"“This plan will cut Pennsylvanians’ energy bills by $10 billion over the next 10 years"

In anticipation of Governor Ed Rendell's visit to Pittsburgh next week I've been looking over his Energy Indpendence Strategy and I have to say I like what I've read so far.

Here are some of the highlights:

Smart Metering: The Energy Independence Strategy would give consumers the right to get smart meters installed in their home to give them a new tool to reduce energy spending. If you are a stats geek like me, someone who is always checking the MPG meter on their car or hitcounter on their websites, then Smart Meters are for you. Finally, some actually proof for my wife that her leaving the refridgerator door open is indeed a huge hit on the electric bill!

30% State Rebate on Solar Installations: totaling $244 million in rebates for homes and businesses. Combined with Federal incentives up to 50% of a typical solar installion will be covered by rebates and tax credits

Incentives for Clean Energy startups: Program makes over $100 available for clean energy businesses in the form of venture capital, loans, and grants

Incentives to spur development of Clean Energy projects in the state: ·
New state resources will target up to $500 million in state funds dedicated for infrastructure improvements, construction, early project development costs and equipment purchases undertaken to attract private investment in energy-related economic development projects, including solar manufacturing; advanced coal technologies; biofuels; and energy conservation, efficiency, and energy demand management projects.

When all is said and done the Governor's initiative will cost close to $1 billion. Who is paying for this? PA residents and businesses will pay a "systems benefits charge" equal to 1/20 of a cent per kilowatt of each resident's energy bill. While most people scream bloody murder whenever a new tax is introduced (yours truly included), this one makes sense. The administration has estimated that this will cost the average residential customer an extra 45 cents each month. The benefits of both the long term cost savings and environmental impact are worth far more than what we're all paying for this.

Here is a word document with the entire strategy outlined from the Governor's website

Anyone planning on attending the lunch next week? $75 is steep for a non member but I've never attended one of these so I am going to try to make it next Friday. Hope to see you there.