From the Chronicle Herald
Is the deal to sell NB Power unravelling? Let’s hope
By Dan Leger
Mon. Dec 21 - 4:46 AM
YOU KNOW a politician is hard up for a photo-op when he’s using toilet paper for a backdrop. But that’s what Shawn Graham was doing the other day: visiting a toilet paper plant to promote the sale of NB Power.
The New Brunswick premier was in Dieppe, near Moncton, to cast a positive spin on his unpopular plan to offload NB Power to Hydro-Quebec for $4.75 billion and a promise of cheaper power rates. It’s no accident that the plant is owned by the Irving conglomerate, which is by far the biggest single beneficiary of the deal.
Irving Tissue will save $2 million a year in power costs, helping the company compete with toilet-paper makers around the world. In fact, cheaper power will produce huge financial leverage right across the vertically integrated industrial machine that is Irving.
So let’s take, for example, toilet paper. Trees from the 1.7 million hectares of Irving-owned or controlled land in New Brunswick are felled by Irving crews, loaded onto Irving trucks burning Irving-refined diesel and hauled to the Irving paper mill in Saint John.
The mill produces giant rolls of Irving brand paper, which are loaded onto other Irving trucks and sent to the Irving plant in Dieppe. There they become Irving consumer products, which are often sold in Irving retail stores.
All those Irving companies consume a lot of electricity. So with a 30 per cent rate cut thanks to the Graham government, the richest company in Eastern Canada will get even richer.
That’s if the deal goes ahead. But there are signs it might be unravelling.
Graham won’t admit it but anyone can see there are massive political problems with the deal. And this is a legally mandated election year. Graham will have to defend selling off a vital part of New Brunswick’s economic sovereignty.
New Brunswickers have been protesting and writing letters, the opposition is demanding a plebiscite and two members of NB Power’s board of directors resigned in protest. Last week, an Angus Reid poll suggested only 20 per cent of New Brunswickers approve of Graham’s performance in office.
The deal has attracted opposition outside the province, and not just from Danny Williams. Nova Scotia companies are worried because the deal cedes control of transmission lines through New Brunswick.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Big Turbines will NOT do this for you
Individuals take advantage of big incentives for wind turbines
There are more people are putting up windmills in Elkhart County just this month than there were all of last year.
Posted: 6:27 PM Dec 18, 2009
Reporter: Ryan Famuliner
Email Address: ryan.famuliner@wndu.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Individuals take advantage of big incentives for wind turbines
The winds are changing in Elkhart County as more and more individuals are turning to wind power.
There are more people are putting up windmills in the county just this month than there were all of last year.
But, it’s still slow growth. Elkhart County says they had 11 requests for permits this year from homeowners wanting to install wind turbines, compared to only two in 2008.
Those that are interested in going green are seeing green, because of some attractive government incentives.
Mahlon Bontrager of Goshen has been interested in wind energy for a couple years now.
“My NIPSCO bill's always so high, and (I’m) trying to look at ways to cut it down… The tax credit and everything, that kind of clinched the deal, all the savings,” Bontrager said.
Through the stimulus plan, people installing small wind turbines can receive a tax credit to cover 30% of the installation cost of a wind turbine, up to $4,000.
That helps make Bontrager’s $16,000 price tag more achievable.
“It cuts it by about 25%, the total cost, so your payback is a little bit quicker,” Bontrager said.
Another big incentive is that in Indiana, you also don't have to pay property taxes on a wind turbine, even though it will likely bring up your property value.
Wind Wire of South Bend is the company installing all three of the turbines approved by the Elkhart County Board of Zoning Appeals this month; including Bontrager's.
“We’ve got probably in the northern Indiana area, 80 to 85 units right now,” said David Smith with Wind Wire.
Not bad for someone who got into this line of work because he'd been laid off.
“My brother was collecting unemployment, my unemployment had run out and we just kind of stumbled on to it, and it's just something that’s made a difference and people were looking for it,” Smith said.
It's kept them very busy, as more people in the area see turbines as a wise investment.
“(It) depends on how much wind you have and how much electricity you use, but if you can knock 25%, 50% off your electric bill; That's gonna add up. Saving money is the same as making money, that's what I always thought,” Bontrager said.
Bontrager is getting his turbine without going completely off the grid. He’ll be able to switch over to grid energy when his turbine's not spinning. When it is, whatever extra energy he doesn't use will be sold back to the power company.
Smith says some of the larger energy companies are cooperating with people installing turbines, while some smaller co-ops are still struggling to find a way to make it work.
Meantime, whether or not an individual is able to install a turbine on their property often depends on how much land they have and where they live. City and county zoning departments can answer questions regarding those ordinances.
There are more people are putting up windmills in Elkhart County just this month than there were all of last year.
Posted: 6:27 PM Dec 18, 2009
Reporter: Ryan Famuliner
Email Address: ryan.famuliner@wndu.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Individuals take advantage of big incentives for wind turbines
The winds are changing in Elkhart County as more and more individuals are turning to wind power.
There are more people are putting up windmills in the county just this month than there were all of last year.
But, it’s still slow growth. Elkhart County says they had 11 requests for permits this year from homeowners wanting to install wind turbines, compared to only two in 2008.
Those that are interested in going green are seeing green, because of some attractive government incentives.
Mahlon Bontrager of Goshen has been interested in wind energy for a couple years now.
“My NIPSCO bill's always so high, and (I’m) trying to look at ways to cut it down… The tax credit and everything, that kind of clinched the deal, all the savings,” Bontrager said.
Through the stimulus plan, people installing small wind turbines can receive a tax credit to cover 30% of the installation cost of a wind turbine, up to $4,000.
That helps make Bontrager’s $16,000 price tag more achievable.
“It cuts it by about 25%, the total cost, so your payback is a little bit quicker,” Bontrager said.
Another big incentive is that in Indiana, you also don't have to pay property taxes on a wind turbine, even though it will likely bring up your property value.
Wind Wire of South Bend is the company installing all three of the turbines approved by the Elkhart County Board of Zoning Appeals this month; including Bontrager's.
“We’ve got probably in the northern Indiana area, 80 to 85 units right now,” said David Smith with Wind Wire.
Not bad for someone who got into this line of work because he'd been laid off.
“My brother was collecting unemployment, my unemployment had run out and we just kind of stumbled on to it, and it's just something that’s made a difference and people were looking for it,” Smith said.
It's kept them very busy, as more people in the area see turbines as a wise investment.
“(It) depends on how much wind you have and how much electricity you use, but if you can knock 25%, 50% off your electric bill; That's gonna add up. Saving money is the same as making money, that's what I always thought,” Bontrager said.
Bontrager is getting his turbine without going completely off the grid. He’ll be able to switch over to grid energy when his turbine's not spinning. When it is, whatever extra energy he doesn't use will be sold back to the power company.
Smith says some of the larger energy companies are cooperating with people installing turbines, while some smaller co-ops are still struggling to find a way to make it work.
Meantime, whether or not an individual is able to install a turbine on their property often depends on how much land they have and where they live. City and county zoning departments can answer questions regarding those ordinances.
Proactive About Turbines
From democratandchronicle.com
Towns should be proactive on wind turbine rules
Editorial • December 18, 2009
As the cold winter wind whips through the region, there’s one bright spot to think about — the state’s potential to harness that energy into electricity.
But that potential also brings concerns about wind turbines making noise, harming birds and disturbing the bucolic landscape.
That’s why municipalities need to take a proactive stance similar to what the town of Victor did this week.
The town board adopted a law that sets up rules regarding wind turbines. Although there are currently no wind turbines in Victor, the board decided to be proactive after seeing problems elsewhere.
Specifically, town boards in Prattsburgh and Italy have confronted lawsuits from a wind energy company.
Despite the issues, wind power is an alternative energy that belongs in a strategy of reducing this country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Wind power doesn’t pollute and it’s a way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. And New York’s high electricity rates have long been a concern of businesses.
In terms of wind power, New York state ranks 15th in wind energy potential, according to the American Wind Energy Association. The Lake Ontario region is well suited, and the New York Power Authority is soliciting proposals from developers for lake-based turbines.
Several wind energy companies have cropped up in the region, and there’s potential to grow those, which means more job opportunities.
On Wednesday, the state Public Service Commission gave those efforts a boost when it pledged $200 million to help further develop the production of electricity by wind, water and biomass. The goal now is to have renewable energy providing 30 percent of electricity consumption in the state by 2015.
Town governments are right to be cautious about wind power, while recognizing their responsibility to help diversify energy resources.
Towns should be proactive on wind turbine rules
Editorial • December 18, 2009
As the cold winter wind whips through the region, there’s one bright spot to think about — the state’s potential to harness that energy into electricity.
But that potential also brings concerns about wind turbines making noise, harming birds and disturbing the bucolic landscape.
That’s why municipalities need to take a proactive stance similar to what the town of Victor did this week.
The town board adopted a law that sets up rules regarding wind turbines. Although there are currently no wind turbines in Victor, the board decided to be proactive after seeing problems elsewhere.
Specifically, town boards in Prattsburgh and Italy have confronted lawsuits from a wind energy company.
Despite the issues, wind power is an alternative energy that belongs in a strategy of reducing this country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Wind power doesn’t pollute and it’s a way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. And New York’s high electricity rates have long been a concern of businesses.
In terms of wind power, New York state ranks 15th in wind energy potential, according to the American Wind Energy Association. The Lake Ontario region is well suited, and the New York Power Authority is soliciting proposals from developers for lake-based turbines.
Several wind energy companies have cropped up in the region, and there’s potential to grow those, which means more job opportunities.
On Wednesday, the state Public Service Commission gave those efforts a boost when it pledged $200 million to help further develop the production of electricity by wind, water and biomass. The goal now is to have renewable energy providing 30 percent of electricity consumption in the state by 2015.
Town governments are right to be cautious about wind power, while recognizing their responsibility to help diversify energy resources.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Comments Invited re: Cat ferry service
From DSWNA
Update on Bay Ferries Announcement on CAT Ferry Serivce Termination
In light of the recent statement by Bay Ferries regarding the termination of the CAT High Speed car ferry Service between Yarmouth Nova Scotia, Bar Harbor and Portland Maine in the spring of 2010, Destination Southwest Nova Association invites and encourages you to provide your comments and concerns by visiting our website: www.destinationsouthwestnova.com/portal. DSWNA fully supports TIANS position statement on the issue, "to expediate efforts to find viable, permanent solutions to the ferry service in Nova Scotia."
Update on Bay Ferries Announcement on CAT Ferry Serivce Termination
In light of the recent statement by Bay Ferries regarding the termination of the CAT High Speed car ferry Service between Yarmouth Nova Scotia, Bar Harbor and Portland Maine in the spring of 2010, Destination Southwest Nova Association invites and encourages you to provide your comments and concerns by visiting our website: www.destinationsouthwestnova.com/portal. DSWNA fully supports TIANS position statement on the issue, "to expediate efforts to find viable, permanent solutions to the ferry service in Nova Scotia."
Maritime Communities Mourn
Coastal communities everywhere can share our grief at the loss of a fisher to the ocean that claimed him. David Trask lived in Metegan and was from Sandy Cove on Digby Neck, Nova Scotia. He and his crew were coming back from a dragging trip and nearing the Yarmouth area when the boat flipped, apparently in heavy seas with 3 huge waves that carried the boat to the ocean floor with its skipper- but not before the captain saw to it that the 3 hands on board got into emergency suits and went overside to the life raft. His heroic concern for others saved their lives before he could save his own. Family, friends and the fishing community began mourning his loss yesterday when search and rescue could find neither the captain or his boat and deemed conditions past survival possibilities.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Renewable Energy Talks in Nova Scotia
"Renewable energy public consult set for Dec 18 at ABCC, (Cornwallis Park Conf. centre)
For the very helpful background study papers presented by the consulting team from Dalhousie University ON THE ECON., ENVIRONMENTAL, AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF FOUR SPECIFIC ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SCENARIOS FOR NOVA SCOTIA, GO TO:
http://eco-efficiency.management.dal.ca/Events/Special_Events/
Renewable Energy Community Consultation Meeting
When:
18 Dec 09 12.00 PM - 02.00 PM
Where:
ABCC James Horsfall Hall - Cornwallis
Description
Venue: Annapolis Basin Conference Centre, James Hortsfall Memorial Hall, 761 Broadway Avenue, Cornwallis Park
Date/Time: Friday, December 18, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
As seating is limited, all interested parties are asked to RSVP for this session. A light lunch will be provided. To RSVP, simply click here This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call Dalhousie University's Eco-Efficiency Centre at (902) 461-6704.
The province of Nova Scotia has committed to providing 25 percent of the province's electricity with renewable energy by the year 2015. In partnership with the Department of Energy, a consulting team from Dalhousie University has been facilitating public multidisciplinary consultation sessions over the past four months. Additional community meetings, including this one, were proposed as a result of stakeholder feedback from previous consultation sessions.
Nova Scotia has committed to providing 25 percent of the province's electricity with renewable energy by the year 2015. To that end, a series of public consultations will be held in communities throughout the province, including one at Annapolis Basin Conference Centre on December 18, to specifically address concerns in the Annapolis Digby region.
In partnership with the Department of Energy, a consulting team from Dalhousie University, lead by Dr. David Wheeler, has been facilitating public multidisciplinary consultation sessions over the past four months. These sessions are being used to evaluate various renewable energy scenarios, considering the social, environmental, technological, and economic aspects of each option. This independent stakeholder consultation process will thoroughly assess options for investments in low-carbon energy production and distribution in Nova Scotia.
A series of four smaller public meetings will be held in Cornwallis, Yarmouth, Port Hawkesbury and Sydney. These additional meetings were proposed as a result of stakeholder feedback from previous consultation sessions. At each session, team lead, Dr. David Wheeler, and project director, Dr. Michelle Adams, will briefly review key recommendations that will make up the draft final integrated scenario report. The Project Team will then invite feedback from session participants to incorporate into their final report. The final report with recommendations will be written and submitted to the provincial Department of Energy.
Click here for details on the Annapolis Digby public meeting to be held at ABCC. For further information on the renewable energy consultation process, including all documents that have been prepared to date, click here.
For the very helpful background study papers presented by the consulting team from Dalhousie University ON THE ECON., ENVIRONMENTAL, AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF FOUR SPECIFIC ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SCENARIOS FOR NOVA SCOTIA, GO TO:
http://eco-efficiency.management.dal.ca/Events/Special_Events/
Renewable Energy Community Consultation Meeting
When:
18 Dec 09 12.00 PM - 02.00 PM
Where:
ABCC James Horsfall Hall - Cornwallis
Description
Venue: Annapolis Basin Conference Centre, James Hortsfall Memorial Hall, 761 Broadway Avenue, Cornwallis Park
Date/Time: Friday, December 18, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
As seating is limited, all interested parties are asked to RSVP for this session. A light lunch will be provided. To RSVP, simply click here This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call Dalhousie University's Eco-Efficiency Centre at (902) 461-6704.
The province of Nova Scotia has committed to providing 25 percent of the province's electricity with renewable energy by the year 2015. In partnership with the Department of Energy, a consulting team from Dalhousie University has been facilitating public multidisciplinary consultation sessions over the past four months. Additional community meetings, including this one, were proposed as a result of stakeholder feedback from previous consultation sessions.
Nova Scotia has committed to providing 25 percent of the province's electricity with renewable energy by the year 2015. To that end, a series of public consultations will be held in communities throughout the province, including one at Annapolis Basin Conference Centre on December 18, to specifically address concerns in the Annapolis Digby region.
In partnership with the Department of Energy, a consulting team from Dalhousie University, lead by Dr. David Wheeler, has been facilitating public multidisciplinary consultation sessions over the past four months. These sessions are being used to evaluate various renewable energy scenarios, considering the social, environmental, technological, and economic aspects of each option. This independent stakeholder consultation process will thoroughly assess options for investments in low-carbon energy production and distribution in Nova Scotia.
A series of four smaller public meetings will be held in Cornwallis, Yarmouth, Port Hawkesbury and Sydney. These additional meetings were proposed as a result of stakeholder feedback from previous consultation sessions. At each session, team lead, Dr. David Wheeler, and project director, Dr. Michelle Adams, will briefly review key recommendations that will make up the draft final integrated scenario report. The Project Team will then invite feedback from session participants to incorporate into their final report. The final report with recommendations will be written and submitted to the provincial Department of Energy.
Click here for details on the Annapolis Digby public meeting to be held at ABCC. For further information on the renewable energy consultation process, including all documents that have been prepared to date, click here.
Are Landscapes and Park-like Areas Important?
From The Star
Wind turbines plan
Published Date: 16 December 2009
RESIDENTS who campaigned for 18 months to stop a controversial wind farm being built between Stocksbridge and Penistone are celebrating after councillors threw out the scheme.
Members of Barnsley Council's planning board decided 12 votes to eight to refuse planning permission for five 125-metre wind turbines at Sheephouse Heights, overlooking the Langsett Valley.
Environmental activists staging a demonstration outside arnsley Town Hall said the turbines, which developers say could provide electricity for 9,000 homes, are needed as a green alternative to burning carbon.
They were supported by more than 1,000 people who wrote to the council in favour of the scheme, many who argued an estimated 25,000-tonne reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is more important than the visual impact.
The green activists were supported by Friends of the Earth, Sheffield Campaign Against Climate Change, Sheffield Green Party Coun Jillian Creasy and the GMB union.
But councillors decided in favour of the 1,350 residents who said the scheme would be a blot on the landscape and would have a negative effect on the nearby Peak District National Park.
After hearing from developers Evelop UK, and from the Protect Sheephouse Heights Group, board members voted to abide by planning officers' recommendation that Sheephouse is the wrong site for the scheme.
Speaking afterwards Alan Hey, of the Protect Sheephouse Heights Group, said: "We are very pleased, and think the council made the right decision. This has been a controversial project from day one.
"This is the right decision for the community, and we think the true friends of Penistone and Stocksbridge won the day. The nucleus of our group is made up of people who live very close to the site, some of them just 300m away, and this development would have severely damaged
their amenity."
Stocksbridge MP Angela Smith said: "Given the strengths of the grounds for refusal I hope that the developers will desist from going to appeal or revising the application and hope they now drop the plan."
Stephen Brooks, of Sheffield-based Evelop UK, said Sheephouse would be the ideal location for a wind farm.
He said: "We are very disappointed that the scheme was turned down. We thought that it was a very well thought-out proposal with a number of
environmental, financial and social benefits for the area.
"We are now going to wait until we get the formal reasons for refusal from Barnsley Council, and decide where we are going to go from there."
Olly Buck, project manager for Evelop UK, said: "We are obviously disappointed with the decision.
"We think it is a well thought-out project that would have generated enough electricity for more than 9,000 homes. It could have also played its part in tackling climate change and helping towards a home-grown energy supply.
"We now need to study the planning committee's decision in detail and decide our next steps."
Rachel Gibbons, from Penistone Friends of the Earth, said: "The UK has committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. A very important part of this is a renewed push for clean, green renewable energy."
Wind turbines plan
Published Date: 16 December 2009
RESIDENTS who campaigned for 18 months to stop a controversial wind farm being built between Stocksbridge and Penistone are celebrating after councillors threw out the scheme.
Members of Barnsley Council's planning board decided 12 votes to eight to refuse planning permission for five 125-metre wind turbines at Sheephouse Heights, overlooking the Langsett Valley.
Environmental activists staging a demonstration outside arnsley Town Hall said the turbines, which developers say could provide electricity for 9,000 homes, are needed as a green alternative to burning carbon.
They were supported by more than 1,000 people who wrote to the council in favour of the scheme, many who argued an estimated 25,000-tonne reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is more important than the visual impact.
The green activists were supported by Friends of the Earth, Sheffield Campaign Against Climate Change, Sheffield Green Party Coun Jillian Creasy and the GMB union.
But councillors decided in favour of the 1,350 residents who said the scheme would be a blot on the landscape and would have a negative effect on the nearby Peak District National Park.
After hearing from developers Evelop UK, and from the Protect Sheephouse Heights Group, board members voted to abide by planning officers' recommendation that Sheephouse is the wrong site for the scheme.
Speaking afterwards Alan Hey, of the Protect Sheephouse Heights Group, said: "We are very pleased, and think the council made the right decision. This has been a controversial project from day one.
"This is the right decision for the community, and we think the true friends of Penistone and Stocksbridge won the day. The nucleus of our group is made up of people who live very close to the site, some of them just 300m away, and this development would have severely damaged
their amenity."
Stocksbridge MP Angela Smith said: "Given the strengths of the grounds for refusal I hope that the developers will desist from going to appeal or revising the application and hope they now drop the plan."
Stephen Brooks, of Sheffield-based Evelop UK, said Sheephouse would be the ideal location for a wind farm.
He said: "We are very disappointed that the scheme was turned down. We thought that it was a very well thought-out proposal with a number of
environmental, financial and social benefits for the area.
"We are now going to wait until we get the formal reasons for refusal from Barnsley Council, and decide where we are going to go from there."
Olly Buck, project manager for Evelop UK, said: "We are obviously disappointed with the decision.
"We think it is a well thought-out project that would have generated enough electricity for more than 9,000 homes. It could have also played its part in tackling climate change and helping towards a home-grown energy supply.
"We now need to study the planning committee's decision in detail and decide our next steps."
Rachel Gibbons, from Penistone Friends of the Earth, said: "The UK has committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. A very important part of this is a renewed push for clean, green renewable energy."
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