State ulilities buy more renewable power
The Minneapolis-based utility hopes to add the electricity onto its grid by the end of 2008, the Pioneer Press reported. The company says it will save ratepayers about $10 million a year. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and San Diego Gas & Electric also recently called for more renewable electricity purchases.
Community-Based Energy Development, or C-BED, developers were asked to submit proposals by April 20 to take part in the deal with Xcel. There's state legislation created in 2005 that promotes locally owned alternative energy.
About 1,100 megawatts of energy from wind-powered turbines is expected in Xcel's grid by the end of this year. That's the equivalent of about 11 percent of Xcel's output.
In addition to the power purchase agreements, there are plans for a $210 million, 100-megawatt wind farm to be built by 2009. Xcel must get 30 percent of its energy from renewable resources by 2020 under a state mandate signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
In order to receive rebates, plans for renewable energy projects must be finalized by the end of 2008. Local ownership would mean more of the money generated by wind projects stays in the state.
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France and Germany arm wrestle over EU electricity reform
PARIS - Despite record temperatures this October, Europe is slowly shifting towards winter - its second since the Ukraine war started and prompted Russia to cut gas supplies to the continent.
After prices surged last winter, when gas and electricity bills “nearly doubled in all EU capitals”, the EU decided to take action.
In March, the European Commission proposed a reform “to boost renewables, better protect consumers and enhance industrial competitiveness”.
However, France and Germany are struggling to find a compromise and the clock is ticking as European energy ministers prepare to meet on 17 October in Luxembourg.
The controversy around CFDs
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