SDG&E Looks for More Solar Power

San Diego Gas & Electric plans to tap more solar power under its 2005 renewable energy procurement plan, as well as locally generated wind power. While filing plans with the California Public Utilities Commission April 15 for new renewable supplies, the utility noted that the lack of transmission may hamper its green power goals. Without a new transmission line, the company will have to buy renewable energy credits to meet the state requirement. However, the state has yet to authorize a market for the credits, although legislation on the matter advanced this week. Ed Van Herik, utility spokesperson, added that SDG&E is studying routes for constructing a new 500 kV line into its territory by 2010. The utility plans to meet the state?s renewables goal of 20 percent of its power that same year. SDG&E plans two bidding opportunities for renewables this fall. The first is for distributed solar and wind power systems. The second will seek offers for any type of renewables project within its local service territory. Under the first request for offers, the utility hopes to procure 1 to 3 MW of locally generated solar energy from companies willing to place panels on SDG&E buildings, as well as other San Diego County?area rooftops. While SDG&E will derive 5.5 percent of its power from renewable resources this year, less than 0.02 percent will come from solar power, Van Herik said. Consumer and environmental advocates were not prepared to comment on the utility?s latest renewable power procurement plan.

Over 11K Stories!

| Independently Powered Energy News

SDG&E Looks for More Solar Power

vdharadmin

Related Posts

New Fossil Free Energy Laws Added to the Books

Opinion: Dr. Climate, Dr. Grid, Mr. M.D., & Me

Approved Bills Promote Clean Power, Keep Nuclear Plant Open & Cut Carbon

PG&E Shareholders Pass Compensation Resolution