Many thanks to CREST--the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology--for making this server space available.
January Update: December saw less sun and around Christmas there were 10 additional people in our house which meant a large electric bill - $18.81. When your state de-regulates, make sure Net Metering is part of the deal. Let's get net metering in every state. Check out our 11-month report.
Net Metering Returns Until 2000: The new electric restructuring bill passed and signed in Augusta this summer appeared to eliminate net metering in the state (making it optional for the utilities). Petitions by individuals and solar experts to the Public Utilities Commission have resulted in the reinstatement of the policy until at least the year 2000. A PUC Hearing Examiner concluded that "CMP remains obligated to enter new net energy billing contracts for terms that extend through February 28, 2000."
The Larger Battle: The PUC asked for comments on how best to continue this policy under the new law, concluding that household net metering was a desirable policy goal for the State of Maine. I testified on December 12th at a public hearing. My comments, based in large part on the written comments of Peter Talmage and Naoto Inoue (neighboring pv power producers), are available for your examination. The three of us owe a great debt of gratitude to Thomas Starrs of Vashon, Washington, whose knowledge of the utility/solar industry provided substance to our position.
You can also examine my current net metering contract.
Maine Yankee to be Decommissioned: A Philadelphia-based electric company decided not to buy and reopen Maine's nuclear power plant. Hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent to decommission it. Read how Maine Yankee reached the shut-down point from the Portland Press Herald.
Check out our SunFrost refrigerator...keeping food cool at 1/3 the electrical cost.