New Jersey Goes Solar

[irishbobcat]

PSE&G wants to begin solar program
   Feb 12, 2009   Asbury Park Press   
   David P. Willis Feb. 11, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Public Service Electric and Gas Co. would put 200,000 small solar panels atop streetlights and utility poles throughout its service territory as part of a proposed $774 million program to boost sun power in New Jersey. The state's largest utility on Tuesday asked state regulators for approval of the program called "Solar 4 All." In addition to creating the nation's largest pole-attached solar installation, PSE&G (NYSE:PEG) also would put solar panels on the roof of government buildings, including a solar system on top of a municipal building in each of its towns, affordable housing communities and company facilities. While most of Monmouth and Ocean counties are served by other utilities, PSE&G distributes electricity to customers in Allentown and parts of Upper Freehold. When completed, the system would generate 120 megawatts of solar power (OTCBB:SOPW) , enough to power as many as 120,000 homes. Power from the solar panels would be sold on the electricity grid. "We designed our program to ensure that everyone has access to the benefits of solar energy," said Ralph LaRossa, president and chief operating officer of PSE&G in a statement. The utility said it wants the BPU to act within 180 days and hopes to start installation this year, with the entire program rolling out over five years. It would create or save hundreds of jobs with the program, a move that would stimulate the economy, PSE&G said. The solar project also would benefit the environment. The 120-megawatts of solar power would eliminate 1.7 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is the equivalent of removing nearly 310,000 cars from the road for a year. The company would pay for the project through federal tax credits, the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, which represent the value of the electricity, and rates. A typical PSE&G customers would see rates go up about 10 cents a month in the first full year of the program, a figure that would increase to 35 cents per month in 2013, PSE&G said. Last month, PSE&G asked the BPU to approve a $698 million program to accelerate improvements to the company's electric and natural gas distribution system. The utility also wants to spend $190 million on programs to encourage conservation and create green jobs. If approved, both initiatives would create nearly 1,700 jobs.    

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How many more states will Ohio lag behind in solar production, manufacuring, and Jobs?


Dennis Spisak
Mahoning Valley Greens
Ohio Green Party

www.ohiogreens.org
www.votespisak.org/thinkgreen/