Gray to Green: Good Idea

[irishbobcat]

Press Release-February 26, 2008

Feed-In Tariffs Could Lower Utility Costs and Boost Renewable Energy-And help the Gray to Green Idea

Campaign Site: HTTP://votespisak.tripod.com

Independent Green Party Candidate for State Representative for the 60th District Dennis Spisak called on the Ohio House and Senate to begin looking into Feed-In Tariffs that would help boost the development of electricity from renewable sources.

"The Illinois Renewable Energy Sources Act has just been introduced calling for the same type of program that is currently in use in Germany to develop renewable energy sources," said Spisak.

Feed-in tariffs have proven remarkably successful throughout Europe, and especially in Germany, where some 55% of the world's solar power capacity resides. A feed-in tariff offers a long-term guaranteed price contract (usually about 15-20 years) to any entity that contributes electricity to the grid via renewable sources like solar, wind, biomass, landfill gas, small hydro, geothermal and methane. Whereas existing policy mechanisms like the production tax credit favor large corporations with sizable tax liability, and investment tax credits favor those folks who can afford a large upfront cost that comes with a 20-30 year payoff, this policy tool encourages the distributed generation of renewable energy and it levels the playing field by providing long-term investment security for small businesses, homeowners, churches, schools and others, so they are more willing to make the financial commitment that is necessary for installing renewable energy themselves.

"The Feed-In Tariffs are now in place in 47 countries and provinces around the world," said Spisak. "A major benefit is that such programs allow many more players into the energy production market such as homeowners, small businesses, cooperatives, farmers, businesses and schools."

Spisak added, " Feed-In Tariffs are often popular among the masses, but less so with utilities and corporations that stand to lose out on the revenue. Power interests and lobbyists have all but stopped Tariffs from being introduced in America. It's time to elect an independent state representative who will help the people with saving energy instead of supporting lobbyist bought politicians like Bob Hagan who vote with companies that line his political war chest with contributions."