EcoEKY: Green News from Eastern Kentucky

from the Lexington Herald Leader:

School project generates student interest in 'green' jobs

The Associated Press


RUSSELL, Ky. -- An eastern Kentucky school is generating student interest in "green jobs" by using more alternative energy sources.

The Russell Area Technology Center plans to install six solar panels on the roof of an outbuilding next week, teacher Doug Keaton said. Students installed a wind turbine at the school a year ago.

The wind and solar systems will be wired into the school's electrical system and will supply enough power to light the technology center building, Keaton said. It is expected to cut about $6,000 per year from the district's electricity bills, Keaton said.

Although the savings is nice, Keaton said the interest generated for students in alternative energy careers is more important.

"These guys are being trained for the green jobs of the future," he said.

Senior Shawn Stephens said he was impressed by what he learned about the cleanliness and cost effectiveness of solar and wind energy.

"This has helped me choose my career path," said Stephens, who plans to attend Shawnee State University and become an environmental engineer.

Junior Jaren Bowen said he learned that alternative energy systems are practical for home applications.

"I didn't think it would work on a small scale," he said. "I thought it would have to be like the huge wind farms. But it's really cost-effective."

which are about the size of a couple of sheets of plywood

Keaton said he plans to share details of his energy science program with educators from technology centers in other Kentucky counties.

Meanwhile, he has been working with physics and science teachers at Russell High School and plans to work with math teacher Carol Stephens in the fall.

Stephens said she will teach trigonometry, which can be used to design and build wind turbines.

"I can associate the math with the practical applications," she said.

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from the Ashland Daily Independent:

Solar saving

Panels at Russell ATC will save big bucks in district

By MIKE JAMES
Published: May 21, 2008 11:03 pm

RUSSELL — All together, the six solar panels on a workbench at the Russell Area Technology Center are about as big as a couple of sheets of plywood.

But once they’re installed on the roof of an outbuilding, they’ll start saving money for the Russell School District.

Together with a wind turbine students installed a year ago, the panels are expected to cut about $6,000 per year from district electricity bills, said Doug Keaton, a teacher at the school.

The wind and solar systems will be wired into the school’s electrical system and will supply enough juice to light the ATC building, he said. In terms more familiar to homeowners, it will be enough electricity to power a 1,000-square-foot house.

The solar arrays — two sets of three panels each — should be ready to install Monday and the entire system should be up and running by Sept. 1.

Keaton’s records show that in the year since the wind turbine was installed, the breeze has blown briskly enough to generate usable electricity on 320 days.

The combined solar and wind project is generating one thing that is even more important than electricity. That is interest in alternative energy careers, Keaton believes. “These guys are being trained for the green jobs of the future,” he said.

“This has helped me choose my career path,” said senior Shawn Stephens, who plans to attend Shawnee State University and become an environmental engineer. He’s impressed by what he has learned about the cleanliness and cost effectiveness of solar and wind energy.

Also impressive, said junior Jaren Bowen, is that alternative energy systems are practical for home applications.

“I didn’t think it would work on a small scale,” he said. “I thought it would have to be like the huge wind farms. But it’s really cost-effective.”

Keaton plans to meet at Russell with educators from area technology centers in several other Kentucky counties to walk them through his energy science program. His guests will then launch similar programs in their schools.

He has been collaborating with physics and science teachers at Russell High School and this fall will also collaborate with math teacher Carol Stephens as well.

Among other things, Stephens said, she will teach trigonometry, useful in such technical applications as designing and building wind turbines.

“I can associate the math with the practical applications,” she said.

MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2652.

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The Kentucky Solar Energy Guide

The Second Edition of The Kentucky Solar Energy Guide is now available through ASPI Publications. The Kentucky Solar Energy Guide is a comprehensive resource for those interested in using solar energy in Kentucky. The Second Edition contains updated chapters on financial incentives, renewable energy and green building professionals in Kentucky, a new case study, and an updated cover!

The Kentucky Solar Energy Guide can be purchased from ASPI Publications for $13.95 plus shipping and handling. Due to our commitment to the environment, the Guide is printed on high-quality, 100% post-consumer, process-chlorine free recycled paper.

Appalachia - Science in the Public Interest
50 Lair Street
Mount Vernon, KY 40456
Phone (606)256-0077 (9am-4pm EST)

Shipping and Handling:

1-5 copies......$4.00
6-10 copies....$6.00
11+copies......please call for rates.

For more information (including excerpts from the Guide) visit the Kentucky Solar Partnership website.

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More information (including how/when to register and directions) at the Kentucky Solar Partnership website: http://www.kysolar.org/roadshow_2008.htm.


Morehead, April 26th
Morehead State University
Rader Hall, Rm. 111

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:

8:30 – 9:00 am
Registration

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9:00 – 9:15 am
Setting Priorities for Efficiency, Conservation, and Renewables in Your Home or Business
Andy McDonald, Ky Solar Partnership

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9:15 – 10:15 am
Principles of Energy Efficient, Green Home Construction
Robert Fehr, UK Extension Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department

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10:15 – 10:30 am
Break

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10:30 – 11:15 am
Gone Solar in Morehead – One Man’s Story
Michael Campbell, Morehead Resident

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11:15 – 12:00 pm
Case Study: A Green Office Building in Cincinnati Earns LEED Gold Certification
Steve Melink, Owner, Melink Corporation

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12:00 – 12:30 pm
Lunch Pick-Up

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12:30 – 1:15 pm
Policies & Incentives that Support Renewables and Efficiency:
A Panel Discussion On Federal & State Programs
Speakers To Be Announced

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1:15 – 1:30 pm
Energy Efficiency Improvement Grant and Guaranteed Loan Programs for Small Business
Scott Maas, USDA – Rural Development

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1:30 – 1:45 pm
EKPC at the Crossroads: A Report on Potential Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs for East Ky Power Cooperative
Kentuckians for the Commonwealth/Kentucky Environmental Foundation/Sierra Club

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1:45 – 2:45
Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics
Matt Partymiller, Solar Energy Solutions

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2:45 – 3:00
Break

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3:00 – 4:00
Solar Water Heating Systems
Jason Streit, Kentucky Solar Living

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4:00 – 4:15
Renewable Energy Credits & Green Tags
Bob Fairchild, Soft Energy Associates

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4:15 – 5:00
Wind, Hydro, and Biomass Energy Resources in Kentucky
Bob Fairchild, Soft Energy Associates

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from: www.ekpcrfp.com

EKPC Request for Proposals

Renewable Energy Resources RFP 2008

East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Inc. (EKPC) is committed to protecting the environment while providing affordable, reliable power to its members. EKPC has a rich history of responsible environmental stewardship in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. EKPC has been a pioneer of green energy and, today, generates more green energy than any other utility in Kentucky. As the cooperative plans to meet future load growth, EKPC is seeking opportunities to diversify its portfolio of generation resources with renewable resources that really work for Kentucky's homes, farms and businesses.

Renewable energy resources may include, but are not limited to:

* Wind
* Biomass
* Solar (Electric and/or Thermal)
* Hydro
* Geothermal
* Recycled Energy (Waste heat, etc)

EKPC is seeking 200 up to 300 MW of renewable capacity and associated energy resources. EKPC will give first preference to proposals that locate the source(s) of capacity within the existing control area of EKPC and second preference to sources inside Kentucky. Proposals that involve resources outside the state of Kentucky will be considered.

This RFP is open to those parties who currently own, propose to develop, or have rights to a renewable energy generating facility larger than 1 MW. Bidders may submit multiple proposals to fulfill the resource request. EKPC does not intend to offer a self-build option for this RFP. The proposal must be based upon a proven technology. EKPC will retain all environmental attributes associated with Bidder’s proposed bid energy, including but not limited to renewable energy credits, green tags, greenhouse gas or carbon credits, and any other emissions attributes.

Proposals are due at EKPC Headquarters no later than 4 PM EDT on June 30, 2008. Proposals are to be submitted by mail, e-mail, fax, or hand delivery. Faxed or e-mailed proposals must be followed up by mail with a signed original which must be received no later than 4PM EDT on July 3, 2008. All correspondence should be directed to EKPC's Official RFP Contact:

Fernie Williams, Resource Planning
RE: Renewable Energy Resources 2008 RFP
East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Inc.
4775 Lexington Road
Winchester, Kentucky 40391

Phone:(859) 745-9429
Fax: (859) 737-6123
E-mail: renewable@ekpcrfp.com


RFP Issue Date: April 15, 2008
Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal Due Date: May 1, 2008
Proposals Due: June 30, 2008
Evaluation Completed: August 29, 2008
Select Short Listed Proposals: September 5, 2008
Execute Project Agreements: November 7, 2008

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from The Earth Times:

AEP Utility Appalachian Power Issues RFP for Renewable Energy Resources

Posted : Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:47:30 GMT
Author : American Electric Power
Category : Press Release

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Electric Power subsidiary Appalachian Power issued a request for proposals today seeking long-term purchases of up to approximately 100 megawatts of new renewable energy resources to be operational by the end of 2010.

According to the RFP, proposals must rely on commercially proven technologies for renewable energy, including wind; solar photovoltaic; biomass firing or co-firing of agricultural crops and all energy crops; hydro (as certified by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute); coal mine methane; landfill gas; biogas digesters; or biomass firing or co-firing of crop residues, animal waste and woody waste.

Expression of interest forms are due by April 30, with proposals to be submitted by May 30. The company expects the successful bidder to be selected and contracts in place by September. RFP information can be found at http://www.appalachianpower.com/go/rfp.

The RFP is part of AEP's voluntary plan -- announced in 2007 -- to add 1,000 megawatts of new wind or renewable energy by 2011 as a component of the company's comprehensive strategy to address its greenhouse gas emissions. The addition of renewable energy to AEP's energy portfolio avoids an increase in greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise occur if AEP used traditional fossil generation to meet growing customer demand.

"We are committed to increasing the wind and other renewable energy in our generation mix as part of our comprehensive climate strategy," said Michael G. Morris, AEP's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Even with the growth, renewables -- in the near term -- will remain a small percentage of our total available capacity used to meet the day-to-day power needs of our customers, but they are of crucial importance to address the increasing concerns about the planet's changing climate."

AEP has made three purchases of long-term renewable energy -- two by Appalachian Power -- since the company made its 1,000-megawatt commitment in 2007. The previous two Appalachian Power purchases, both of wind energy, added 175 megawatts of renewable capacity for the utility that serves about 1 million customers in West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee. Another AEP utility, Indiana Michigan Power, has added 100 megawatts of long-term wind energy, bringing AEP to within 725 megawatts of its commitment.

"Seeking additional renewable energy resources for Appalachian Power's customers is part of a broader portfolio of energy solutions we are implementing as part of our climate efforts," said Dana Waldo, president and chief operating officer of Appalachian Power. "Regulators in West Virginia recently approved our plans to build a fully commercial Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) clean-coal power plant, a project that will push that important technology into the commercial mainstream. We will begin construction once we get the necessary approval in Virginia.

"The first large-scale validation of carbon-capture and storage technology will take place on one of our plants in West Virginia," Waldo said. "The nation's first utility-scale energy storage system is on an Appalachian Power facility near Charleston. And, through AEP, we continue to push for improvements in energy efficiency, including the development of systems to enable customers to make wise energy decisions."

AEP's wind portfolio -- prior to this most-recent RFP -- is 1,050 megawatts, which includes 310-megawatts of wind generation owned by AEP in Texas, long-term wind purchase agreements reached before the company's 2007 commitment and agreements reached after the 2007 commitment.

American Electric Power is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. AEP ranks among the nation's largest generators of electricity, owning nearly 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S. AEP also owns the nation's largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765 kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined. AEP's transmission system directly or indirectly serves about 10 percent of the electricity demand in the Eastern Interconnection, the interconnected transmission system that covers 38 eastern and central U.S. states and eastern Canada, and approximately 11 percent of the electricity demand in ERCOT, the transmission system that covers much of Texas. AEP's utility units operate as AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas). AEP's headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio.

This report made by American Electric Power and its Registrant Subsidiaries contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although the registrants believe that their expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statements may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are: electric load and customer growth; weather conditions, including storms; available sources and costs of, and transportation for, fuels and the creditworthiness and performance of fuel suppliers and transporters; availability of generating capacity and the performance of AEP's generating plants; AEP's ability to recover regulatory assets and stranded costs in connection with deregulation; AEP's ability to recover increases in fuel and other energy costs through regulated or competitive electric rates; AEP's ability to build or acquire generating capacity (including the company's ability to obtain any necessary regulatory approvals and permits) when needed at acceptable prices and terms and to recover those costs through applicable rate cases or competitive rates; new legislation, litigation and government regulation including requirements for reduced emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, carbon, soot or particulate matter and other substances; timing and resolution of pending and future rate cases, negotiations and other regulatory decisions (including rate or other recovery of new investments in generation, distribution and transmission service and environmental compliance); resolution of litigation (including disputes arising from the bankruptcy of Enron Corp. and related matters); AEP's ability to constrain operation and maintenance costs; the economic climate and growth in AEP's service territory and changes in market demand and demographic patterns; inflationary and interest rate trends; volatility in the financial markets, particularly developments affecting the availability of capital on reasonable terms and developments impairing AEP's ability to refinance existing debt at attractive rates; AEP's ability to develop and execute a strategy based on a view regarding prices of electricity, natural gas and other energy-related commodities; changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparties with whom AEP has contractual arrangements, including participants in the energy trading market; actions of rating agencies, including changes in the ratings of debt; volatility and changes in markets for electricity, natural gas, coal, nuclear fuel and other energy-related commodities; changes in utility regulation, including the potential for new legislation in Ohio and the allocation of costs within regional transmission organizations; accounting pronouncements periodically issued by accounting standard-setting bodies; the impact of volatility in the capital markets on the value of the investments held by AEP's pension, other postretirement benefit plans and nuclear decommissioning trust; prices for power that AEP generates and sells at wholesale; changes in technology, particularly with respect to new, developing or alternative sources of generation; other risks and unforeseen events, including wars, the effects of terrorism (including increased security costs), embargoes and other catastrophic events.

American Electric Power

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Upcoming workshops in eastern Kentucky:

April 26 in Morehead. Location TBA.

From the Kentucky Solar Partnership website:

The Kentucky Green Energy Roadshow offers a full day of workshops presented by skilled professionals on topics such as green building design and construction, applying energy efficiency and conservation in your home or business, super-efficient homes, and renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. Each event will include a panel discussion on state policies and incentives needed to accelerate the use of these sustainable energy and building practices.

Visit www.kysolar.org for more information.


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