this happen.'
'Diesel etc. is unsustainable and expensive enough to deliver a growing hardship and emigration from our towns and regions.'
These were the sort of testimonies I heard over and over during the length of today's hearing.

So, I just thought I'd chime in a tad here and let all you alt and renewable advocates know that. And, again, that I'll get a video of some highlights put together as soon as I possibly can. So again, watch this space for more info.

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Alaska House Special Committee hearing on Energy nov 17 '09

2009-11-16T15:10:00.000-09:00

Nov. 17: House Special Committee hearing on Energy
Bill Popp, of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation and REAP Exec. Dir. Chris Rose will speak on the Statewide Energy Policy Bill created by the House Energy Stakeholders Group. Various Alaska mayors are also scheduled to testify.

This meeting is part of the Alaska Municipal League Conference being held at the Captain Cook Hotel. Up to 40 mayors from around the state are scheduled to attend the committee hearing. They will testify about what their communities are looking for in a statewide energy plan, potential legislation and state funding for energy projects.

Alaska currently lacks an overall energy policy that frames how Alaskans produce and consume energy for themselves. Such a policy would set an overall direction for the state and guide the many energy programs currently in place.
Legislative Information Office in Anchorage, Rm. #220
716 W 4th Avenue
Tuesday, Nov 17
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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Alaska State Energy Policy and Program Recommendations 19 oct 09

2009-10-20T20:11:00.005-08:00

Alaska State Energy Policy and Program Recommendations: Ak Senate

7 pages of summary

The 50 page working draft

These are open for public comment and they want to hear from you.
You can chime in HERE.

Senate Bill 31: "Alternative Energy Production Tax Credit" This Bill in the senate seems to work hand in hand with the new energy policy recommendations. Within the policy recommendations they endorse passage of Sb 31.
You can view the bill HERE
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RCA votes 4-1 to adopt Alaska net metering policy

2009-10-14T19:25:00.007-08:00

Net Metering Alaska 14 Oct 2009
RCA votes 4-1 to adopt Alaska net metering policy

Cheers to all who have worked toward this, it's only inches away now!

Below is a press release on the subject:

RCA COMMISSIONERS VOTE 4 TO 1 TO ADOPT ALASKA NET METERING POLICY
In an unexpected and historic turn of events, the Commissioners of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) today voted 4 to 1 to adopt a statewide Net Metering tariff regulation at a public meeting in Anchorage. The regulation will next receive a legal review by the Alaska Department of Law, and then be sent to the Lieutenant Governor for signature. The regulation is expected to become active within 90 to 120 days and will effectively permit net metered connections on the Railbelt utilities and a handful of others across the state that exceed 5 million kilowatt hours of annual sales.
At this public meeting, the RCA Commissioners were presented by RCA staff members James Keen and Rich Gazaway with a compromise strawman proposal that limits individual customer system size to 25 kilowatts, allows credit for excess power at the retail rate with monthly billing, and limits the total capacity of net metered systems to 1.5% of the utilities average retail demand. Commissioners Pickett, Giard, Lisankie and Wilson voted in favor of the proposal, and Commissioner Price dissented with concerns that cost shifting from Net Metered customers may be passed on to other customers. A strong case was made by Net Metering advocates during earlier public hearings and comments on the docket that utilities in more than 42 other states have adopted net metering with negligible effects to their bottom line economics.
The public meeting began with supportive statements by Net Metering advocates including Pat Lavin from the National Wildlife Federation, Mark Masteller of the US Green Building Council and engineering consultant Andy Baker of YourCleanEnergy. There was also telephone testimony from advocates in Kodiak and Juneau, and the meeting was monitored telephonically by the staff of Representative Paul Seaton in Homer who has been a long time and consistent supporter of similar state legislation. Since the first docket on Net Metering was opened by the RCA nearly two years ago, the interest and support from advocates has grown organically to a lobby that proved effective in removing objections made by the Railbelt and other utilities during the public workshops and reviews. In the end, the utilities and advocates agreed to the compromise strawman proposal crafted by RCA staff that was adopted today.
by Andy Baker, P.E.,
YourCleanEnergy LLC
907-274-2007

Thanks to Margaret Adsit of the Alaska center for the environment for getting this out to the advocacy community in such a timely manner!

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Alaskans for Alternative Energy

2009-10-13T09:45:00.002-08:00

Live in Alaska and interested in Alternative energy? Here is an Anchorage based group working toward pro-activity in the sustainable energy arena.

Alaskans for Alternative Energy

Check it out the site and attend a meeting with other like minded individuals looking for solutions.

"Meet people in Alaska to discuss alternative power in our great state. Wind Turbines, Solar Power and other forms of natural energy. If you want to help bring more natural energy to Alaska or just discuss how it works and how it will work in Alaska then please join. This group is NOT against OIL... We just want to learn.. But we do want to bring more Alternative Power to Alaska...."

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RCA public hearing net metering oct 14 2009

2009-10-08T22:33:00.002-08:00

PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA THE REGULATORY COMMISSION OF ALASKA 701 WEST EIGHTH AVENUE, SUITE 300 ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14, 2009 9:00 a.m. ITEM DOCKET ISSUE /FILE 1 Public Participation (Limited to 5 minutes per presenter, and Commissioner questions) 2 Presentation: Clean Energy Generation and Individual Residential Allotments of Energy (Paul Kendall) 3 U-09-004 In the Matter of Research and Investigation into Numbering Conservation and 907 Area Code Exhaust (Pickett) 4 R-09-001 In the Matter of the Consideration of the Adoption of Regulations Implementing Net Metering (Giard) 5 Other Business 6 Executive Session as Required.

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Indie Film Alaska

2009-06-29T21:54:00.006-08:00

Update 8 july '09
Here's the finished DIY, documentary whatever video of the salvaged material camera crane.

Well, for those who don't know,(most who visit this site), I'm gearing up to shoot an indie film. Just FYI in case you're interested. I anticipate it to be a short film but like everything, you just never know where it'll go. Honestly, I'd like to do some nice little documentary like " renewable energy Alaska" or even " Net metering Alaska" or something. And that's not to say I won't dive into something like that but right now I'm going for something that simply lets me play, experiment, and have fun. Therefore I'll be shooting a psychological thriller of sorts with a bit of blood inserted for, yes, shock and awe, and to help drive home a point, um, really, no pun intended. Hopefully it'll be used with "taste" and to simply help get the point across where needed. Wink. But like I say, I want this to be fun for me and anyone else involved so I'm certain there will be a few strategically inserted days of beer and blood going on. For the mind, ya know?
Why do I put this on this site of all places? Because
1-this place is " On Location"
2-I feel like it
3-Maybe someone will find it and want to have a discussion about Filming independent movies in Alaska. And if that happens maybe we'll all get together and form a meetup of like minded individuals interested in indie filming in Alaska.
I like #2 tho really :)

Basic description:
A DIY salvaged material camera crane, with a vertical sweep from point of pivot of about 22'.For my Panasonic dvx100A
All for 1 single shot of my short indie thriller. Although, If an Eagle or something else decides to use one of our trees as a nest or something I may find myself repositioning the thing as I see fit ya know?

Total cost? $6.00US, everything but 3 bolts is salvaged material. (now that's resource responsibility! :)

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RCA releases guidelines for net metering

2009-06-18T05:32:00.001-08:00

Watch this space. I'll have some details within a couple days.

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A family of moose was here visiting a couple days ago...

2009-06-18T05:30:00.006-08:00

A cow moose and her two small calves came to visit a couple days ago. They frolicked around the place for a while. Yes, Moose frolic, we saw it, they do.
I must confess that this little video comes just days after my own lack of due diligence of not keeping some film in the camera at all times and losing out on the opportunity of wading through rabbits in the yard as they seek the protection from the lynx in the woods, I took a good 2 minutes,(well enough anyway), of footage of that lynx before I realized what that little red blinking light meant. AAAARGHHH! and the bear who casually walks out of the woods and right over the house,(of course, it's an earth sheltered house so this is actually possible). sigh, alas, it becomes another fish story.

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Energy Committee to Hold Public Hearing in Fairbanks on Statewide Energy Plan

2009-06-07T09:09:00.003-08:00

June 17th
Link to detailed info

This is the committee who is still awaiting a recommendation from the RCA concerning net metering as mentioned in a couple prior posts.
Would be a good opportunity for some Alt energy and net metering testimony at this one.

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Anchorage assembly and wind power...

2009-06-06T01:26:00.004-08:00

...whew ! ?
wow. I know, I need to post about this event. And will, very soon. In full report style, But ya know what? I'm still blown away by their lack of interest OR the political posturing/pass it on to the next guys crap.
Either way, be it through not reading ALL THAT INFO so conveniently handed to you by the very same people who you asked to answer your questions and concerns or the route of intentionally evading the issue you have no fond follower here.
again, wow. I can't *^^^* believe that you didn't even read what was presented to you weeks before the meeting.

wow again, this is not political posturing. This is outright intentional ignoring.

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Anchorage Assembly May 26th, wind power ammendment to title 21, Loussac library

2009-05-10T19:11:00.005-08:00

Well May 26th is getting closer and closer. So I'm reminding everyone, If you live withing the municipality of Anchorage, be it Anchorage, Girdwood, Eagle River, etc. And you believe in wind power or even Alternative and renewable energy as a whole it is inherently important to be at this meeting. Whether it is to make a testimonial or to just be there to show support. I can't stress enough how important it is for this or any other issue for that matter that the assembly sees that there is strong support from the community.
I'm advocate for renewable energy, duh, obviously. Dare I use the term Activist? maybe not, if so then in the subtle way. No, you won't see me out there picketing utilities and such. I believe that education speaks MUCH louder than anything like that. But I do believe it is inherently and ethically important that the "powers that be" act toward empowering it's citizenry into the freedom to utilize those resources available to them on a personal level as they see fit, on their own property, and as an integral part of responsible generation as a whole of course. Not to mention that an amendment such as this into title 21,(Anchorages land use plan),would not only create a path for personal wind generation. But it includes the utility level as well. Fire Island wind farm for example. It contains, in whatever imperfections it may have a set of guidelines and a definitions and even limitations of the ways and means that individuals and business can implement it. It provides for aesthetic, structural, and a variety of other conditions which will become enforceable and advancing all at once. It's not perfect but we have to start somewhere. Baby steps. Let's get it in place and then take a look at the details. But we HAVE to get a policy in place to have any advancement at all.
I know there are plenty of other people who are advocates as much as myself where it comes to responsible energy generation and the like but what I mean is that it seems to fall on deaf ears so much of the time where those powers that be are concerned, (Anchorage assembly, Regulatory commission, etc.) I've talked with people, gone to various meetings etc. etc. but so many of these seem to end up as good meaning think tanks that really need to dig their heels in and push forward. Join forces, educate, activate. In this scenario on may 26th at the Anchorage assembly chambers we have the opportunity to come together at once, in one location and show our support. There is power in numbers but not until those who believe in a cause are brought together as a group to show and educate others as to why they should act.
Wow, as I look back on this post it's become much longer and wordy than I initially set out. But there you go. What can I say, I believe that through education and activism THEY will understand the importance.

May 26 '09 Anchorage Assembly chambers at the Loussac library. Public testimony could start as early as 6:00 pm.

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Want to send a big Thanks...

2009-05-02T23:30:00.007-08:00

...out to everyone who has been to this site as of late. Hopefully this means that there are other like minded individuals out there in support of responsible generation also seeking to advance the cause. I think there is a common ground here that can bring the so called "partisans " together.
My viewpoint is admittedly a conservative one where, (and don't confuse me with a neo-con please! :), I believe that an individual should have the right to make a choice. On a more personal level, By that I mean my own interpretation is that which benefits this little orb in space I live on benefits me and mine, and the generations that will follow me. There is no more basic a traditional, real conservative definition than that. Basically, before being warped as it has become, conservatism meant just that. Save for later. Then spend out of the savings. Is that so hard to understand? I guess to some it might be. Especially to those who have stolen my party and brought it down into a quagmire of rhetoric and theology.
I swore to myself back when I started putting this thing together, (this site), that I would leave this place free from the politics of the day and simply talk about this house, this type of house, Alternative and renewable energy, and all things related to that. But then something happened. I went to do some research shopping for my own alt energy system and guess what? I was told in no small terms that it would be a cold day in hell before Alaska ever allows anything resembling net metering to ever exist. And, to top it off, I then spoke to a variety of people in the industry etc. shortly thereafter who had the same defeated mindset.
Sorry, But I'm not defeated yet and it essentially pissed me off that a state such as this with so many opportunities and resources for energy generation of so many sorts would be so adamantly against empowering it's own citizenry and denying it the freedom of choice to become a part of the system as a whole. This point I'll boil down to this 'Government creates monopolistic energy generation' and 'Government intrudes on our private property rights' At this point in time I can't hook up to a grid to generate responsible energy into it and I can't even put a small wind turbine up if I wanted to. Where is my empowerment, where are my personal property rights. When does my right to choose get a say in all this?
Ok, I'm not ready to end this post yet, and I know that it needs a whole lot of editing to be able to say "correctly" what I really want to say, and you can be assured that I'll keep editing this thing until I get right that which lies within my brain. But I hope you get the point. And please keep checking back from time to time because I think this post will continue to become more and more clarified.

But, in the end, The bottom line is, No matter what our ideology we have to believe that there is a better way of doing this energy and sustainability thing than we are doing now. I don't know about you but I have a daughter here who I'd like to be able to see have 1 or 2 of her own, and on down the line, who'll not think of me and mine,(generations) as the one's who ruined it all for them.
They WILL be here. They deserve a chance at this place. They didn't mess it up. We did. We need to do it for them. And really that's what matters most.

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Anchorage Muni. Wind power hearing

2009-04-28T19:41:00.005-08:00

There is a hearing May 26th on an amendment to title 21 Anchorage muni land use code to add wind power into the code. The public giving testimony at this hearing is crucial.

Anchorage muni wind power hearing

Empower the individual to have a choice.

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net metering 22 april 09 RCA 1.5% aggregate decision questions

2009-04-22T19:39:00.004-08:00


RCA settles on an aggregate net metered generation cap of 1.5% of average demand.

I tried to send the following post out to the emailing list but for some reason my provider determined that it was too many recipients this time. Why not the other times? I'm not sure but I know many are looking at this site recently so I thought I'd post those same questions etc that I attempted to mail out in case anyone has any thoughts on them. As I get answers I may add them in as an addendum to this particular posting. If that is as I mention in the post that I'm not throwing a stick into the spokes.
So, here goes.

I've a question. Maybe someone can help me out with this. I'm not so sure that it's as much a question as an observation but I could be wrong. let me know if you can help.
I live in Anchorage. My electric utility is Chugach. Lets say for the sake of argument that the RCA and the legislation says "Ok Chugach, you have to let this guy finally get his system and hook up to the grid." I go out and buy a whooper of a system, Hook up and let it flow. Chugach is pretty big, I'm not going to hit that 1.5% of average demand and there will still be plenty of room for others to join in the fun.
On the other hand, I move out to a more remote area and take my system with me. I hook up to that local utilities grid before anyone else and easily meet that utilities 1.5%.
Here we go. Does that shut everyone else out of the pool? Do they get put on a waiting list until I decide not to hog up all the available percentages? Is everyone fighting each other to be allowed to be included in this measly percentage? or do they divide it up equally between everyone? If that last one is the case then what's the use? What happens when this scenario comes up? I can't believe that it won't.unless there is something I don't understand. And of course that could very well be the case. :)
It's just one that's been nagging me and I know I should have posed these questions prior to now.
I would like to get in on some of these public commentary's as that any one who knows me knows I like to get into the thick of things and have no shyness where it comes to the public or microphones :), but I don't want to throw a stick into the spokes ya know with questions like this without consultation. I'm an advocate and not an engineer.
Thanks

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hjr25 Hydroelectric Power; Renewable Energy

2009-04-15T19:57:00.004-08:00

FYI,
Here's another alt energy bill which just passed the house with a unanimous vote of flying colors and is headed to the senate!
http://housemajority.org/spon.php?id=26hjr25

here's a big 'slap in the face um what?' from the federal government.
.."Federal Government does not have a working definition of renewable or alternative that includes hydroelectric power."
again, huh? what?

This bill urges the federal government to classify hydro as renewable. Ya know? something strange. Isn't it like every time it rains or we get a snow cap that the source is renewed?

Sunday 19 April '09 UPDATE!
This just passed the Senate and is now awaiting transmission to the Governor.

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HB66 net energy metering

2009-04-02T21:55:00.003-08:00

HB66

The second net metering bill was just heard yesterday by the special committee on energy.
I've no doubt that we'll once again here that they are waiting for the RCA's report but the one thing right off the bat which should be of concern with this bill is the 1% aggregate limit on net metered generation. In essence, where net metering is likely to be needed and implemented quickest is the very areas which would probably be the first to "use up" their 1% quota thereby quickly closing the door for many systems. re: rural areas with smaller utilities.
Please voice your support and/or concerns while it's fresh in their minds.
See the following post for all the contact info for the Alaska legislature special committee on energy.
special committee on energy contact info
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The internet and the electric grid

2009-03-31T21:43:00.004-08:00

Honestly, I can envision a time when energy production into the grid becomes the equivalent of what the internet has become through personal computers. KM

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Net metering Alaska Mar 28 '09 update HB-31

2009-03-28T14:03:00.004-08:00

The basic word from the house is that bill HB-31 is being held until the House Special Committee on Energy gets the report that is coming from the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. This would be the results from dockets R-09-001 and R-09-002 providing the necessary regulations for net metering to be implemented.

Bottom line is that this hopefully won't take the RCA too much longer so the time is right now to voice your support and concerns. (mentioned in the below linked post).
Also See the following post link for contacting the House special Committee on Energy.

House special Committee on Energy Contacts

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Alaska HB31 net energy metering action needed now!

2009-03-23T17:24:00.007-08:00

Alaska HB31 sponsor statement

HB31 full text here

Good bill but it's not without a few bugs that are needed to be addressed.

*Negatives of HB 31*
HB 31 UNDERMINES the momentum toward net metering in AK by exempting electric coops from the bill's net metering rule. Many electric utilities in Alaska, including the largest ones, are coops. Electric coops are key to the effectiveness of the rule and need to be included. (The coops can waive the exemption, but only after the membership takes a vote, which can't happen until the RCA enacts a regulation setting forth the procedure for such a vote. All this will waste ratepayers' and RCA's time while delaying any decision on net metering for years.)

HB 31 also exempts utilities that generate 100% of power with alternative energy systems - ie exempts southeast utilities using hydro. Southeast residents have also sought the benefits of net metering and should not be excluded regardless of their utilities' source of power.

*Positives of HB31*

· Annual accounting period (which allows a better payback on renewable systems than, say, a monthly accounting period).

· No aggregate limit on net metered generation: Unlike HB 66, HB 31 does not have a 1% aggregate limit on net metered generation. (This is a feature that the utilities tend to like because it limits the
total number/power generation of net metering participants).

Thanks to Margaret Adsit,
from the Alaska center for the environment for the previous pro's and con's info.
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Please Contact the House Special Committee on Energy.

House special committee on energy:
(members and contacts)
Representative_Bryce_Edgmon@legis.state.ak.us (Co-chair)
Representative_Charisse_Millett@legis.state.ak.us (Co-chair)
Representative_Nancy_Dahlstrom@legis.state.ak.us
Representative_Kyle_Johansen@legis.state.ak.us
Representative_Jay_Ramras@legis.state.ak.us
Representative_Pete_Petersen@legis.state.ak.us
Representative_Chris_Tuck@legis.state.ak.us

Above I have listed the members of the house special committee on energy and their contact emails.
Please write them! :)

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RCA regulatory commission of Alaska site search

2009-03-22T21:35:00.006-08:00

Does anyone else think that the Regulatory commission of Alaska site is the most user un-friendly site that you've ever been to?
I'm not going to go off on a rant or anything because I do understand that they are working on a number of issues at once, including my own personal biggest interest where it comes to the RCA and that of course being Net Metering Alaska. But sometimes you just have to wonder what the agenda is of the people hired to do the minutes and sequentially the site updating and formatting really is.
If it's to maintain a confusing degree of just that, confusion, then by all means they are earning their keep.
If on the other hand it is their job to produce a site where the citizenry of the state of Alaska can go for information on subjects of their own and the RCA's concern then I give this site an F.
I'll tell ya, I'm no conspiracy theorist but if anyone wants to hide any info concerning anything the RCA has dealings with then by God their own site is the best damn place I've ever seen for such.
If such conspiracies really do exist I'm betting it comes from much higher up than secretaries and web developers tho.
Try it for yourself. Below is the link to the advanced search of the RCA's own site. If you have any better luck than myself please let me know. I'm certainly no greenhorn where it comes to searches, even on most gov type sites but this one baffles me
Yes, it really IS like pulling teeth to find anything out.

RCA Regulatory Commission of Alaska advanced site search

Hey, I'm not entirely convinced that I haven't just simply missed something. And I'm going to keep trying. But when Google becomes a better way to search your site than your own search there is something wrong.
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Snowing!!

2009-03-01T14:45:00.003-09:00

The snow as just too nice this time to not video.

And if anyone out there Also uses a Panasonic DVX100 series camcorder this one was shot in 24P mode for most frames. Although AAARGH! I forgot to white balance. But oh well, next time.
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Net metering alaska update feb '09 ----- RCA workshops set for March '09

2009-02-20T21:26:00.006-09:00

Regulatory Commission of Alaska has scheduled 2 Net metering workshops to discuss the proposal.
One is for a Net metering standard
the other is for an appropriate interconnection standard
This appears to be an excellent opportunity for the public to be involved in getting their voice heard on the technical end of things to make sure we get a fair and viable application of grid interconnection.
I've been browsing through the regulations order and came up with a couple quick important pcs of info. Just like anything to do with the government they don't make anything easy to find info on. I'll include the full link at the bottom of this post.
But below is the basics as I see them. If anyone has better clarification please post it in the comments section!

Technical conferences convene at the RCA's East hearing room, suite 300, 701 West 8th st. Anchorage, Alaska

(A)-9:30 A.M. March 4th---To discuss a net metering standard in docket R-09-1

(B)-9:30 A.M March 18th---To discuss appropriate interconnection standard in docket R-09-2

Interested persons wanting to participate must file a notice of intent by the following deadlines:
For above (A) Feb 27th
For above (B) Mar 13th

Here's the contact info:

Regulatory Commission of Alaska
701 West Eighth Avenue Suite 300
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
907-276-6222 TTY 907-276-4533

Here's the link to the full Regulations order

RCA pdf workshops etc document

Another grand High 5 to those helping to get this through for Alaska!
Thank you!
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Heating this house

2009-02-01T06:59:00.006-09:00

I thought that since it is winter, and has been for some time actually, I would dive a bit into how this house is heated. While we do have to provide our own septic and well here we are still, just barely mind you withing reach of the municipalities gas line connection. We are hooked up to the gas grid yes. Tho I understand from the previous owner that it was a bit of a negotiation and waiting for the right logistics to fall into place. That I won't get into because, well, it doesn't matter to this post :)

Essentially it is very basic engineering which works so well for us here.
In the front of the "great room" or living room we have a free standing natural gas fireplace. The fan in the unit throws heat into the main living area of the house.

on the opposite side of the room and roughly centrally located in the house, is an intake register at the very top of the wall which with use of a "squirrel cage" blower grabs the heated air from the ceiling area of the same great room area,pulls it into a built in shaft of sorts housing the "squirrel cage" and is thrown beneath the house.
Now, beneath the house is a crawlspace of aprox 12" of depth which acts as a plenum crawlspace. The details of that are that the whole crawlspace is open except of course for the various supporting members of the structure. There is a membrane at the base. On that sits a layer of 2" washed round stones. The air is thrown beneath the house into the crawlspace and is dispersed throughout the house via pressure to each room without the use of any duct work. There are standard register covers cut into the floor of each room. The stones act as a heat retainer of sorts in that they will hold heat even while there is no air being blown beneath the house. So the floors stay decently warm
We have 2 thermostats in the great room area which houses the gas fired furnace. One is set at whatever we want to have the house temp at. The other is across the room from the gas heater. That one is set at a different level. Basically at whatever level we want the heat pulled from the ceiling.
That's essentially it. No frills, simple, efficient and just plainly works.

Also, the house is in a hillside facing south. A good sq. footage of glass along the front of the house does have a nice warming effect when the sun is doing it's thing.

I know, I know, where are the pics? I'm digging for them and am searching recesses and shoe boxes as it seems that something cute and 7 years old happened to the camera I use for these kinds of things. So I'll have to follow up with the pics.
And since I finally posted this pc. I'll feel obligated to keep picking at it with info and pics toward better clarification.
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Net metering links now to the right -->

2008-12-31T09:21:00.004-09:00

before I get further into the meat of what this site was supposed to start as I have posted, to the right on this blog a link section of the pertinent net metering posts on this site.
Through these links you'll be able to find info on what net metering is, what it means for Alaska, how it is advancing through the offices of the powers that be, The federal policies, and links to what you can do to help the cause if you so see fit.

Also, if you scroll down the column to the right also has a brief explanation of what net metering is and another as to why I feel it is important.

Thanks for looking and please keep checking back. I plan on posting about the workings and reasons for this type of housing in the very near future as time allows.
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A quick clarification.

2008-12-07T03:07:00.010-09:00

Just for the point of clarification. I just thought that before I get into the meat of the subject here,(I mean the reasons and working of and for this type of home), That I dispel first any forethought that I am any kind of greenie, tree hugger, etc etc etc, or something. As a matter of fact I am very much not such as that. I live here, bought this place, and believe in this type of structure for very few reasons. It just makes damn sense from a variety of viewpoints. Number one is savings of the almighty dollar and the desire to NOT pay the subsidized, government created monopolistic utilities any more than I need too. I'm frankly sick of the hypocrisy. I take the stance that pollution, in just about every definition, including that which causes an exacerbation of the greenhouse effect, effects us in a whole myriad of ways. First and foremost it is a direct infringement on our personal well being.
Now, to further clarify something. Do I think the world is warming up? Yes.Do I think it is all at the root our own cause? Of course not. I'm sick and tired of the media touting only part of the issue to cause such alarm. Look at the facts of science. THE WHOLE DAMNED SOLAR SYSTEM IS HEATING UP! Yes, all of it. Every single planet. this is not just a problem on earth. It is everywhere in our solar system. The issue here is that we are producing enough pollution in a variety of fashions that exacerbates the problem. The debate is ludicrous. The debate should not be how can we stop global warming, The debate should be how can we limit pollution in general? this is a personal property issue! if what a company or individual, or country does effects me then I, others, communities etc should have the legal recourse to sue their asses off. That's right, stop dumping crap into the atmosphere for me and my children to breathe, to rain back down on us, to despoil our waters, to exacerbate the warming and/or radiation effects set into motion by Ra. I'm all for development, All for it, believe me. But there is something inherently responsible in being just that, responsible.
Yes, I'll accept not being able to go to the store to buy yet more frivolous BS that I don't really need anyway. Sorry if that hurts the economy a bit by limiting the amount of useless crap we manufacture for our consumption. At least we'll be saving some of our resources for the future generations.
Well, at least we won't have as much of a problem and controversy of giving the mining companies rights to drill or exhume in the future. After all our resources are essentially depleted I don't think any one will have any problem letting them mine the massive piles of trash and garbage we have so conveniently built out of our natural resources.
Hey! maybe they can mine all the gasses we have put into the atmosphere as well! why mine Jupiter's atmosphere in the future for the gas! Just keep pumping it into our own so that we can mine it here!
This of course after we've all but eliminated ourselves by filling the atmosphere with enough toxicity to justify the investment to mine it. And you know, the 5 eyed dripping warted mutants that we'll all be walking around with probably won't mind either since we'll see one in just about every mirror we look into by then anyway.
Oh, and that brings up yet another problem doesn't it? Is all of this really caused by the simple math that there are just way too many of us?
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An insulating blanket

2008-12-06T06:17:00.002-09:00

RCA contact info

2008-11-10T10:22:00.003-09:00

Contact the regulatory commission of Alaska and let them know that a fair policy for net metering Alaska needs to be put into place and not a watered down version of the house's bill.

Regualtory commission of Alaska contact page
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2008-11-08T08:38:00.001-09:00

The kids head up to the house. Hopefully they are carrying with them some pertinent goodies for this site.

:)

RCA's proposal debate points

2008-10-25T07:44:00.011-08:00

Size Limit For Individual Renewable Energy System: 25 KW

Overall RE Systems Limit Per Utility: 1% of utility’s peak demand
Is this enough? Does this small percentage limit the RE transfer enough to effectively actually block it? Can this low percentage actually help to discourage the use of RE systems? Should it be more?

The purchase and set-up of a personal RE system is expensive. 1% to me does not seem like enough Overall RE Systems Limit Per Utility to help justify the installation with a view of amortization and cost offset. How much would 1% actually contribute where smaller utilities are concerned? My guess is not too much and in some cases maybe that 1% would be not much better than 0. On quick overview from this "layman" This need to be adjusted.
One proponent feels that "This legislation would effectively lock out any possibility of RE system power generation in Alaska by any organization other than the utilities. If we are really serious about net metering and distributed power generation, a more realistic RE system limit of 10-15 % should be implemented."
I can see reasonable argument in this.

Net Metering Accounting Period: Monthly
Should this be annual?

Treatment of Monthly Net Excess Power: Paid at utility’s non-firm avoided cost

Renewable Energy System Types Allowed: Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass, Tidal, Ocean Thermal, Wave, Landfill Gas, Anaerobic Digestion, Geothermal
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NET METERING POLICY PROPOSAL FOR ALASKA IS ADVANCED TODAY BY RCA

2008-10-22T17:54:00.004-08:00

The Regulatory Commission Of Alaska (RCA) voted recently to move ahead with proposing a net metering policy and this morning James Keen, Engineering Section Supervisor of RCA, presented a draft proposal that was accepted by the commissioners and now must go through a public workshop review process before adoption:

Size Limit For Individual Renewable Energy System: 25 KW

Overall RE Systems Limit Per Utility: 1% of utility’s peak demand

Net Metering Accounting Period: Monthly

Treatment of Monthly Net Excess Power: Paid at utility’s non-firm avoided cost

Renewable Energy System Types Allowed: Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass, Tidal, Ocean Thermal, Wave, Landfill Gas, Anaerobic Digestion, Geothermal

While having an annual accounting period would be ideal, most railbelt grid customers are not going to be able to afford a large enough solar PV system to offset their monthly demand, and if you have excess wind or hydro power you can divert this into heating your domestic hot water or space heating before you give it away to the utility at reduced price. In other words, the proposal above is going to work just fine for the energy economics we have here in Alaska in most cases.

We can expect some of the recent objections (cost causer/cost payer principle) from the Alaska utility coops (MEA, HEA, Chugach, GVEA) and even municipal ML&P, however recent history in other rural western states like Montana shows that rural coops are seeing very little cost to the bottom line when customers install small renewable energy systems and meter down a portion of their electrical demand. The net effect on the utility is similar to energy conservation, the customer simply uses less grid power each month. The utility gains a big PR benefit from customers by encouraging net metering as rising costs of grid energy is taxing most customers across the USA and this will continue as fossil fuel prices escalate.

For example, check out how net metering has been embraced by Flathead Rural Electric Coop in Montana: flatheadelectric.com

This is a real step forward, please follow the progress and participate in the upcoming workshops to be held by RCA on Net Metering Policy. A net metering policy will establish a stable economic playing field so that customers can invest in RE systems with reasonable returns and know what the payback will be over the life of the system.

Thanks goes to Andy Baker of YourCleanEnergy LLC for this update !
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The full RCA rulemaking docket on net metering

2008-10-12T08:21:00.006-08:00

Here is the full RCA (regulatory commission of Alaska) docket on net metering. As I said before, the RCA denied to adopt net metering but now will open up a new docket concerning net metering in Alaska. That has not yet happened but I will be vigilant on watching for that.
RCA net metering docket here

This info was located via communication with some fine folks at
The Renewable Resources Coalition. Alaska's NWF affiliate
and Alaska Conservation solutions

A grand high 5 and cheers to ye for this one.

I have glanced over the docket but unfortunately have not sank my teeth into it yet. This given to the fact that some intense winds of a couple days ago, (over 100mph here), toppled a bunch of trees on the property and now the cleanup begins. Well, I can say one thing about that. Economic stimulus!. I lost some good trees but I gained a Real nice chainsaw! :) and am now shopping for a good used wood stove for my shop which will in turn help to even further offset my gas/electric bill. See? Nature provides. The winds of change bring on their physical manifestation rather than philosophical with this event huh?
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Chugach Electric and Net Metering 1.0

2008-10-09T18:23:00.005-08:00

"HB 288, Net Metering (Resolution 07-3): HB 288 would mandate a net metering
program for electric utilities and their consumers in which utilities would be forced to
purchase power from customers generating their own electricity. The Regulatory
Commission of Alaska is considering adoption of federal net metering standards (R-
06-5) as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The commission must render an
opinion by August 2008. This decision is better handled by the appropriate agency
than by the Legislature."

I had to search Chugach Electric's site for this. The bolded words are spin so watch out for that.
I know, a little bit delayed given the aug 2008 date but then I am still searching for anything related to this subject.
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Pond

2008-09-29T22:12:00.003-08:00

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ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

2008-09-28T22:20:00.008-08:00

The above words are a link to the whole Federal energy policy act of 2005
Below is the section containing the reference and guideline to net metering.

ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

[[Page 119 STAT. 594]]

Public Law 109-58
109th Congress

SEC. 1251. NET METERING AND ADDITIONAL STANDARDS.

(a) Adoption of Standards.--Section 111(d) of the Public Utility
Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(11) Net metering.--Each electric utility shall make
available upon request net metering service to any electric
consumer that the electric utility serves. For purposes of this
paragraph, the term `net metering service' means service to an
electric consumer under which electric energy generated by that
electric consumer from an eligible on-site generating facility
and delivered to the local distribution facilities may be used
to offset electric energy provided by the electric utility to
the electric consumer during the applicable billing period.
``(12) Fuel sources.--Each electric utility shall develop a
plan to minimize dependence on 1 fuel source and to ensure that
the electric energy it sells to consumers is generated using a
diverse range of fuels and technologies, including renewable
technologies.
``(13) Fossil fuel generation efficiency.--Each electric
utility shall develop and implement a 10-year plan to increase
the efficiency of its fossil fuel generation.''.

Net metering Alaska. Idea

2008-09-28T14:47:00.006-08:00

If the utilities say that net metering isn't fair to them because they would end up essentially subsidizing the producers. The how about this?
Instead of paying full retail how about they pay a 'fair' wholesale price for the current entering the grid via the home grown producers systems thereby making a few cents per kwh which can in the abstract be put towards the maintenance of the lines to the house. At very least.I'm sure this could be whittled down but the bottom line is this: How can they not justify doing this on all levels if it's a win win for everybody monetarily, good for the environment and a boost small business.

I am open to discussion pro and con with a bent towards finding a common ground that will make net metering Alaska a reality which works for everybody.

Come on Google etc. Lead them here. I know they are out there.

Related posts on this blog:

Net metering Alaska 1st post here

Net metering update 2nd post here
This one has a real good audio from Alaska public radio that's just a couple minutes long that does a quick overview.

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Net metering update

2008-09-18T19:55:00.004-08:00

Well, the net metering bill here in Alaska passed through the house of representatives and was handed off to the regulatory commission. And guess what? They denied it? Can you say 'lobbying by utilities was the cause for the denial?' Yes you can and so can I. Looks like I'm to become a lobbyist myself now it seems. No, really I'm looking for common ground.
"The Energy Policy Act of 2005 states that some sort of system is mandated by federal law, so the Regulatory Commission of Alaska will now have to come up with a system of its own."NPR. My take is that even if this policy is top heavy with Texas oil special interest is that at least it plays to the constitution and gives the final draft to the states. I'm just afraid they'll come up with some watered down policy unless we make ourselves heard. I'll find info and post it on this site.

Alaska public radio audio here
great overview in about 2 minutes

here's the complete 2005 energy policy in pdf
155 pages long but interesting as hell. Well, to some of us :)It's sort of biased to the Texas oil co's as you'll see. But it's a start and at least it does delve pretty heavy into renewable energy as well.
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Net metering Alaska

2008-08-19T10:47:00.001-08:00

1st, what is net metering? "Net metering is an electricity policy for consumers who own, generally small, renewable energy facilities, such as wind or solar power, or uses vehicle-to-grid systems. "Net", in this context, is used in the sense of meaning "what remains after deductions" -- in this case, the deduction of any energy outflows from metered energy inflows. Under net metering, a system owner receives retail credit for at least a portion of the electricity they generate. The ideal has your existing electricity meter spinning backwards, effectively banking excess electricity production for future credit." wiki

I have been trying to find out the status of net metering in Alaska. [Alaska HB288 net metering]So far my research is both discouraging and incomplete. Through this research I believe I've found correctly, that a decision will be made by the end of this month, August 2008? At the very least this bill, if enacted, would help me justify and absorb my potential investment. granted, I cannot afford to do this all at once as I am sure many others cannot as well. But it does open a path that I might be able to work towards over the long haul.If my current depth of research is correct Alaska is one of only a hand full of states that have not enacted the net metering bill. To be honest I thought they already had it in place. It wasn't until I began shopping for my alt energy system that I found it wasn't. This was just a couple weeks ago, so you can imagine my haste in trying to get all those letters out to our state representatives in support of this bill. With the energy concerns these days and the need for diversification into viable alternative energy sources this could be one powerful method to allow communities and even individuals the means and chance to be part of the grand scheme of responsible energy producing even without yet more "entitlements" to deal with energy costs and issues. It can empower individuals to become integral parts of an the network supporting the energy needs of Alaskans. And if they were to support it as well it can also be a very positive message from the utilities towards a viable application of the free enterprise system by minimizing any monopolistic or special interest practices that might otherwise be impossible to subdue by other methods.

This is something that personally I feel must be put into place for a whole range of reasons personal, societal, economic, and environmental. I am neither a "tree hugger" or a rampant industrial expansionist. I am just a guy somewhere in between who sees a positive step in all directions with this bill and feel that some common ground needs to be found for fairness and empowerment all around.

Why is this on this here? Because of a certain little thing called "the search engine" maybe it'll direct a few other like minded individuals to activate as well. Anyway, If anyone is interested in knowing more I could shoot a bunch of links about it and contact info of our Alaska representatives their way.
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1

2008-08-09T01:56:00.001-08:00

Whew!

The house is now the home.
Whew!