Pennsylvania Building Economy on Clean Energy

With the current recession and concerns about global climate change, its clear that we need to change our approach to both energy and the economy.  Pennsylvania is building its economy on clean energy, focusing on renewable energy distributed generation, creation of green jobs and, as a result, coming out on top when it comes to economic expenditures and a clean, bright future.

The Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act includes the following requirements, which will help speed a transition to renewable energy:

• Utilities must reduce demand for electricity by 1% by 2011 and 3% by 2013
• Utilities must reduce peak electricity demand by 4.5% by 2013 through energy conservation programs that help customers install energy-efficient technologies
• Eight percent of all electricity must come from clean renewable resources like solar and wind

Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Investment Act is Building the Economy (image from ellenm1 on Flickr)

Last year, Pennsylvania passed the Alternative Energy Investment Act and Act 129, known as the “energy savings bill.”  The new legislation provides incentives for renewable energy development and also helps fund the Pennsylvania Sunshine program, which allows consumers to recoup up to 35% of the cost of installing solar panels.  The Act authorizes $92.5 million for energy efficiency improvements for homeowners and small businesses, and more than $200 million for solar photovoltaic systems.

Even better, Pennsylvania was one step ahead of the federal government when it comes to providing incentives for renewable energy.  As noted in an article published yesterday:

“When the federal government provided even more incentives for renewable energy and energy conservation in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Pennsylvania already had programs in place to take immediate advantage of the extra funding. Now, Pennsylvania families and businesses can use a combination of tax credits, rebates, loans and grants to generate more renewable energy and invest in energy conservation.”

Given that Pennsylvania has been on the leading edge with respect to alternative energy, its no wonder that there is already evidence of the building economy on a clean energy basis.  The state already has 11 wind farms in operation, with two more under construction.  For one wind project alone, 150 people have been employed.  Overall, the wind energy generated in Pennsylvania can power over 200,000 homes.

Solar energy also provides an economic boost to the citizens of Pennsylvania.  Currently, the largest photovoltaic solar array on a sports facility in the world is under construction at the Pocono Raceway.  It will generate 3 MW of clean electricity each year, feeding in excess power into the grid.  Smaller solar panel installations are also on the rise.  Thanks to the generous state and federal tax incentives, homeowners and businesses are switching to solar energy with rooftop panels.

Even with all this new alternative energy development, Pennsylvania remains focused on building its economy on clean energy.  A new bill is currently being considered by the General Assembly that would double the state’s renewable energy requirements and significantly increase the amount of solar energy generated.  Sounds like a win-win-win for the state, with respect to clean renewable power, green jobs and less reliance on foreign oil and other fossil fuels.

We’re interested in hearing from Pennsylvania’s citizens with respect to its clean energy requirements.  Have you personally seen more wind and solar installations?  Is it making a positive difference?

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