Nov. 2-9, 2009
CAPP NEWS ROUNDUP
November 2, 2009 through November 9, 2009
Industry News
Electric companies offer time-of-use pricing
By Elizabeth Souder
Dallas Morning News
November 7, 2009
TXU Energy and Reliant Energy have begun offering electricity pricing plans that charge more for power consumed during peak use times and less during low-demand times. Electricity industry officials expect such pricing plans, known as time-of-use pricing, to prompt customers to dial down power use during the late afternoons, when power plants are running at full tilt and wholesale power prices spike.
Why the U.S. needs Nuclear Power
By Aris Candris
Wall Street Journal
November 9, 2009
By 2030, electricity demand in the U.S. is expected to grow by 21% from its current level, according to the U.S. Energy Administration. To meet our needs we have several options. Nuclear energy, therefore, must play a larger role in our effort to become and remain energy independent, and to reduce carbon emissions. The growth of nuclear power will also have peripheral benefits, as it constitutes an economic stimulus package in and of itself.
State Officials Look To End Electric Deregulation
Electricity Deregulation Blog
November 4, 2009
Connecticut pays the highest electricity rates in the continental United States. The only state that pays higher electricity rates is the island state of Hawaii. Close to half the payments you make to Connecticut Light and Power or United Illuminating do not end up going to those companies. The payments go to wholesale electricity producers. And some state leaders said wholesalers are profiting handsomely from a system that is not working. It’s hard to live without electric power. http://www.electricityderegulationblog.com/uncategorized/state-officials-look-to-end-electric-deregulation
CPS’ political bungling could derail nuclear
By Scott Stroud
San Antonio Express-News
November 6, 2009
When it comes to the art of politics, CPS Energy officials continue to color with crayons. One of the more amazing aspects of the city-owned utility’s efforts to move San Antonio toward a bigger nuclear future has been the tone-deafness of its leadership. In episode after episode, the officials’ grasp of political reality has been horrible. Now, whether they know it or not, politics threaten to dash their nuclear ambitions altogether.
Electric utility proposes major rate increase
By Marty Toohey
Austin American Statesman
November 5, 2009
Austin must significantly raise electric rates or the city's energy utility could start losing millions by 2011, according to a report released Wednesday. The utility plans to add a new fee next year and implement a major rate increase in 2012, which still hasn't been determined. And because the utility could begin losing money before then, "We have got to cut expenses just to get to 2012," Duncan said.
Schumer Seeks to Block Stimulus Money for Chinese-Backed Texas Wind Farm
By Tom Zeller Jr., Keith Bradsher
New York Times
November 5, 2009
Senator Charles E. Schumer, the New York Democrat, is calling on the Obama administration to block the use of stimulus funds for a utility-scale wind farm in West Texas that would make use of turbines manufactured largely in China.
Of China, Texas and Green Jobs
By Tom Zeller Jr.
New York Times
November 3, 2009
The 600-megawatt project wind farm in Texas announced last week by the US-REG in partnership with a Chinese manufacturer and the U.S.-based Cielo Wind Power, LP will create American jobs, provide a local Texas economic ripple effect, and take America one step closer to energy independence. Without this international partnership, this wind energy project would not be possible and the resulting American jobs and revenue would not exist.