Ruckelshaus: Republicans must lead on clean energy jobs

Op-ed: Republicans must lead on clean energy jobs

The trend among conservative voters, especially the next generation, has never been more clearly in favor of clean energy.

John Ruckelshaus

Our state is known for its hardworking, resilient people. Prior to being elected to the state Senate, I had the privilege of serving as a deputy commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development — and that experience showed me firsthand how a talented and dedicated workforce truly can be transformative for a state’s economy.

Today, I am heartbroken to see nearly 550,000 in our state out of work due to the pandemic. Indiana’s unemployment rate was 16.9% in April, the fifth-highest in the nation.

I know that if we support Indiana workers, they can accomplish anything. Our leaders in Washington thankfully have passed stimulus packages that offer support for those out of work; but the truth is, people do not want endless checks from the government. They want to get back to work, period.

One of the quickest ways to do that is to target growing industries that are in need. And there is one sector in need that that had been growing four times faster than Indiana jobs overall: advanced energy.

Prior to the shutdown, Indiana’s advanced energy industries employed more than 90,000 people, which is more than auto manufacturing and nearly twice as many as schools and colleges. However, a recent report found that Indiana’s clean energy sector has lost nearly 15,000 jobs in March and April due to the shutdown. But if Congress acts now and puts the right government policies into place, I’m confident those jobs can be recovered.

Job creation is a bipartisan concern. Conservatives at all levels of government increasingly recognize that commonsense, market-based clean energy policies can put Americans to work while reducing carbon emissions. This was certainly the belief of my uncle, William Ruckelshaus, who was the first administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Nixon and later returned under President Reagan.

The trend among conservative voters, especially the next generation, has never been more clearly in favor of clean energy. A Pew Research Center study showed that 78% of young Republicans say the U.S. should prioritize advanced energy sources over expanding fossil fuels.

GOP leaders are listening. Indiana’s own U.S. Sen. Mike Braun has quickly risen in Republican ranks to become a leading voice on advanced energy as the founder of the Senate Climate Solutions Caucus. State leaders have also ensured that wind energy development can continue in Indiana so farmers can get the benefits from investments happening on their land, including royalty payments.

In a state like Indiana that is over 50% farmland and boasts nearly 5 million acres of forest, these efforts offer a conservative approach to addressing environmental challenges while helping farmers and landowners.

Indiana’s consumers also stand to gain from the transition to advanced energy solutions. For example, Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) released an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) in 2018 detailing its goal of retiring its coal fleet by 2028 and replacing that capacity with a combination of wind, solar, demand-side resources, and energy storage. This plan will save $4 billion for its consumers.

Major employers in Indiana are also calling for more advanced energy options, including Cummins, Salesforce, and Walmart. A recent report showed that Indiana can benefit from nearly $6 billion in investment and create 25,000 jobs if we meet the demand for renewable energy from companies with sustainability goals.

So, what must be done? This summer, Congress needs to make advanced energy part of its next round of relief legislation.

Fortunately, bipartisan legislation is already drafted — America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act (ATIA) and the American Energy Innovation Act (AEIA) should be top priorities. Congress also should provide relief to the advanced energy industry through tax mechanisms, such as refundability, to help restart projects and provide certainty to investors. Investing in the advanced energy industry has proven to provide great returns on investment for taxpayers, and we should prioritize doing the same right now.

Indiana has a great story to tell about how advanced energy has and will continue to save consumers money, create jobs, and help communities, businesses, and the environment. Indiana’s Republican congressional delegation has always been and will continue to be a leader on these issues.

John Ruckelshaus is a Republican state senator from Indianapolis.

Boone and Hamilton Cos. (IN) Solar Co-op RFP Due 7/1/2020

Posted by Laura Arnold / June 19, 2020 / Posted in solar / No Comments

Boone & Hamilton Cos. Solar Co-ops RFP Due 7/1/2020

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020

The 24-member Boone County and Hamilton County Solar Co-ops today issued a request for proposals (RFP) from area solar installers. The group members created the co-op to save money and make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters.

Local installers interested in serving the group can download the RFP and response template here. Area residents interested in joining the co-op can sign up at the co-op web pages:

Solarunitedneighbors.com/Boone

Solarunitedneighbors.com/HamiltonCounty

The solar co-op is free to join and joining is not a commitment to purchase panels. Co-op members will select a single company to complete all of the installations. They will then have the option to purchase panels individually based on the installer’s group rate. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, members can save up off the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.

Vectren Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Selects Renewables; Replaces Coal with Solar

Posted by Laura Arnold / June 15, 2020 / Posted in solar, Uncategorized, wind / No Comments

Vectren's integrated resource plan selects significant renewables; diversified generation portfolio designated as low-cost customer solution

Preferred portfolio to save customers $320 million over the next 20 years and lowers carbon emissions by nearly 75%; all-source request for pricing inputs incorporated

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Vectren, a CenterPoint Energy Company

Jun 15, 2020, 16:30 ET

EVANSVILLE, Ind., June 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, during its final Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) public stakeholder meeting, Vectren, a CenterPoint Energy company, (Vectren) presented a preferred portfolio to diversify its electric generation fleet in the coming years. The plan ensures reliability and mitigates risk, while saving electric customers an estimated $320 million over the 20-year planning period. Nearly two-thirds of the energy included in the new plan will be generated from renewable resources, reducing reliance on carbon fuels and lowering carbon emissions by nearly 75% from 2005 levels. The plan replaces some older coal generation units with significant renewables, including a large percentage of universal solar. Vectren's fourth and final public stakeholder meeting was conducted as part of the year-long integrated resource planning process, which is overseen by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).

"The IRP considers a broad range of potential conditions and variables to determine a preferred fuel mix which allows Vectren to meet future electric energy demand in a safe and reliable manner," said Lynnae Wilson, chief business officer, Indiana Electric. "Over the next several months, we will finalize our generation plan, taking into consideration cost, COVID-19 impacts, efficiency and reliability while recognizing the need for flexibility given ever-advancing technology in a rapidly evolving industry."

Vectren's IRP, submitted every three years to the IURC, demonstrates how the company plans to generate and deliver safe, reliable and reasonably priced electricity to its southwestern Indiana customers through a forecast spanning 20 years. This plan, which considers public stakeholder input, the outcomes of an All-Source RFP, and a wide variety of economic variables is the second consecutive IRP to demonstrate the utility should move toward resource diversity. Modeling conducted within the analysis points Vectren to:

Retiring or exiting agreements involving 730 megawatts (MW) of coal generation, thereby avoiding investments estimated at $700 million to comply with strict environmental regulations
Adding 700-1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar (some connected to battery energy storage) and 300 MW of wind renewable resources, which would allow all Vectren electric customers access to solar and wind-powered energy at significantly lower costs; and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 75%
Adding 460 MW of natural gas combustion turbines; approximately half the natural gas capacity of the combined cycle gas turbine proposed in the previous IRP and designed to back up the renewable resources that supply the majority of customers' energy needs

"Using what we have learned from this IRP process, we will be pursuing a much larger percentage of renewable energy, as well as continuing to offer energy efficiency programs to ensure customers have options to use energy wisely," continued Wilson. "Customer and stakeholder engagement were focal points throughout this very important process, and we appreciate the thoughtful insights offered which helped us realize this plan. We are committed to developing a transition plan that is responsive to our customers and the direction received from the IURC in its 2019 Order which considers the various risks and economic impacts of each step. We are confident this plan will assist in keeping customer rates reasonable while leaving room for flexibility as the future of electric generation continues to evolve."

Last April, the IURC granted partial approval of Vectren's electric generation transition plan which included the retrofitting of Vectren's largest, most-efficient 270 MW coal-fired unit. The request to begin construction of a 50 MW universal solar array was also approved by the IURC last year, and its construction is underway.

The completed IRP will be submitted to the IURC on June 30. A director's report, detailing the IURC's comments, will likely be issued by the end of the year. Information about Vectren's IRP process can be found at www.vectren.com/irp.

"The proposed future portfolio further ensures southwestern Indiana remains in attainment for air quality and promotes additional economic development in our region where we live and work," stated Wilson. "Avoiding future coal maintenance investments will ensure local generation has a responsible renewable-to-carbon balance while ensuring the reliability our customers expect. We are incredibly sensitive to customer impact, and with stakeholder input, we feel this planning process has produced a cost-effective plan that moves us toward a future built on cleaner generation."

Vectren delivers electricity to approximately 145,000 customers in all or portions of Gibson, Dubois, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.

Forward Looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as future regulatory filings, actions and decisions, including the timing and impact of such actions and decisions, the timing of completion of the projects identified in the IRP, the benefits derived from the preferred generation portfolio in the IRP, including resource diversification, estimated customer savings and carbon emission reduction targets, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission & distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. CenterPoint Energy's competitive energy businesses include energy-related services, energy efficiency and sustainability solutions, and owning and operating intrastate natural gas pipeline systems that help fund utility operations. As of March 31, 2020, the company owns approximately $33 billion in assets and also owns 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

About the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)
The practice of conducting an IRP is a three-year process. Vectren's IRP takes into consideration the public's interest and is formed with respect to federal and state energy and environmental policy, both of which are rapidly changing for utilities. The utility conducted four public meetings between the months of April 2019 and June 2020, taking input from many key stakeholders. Learn more at www.vectren.com/irp.

Media contact: Natalie Hedde, (812) 491-5105 or natalie.hedde@centerpointenergy.com
Investor contact: Dave Mordy, (713) 207-6500 or david.mordy@centerpointenergy.com

SOURCE Vectren, a CenterPoint Energy Company

Download the Vectren presentation HERE:

Public Stakeholder Meeting #4 - June 15, 2020

Vectren Stakeholder Meeting #4 (PDF)

Indiana Solar Grant Program Announcement

Posted by Laura Arnold / June 15, 2020 / Posted in Uncategorized / No Comments

Solar Grant Program Announcement

This a solar grant opportunity for organizations serving the low income and vulnerable population in Indiana It is called SUN FOR ALL Solar Empowerment Grants. Here is some information:

The application for organizations will be released on 6/15 with responses due by 7/10. NOTE: applicants must gather 12 months of detailed electricity bills to provide as an appendix to the forthcoming application, and some other information that hopefully won't be too tough to collect or put together.
Solar project funding totaling approximately $450,000 will be available for the installations of projects that are less than 0.5 MW for community, educational, religious, and non-profit organizations who primarily serve low income and vulnerable populations in Indiana.
We will want applicants to show us how (1) they've done energy efficiency at the project sites or will do energy efficiency at the project sites, (2) these bill savings from the solar panels will translate into increased budget/services for low income folks, and (3) they can use this as an educational and community engagement opportunity.
A preference will be given for projects in the Indiana Michigan (“I&M”) Power Company’s electric service territory in Indiana, but organizations in any electric service territory in Indiana may apply.
The grant may award up to 100% of the cost of the solar installation, although preferred applicants will provide some funds or in-kind donations to help pay for and support the proposed project.

Don't hesitate to reach out to me, Stan Rorick, as Grant Administrator if you have any questions.

The email address for grant applications SUNFORALL2020@gmail.com

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE> SunforAll-Grant Application

City of Indianapolis Releases RFI for Former BlueIndy Infrastruture

Posted by Laura Arnold / June 15, 2020 / Posted in Uncategorized / No Comments

City Releases RFI for Former BlueIndy Infrastructure
City will accept submissions through August 14

INDIANAPOLIS – Today the City of Indianapolis released a Request For Information (RFI) for the creative reuse of electric and telecommunications infrastructure originally designated for the electric vehicle carsharing company BlueIndy. The infrastructure consists of 89 sites formerly used as electric vehicle charging spaces.

Respondents are encouraged to offer solutions that take advantage of previous investments by the City and Indianapolis Power & Light and do not require additional City funding. The City is interested in reviewing options for these sites that align with the stated goals of improving social, economic, and personal mobility for Indianapolis residents. Of interest are responses that are:

• Innovative – Utilize and advance promising new technologies and solutions.
• Equitable – Address opportunities and needs in economically disinvested neighborhoods.
• Responsive to community needs – Provide solutions that are context- and location-specific and address specific needs surrounding particular locations (including needs that are not related to transportation).
• Enhancing new or existing commercial activity – Promote economic growth and success for businesses, organizations, and residents in the neighborhood.

Submitted ideas should be oriented around an expected timeframe of 12 months to three years in order to enable the City to be nimble and responsive to changing demands. There will be an option for extension if the program is successful.

The RFI can be found at indy.gov/workflow/find-bid-opportunities as RFI-14DPW-01302. The City will be taking submissions until August 14. Responses should be limited to 5-7 pages and submitted via e-mail to ashley.miller@indy.gov.

BlueIndy announced in November 2019 that it would be leaving Indianapolis after five years. Following the company’s decision to exit from the Indianapolis market, City leadership committed to continued collaboration with the broad coalition of advocates who want to ensure that financially-sustainable options for the existing electric charging infrastructure are fully explored.

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