NEW ENERGY UNHOOKED

Renewable energy projects stalled amid squabbling
January 9, 2012 (AP via San Jose Mercury News)

"A long-running disagreement between federal agencies and Southern California Edison has stalled millions of dollars in renewable energy projects expected to provide power to facilities in California's national parks and forests.

"…[A]n $800,000 solar project at Death Valley National Park, photovoltaic panels at the visitors center at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and a solar power system at the U.S. Forest Service's facility at Mono Lake are among many taxpayer-funded projects that are stalled while federal agencies try to come to an agreement with Edison to tie the projects to the state's electrical grid."

California could get over half its electricity from rooftop PV - but not if they keep bickering. (click to enlarge)

"The impasse involves contract restrictions imposed by federal law. Generally federal agencies are not supposed to sign contracts that would leave them liable for unknown future damages because they would be committing money that Congress hasn't allocated. Other utilities in California, however, have signed similar agreements with the agencies with few problems…

"An Edison spokesman declined to discuss the projects because of the ongoing negotiations. The squabble has captured the attention of Gov. Jerry Brown, whose office is sending the governor's advisor on renewable energy, Michael Picker, to meet with all the parties in coming weeks to help hammer out differences…The situation has made it difficult for the parks to meet renewable energy goals…"