Tilting at wind mills?

The Massachusetts legislature appears ready to correct one of the biggest obstacles to alternative energy: NET METERING.

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In Europe, where the disparity doesn't exist, alternatives are feasible for the homeowner, growing in popularity and outstripping US installations.
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As the article in the Cape Cod Times explains, power sold by MMA is at 7 cents, but power purchased is at 17 cents.

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When that disparity is removed, it will go a long way to ensure the economic feasibility of alternative.

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Towns see big savings in wind

Gurnon, the president of Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay, estimates his school saved $250,000 over the past year in electric bills because of power generated by a 660-kilowatt, 242-foot wind turbine installed in June 2006. And that's with a relatively low average wind speed last year, he said.

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Meanwhile a bill now in legislative conference committee would help the towns and Massachusetts Maritime Academy get more for the electricity their turbines generate.

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The proposed regulations would allow the owners of large turbines to be credited for excess electricity they generate at the price they would pay on the retail market.

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It is known as net metering, and Downey believes it will be included in the bill.

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Here's how it works:

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The maritime academy, for example, pays the retail price, 17 cents per kilowatt-hour, for any electricity it needs beyond that generated by the wind turbine,

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When corrected by the legislature:

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...MMA, which is now paid a wholesale price of 7 cents per kilowatt-hour for its surplus electricity, could apply that power against its total electric bill, at the retail price of 17 cents per kilowatt-hour. That more than doubles what the electricity they generate is worth to them.

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OF FALMOUTH: But not every town finds the current situation daunting. Meghan Amsler, co-chairwoman of the Falmouth Energy Committee, said her town is almost ready to seek bids on a turbine that will power its wastewater treatment plant.

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OTHER TOWNS: Three towns on Martha's Vineyard, and Provincetown, have articles on town meeting warrants asking voters for approval to begin negotiating with the energy cooperative. CCT

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Where is Middleboro?