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.
.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.
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.
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:
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,
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?
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