08-05-2016, 08:16 AM
It's been worked on since then, and now has the title Energy Policy Modernization Act. The main body about geothermal hasn't changed. It has passed the Senate and similar House version, so it will be law when the President signs it.
http://www.geo-energy.org/pressReleases/...0Bill.aspx
The main body on Geothermal outlines all the various ordinances and regulations now existing at the state and county level. Federal law will supersede state and county ordinances and regulations.
It doesn't mean much change around here. PGV is permitted to 60MW at the old feed-in rate when oil electric rate was 42 cents/kilowatt-hour. Oil electric is down to 20 cents/kw-hr. PGV was getting 25 cents/kw-hr on their 30MW. The main point is Hawaii island east side has very little demand for electric power. It is in high demand on Kona side for air conditioning. There isn't much incentive for expanding geothermal on Hawaii island for Hawaii island. The expansion was to feed Maui and Oahu growing needs for more and more electric power. Trouble for HECO is HELCO has no motivation to go through the effort to develop more power just for the sake of Maui and Oahu. HELCO has already terminated their high cost power plant burdens with PGV canceling the contract they won, and Pepeekeo being terminated for cause on their contract. HELCO rides out the 50% reduction of oil cost, pad the difference for awhile without paying out.
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*
http://www.geo-energy.org/pressReleases/...0Bill.aspx
The main body on Geothermal outlines all the various ordinances and regulations now existing at the state and county level. Federal law will supersede state and county ordinances and regulations.
It doesn't mean much change around here. PGV is permitted to 60MW at the old feed-in rate when oil electric rate was 42 cents/kilowatt-hour. Oil electric is down to 20 cents/kw-hr. PGV was getting 25 cents/kw-hr on their 30MW. The main point is Hawaii island east side has very little demand for electric power. It is in high demand on Kona side for air conditioning. There isn't much incentive for expanding geothermal on Hawaii island for Hawaii island. The expansion was to feed Maui and Oahu growing needs for more and more electric power. Trouble for HECO is HELCO has no motivation to go through the effort to develop more power just for the sake of Maui and Oahu. HELCO has already terminated their high cost power plant burdens with PGV canceling the contract they won, and Pepeekeo being terminated for cause on their contract. HELCO rides out the 50% reduction of oil cost, pad the difference for awhile without paying out.
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*