DOE buys geothermal plant in Wyoming
Ormat Technologies, of Reno, Nev., built the test plant at the Teapot Dome oil field to prove the technical feasibility of using hot water associated with oil production to generate electricity.
The plant was designed to produce 250 kilowatts of electricity. It has been operating for over a year, providing electricity to operate the oil wells.
Officials say while the plant proves the technology's viability, more study is needed to see if it would work at other oil fields in the country.
The federal government plans to continue testing for another two years and collect more data related to long-term durability of the plant.
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B.C. government freezes provincial electricity rates
VICTORIA - British Columbia's NDP government has announced it will freeze BC Hydro rates effective immediately, fulfilling a key election promise.
Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Michelle Mungall says hydro rates have gone up by more than 24 per cent in the last four years and by more than 70 per cent since 2001.
"After years of escalating electricity costs, British Columbians deserve a break on their bills," Mungall said in a news release.
BC Hydro had been approved by the B.C. Utilities Commission to increase the rate by three per cent next year, but Mungall said it will pull back its…