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Log inGrid needs upgrades for wind power
Grid needs upgrades for wind power
by Outspoken on Mon Nov 17, 2008 5:22 am
Grid needs upgrades for wind power
A report's call for changes to facilitate 'clean energy' is expected to influence debate on Maine projects.
By TUX TURKEL
Staff Writer Portland Press Herald
The electricity grid in Maine and much of the country can't reliably handle new generation capacity from wind power and other renewable resources, an influential industry group says.
Aside from beefing up transmission lines, the group said, states must aggressively promote energy efficiency and manage electricity use to balance the on-again, off-again nature of wind and solar power.
These clean-power sources are growing as part of policies to combat climate change. Integrating them with programs and technology to manage demand, such as "smart" electric meters, will help determine how grids get upgraded and how much customers pay for power in the years ahead.
The report, issued last week by the North American Electric Reliability Corp., is expected to influence debate over plans to modernize Maine's transmission grid.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission is considering a $1.4 billion proposal by Central Maine Power Co. to upgrade 350 miles of high-voltage lines from the New Hampshire border to the Bangor area. Regulators recently held a public hearing in Waterville, and another is set for Lewiston on Nov. 24. CMP also is planning a public information session in Augusta on Dec. 3.
A separate $500 million proposal by Maine Public Service Co. would connect Aroostook County's transmission system with the rest of the state.
The PUC is expected to rule on the applications next year.
Some citizen groups and people living near transmission corridors oppose the upgrades, worried about health effects and property values. Many of them are intervening in the CMP case.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=222410&ac=PHnws
A report's call for changes to facilitate 'clean energy' is expected to influence debate on Maine projects.
By TUX TURKEL
Staff Writer Portland Press Herald
The electricity grid in Maine and much of the country can't reliably handle new generation capacity from wind power and other renewable resources, an influential industry group says.
Aside from beefing up transmission lines, the group said, states must aggressively promote energy efficiency and manage electricity use to balance the on-again, off-again nature of wind and solar power.
These clean-power sources are growing as part of policies to combat climate change. Integrating them with programs and technology to manage demand, such as "smart" electric meters, will help determine how grids get upgraded and how much customers pay for power in the years ahead.
The report, issued last week by the North American Electric Reliability Corp., is expected to influence debate over plans to modernize Maine's transmission grid.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission is considering a $1.4 billion proposal by Central Maine Power Co. to upgrade 350 miles of high-voltage lines from the New Hampshire border to the Bangor area. Regulators recently held a public hearing in Waterville, and another is set for Lewiston on Nov. 24. CMP also is planning a public information session in Augusta on Dec. 3.
A separate $500 million proposal by Maine Public Service Co. would connect Aroostook County's transmission system with the rest of the state.
The PUC is expected to rule on the applications next year.
Some citizen groups and people living near transmission corridors oppose the upgrades, worried about health effects and property values. Many of them are intervening in the CMP case.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=222410&ac=PHnws
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
