October 2006
Utility Perspective On Renewable Energy
From the utility perspective, when I think of renewable energy, I visualize one of the large wind farms such as the one south of Lamar or anyone throughout New Mexico or Wyoming . I recently read an article about a new solar energy project by Alamosa. These renewable resources produce megawatts of power. MVEA's green power program allows our members, through Tri-State, to support these large renewable projects. This allows renewable energy to be part of the mix that we provide to our members.
There is also a growing interest in adding small residential systems to existing homes. These systems are usually 5,000 watts or less. These smaller wind and solar systems are commonly interconnected to the grid and can provide power back to MVEA's distribution system when more energy is produced than the owner uses. This may sound easy and seem like a great idea. But, there are many safety and technical issues that need to be considered before you decide to make the large investment in one of these systems.
MVEA stands ready to work with you to ensure that your generation equipment is installed in a proper and safe manner, and in accordance with all applicable codes, standards, regulations, laws and insurance requirements.
A major safety concern when any type of generation is interconnected to MVEA's distribution system is the potential hazard for the linemen who are working outages. During an outage, a private generation system has the potential of producing up to 14,400 volts which can flow back through your service transformer and onto MVEA's lines. It may leave the generator at 120 volts, but when it travels through the line transformer it is stepped up to line voltage that can create a very dangerous situation. For example, if a lineman is working on a line he assumes to be dead or grounded, your voltage has the potential of severely injuring or killing him.
Modern solar and wind systems include equipment, such as DC to AC inverters built to meet IEEE and UL standards, ensures that it will automatically disconnect itself from the utility when an outage occurs. The safety of our employees and the general public is of utmost importance. In addition to these standards being met, we also require a manual disconnect at the meter site that can be locked in the off position while crews make necessary repairs to restore power.
Economics is another item to consider. This brings up the subject of net metering. I would like to take this opportunity to define MVEA Net Metering tariff. This tariff allows for kWh usage by the consumer to be charged at a retail rate and kWh flowing back through the meter from generation to be paid to the member at the MVEA avoided cost rate. Avoided cost is average cost per kWh for wholesale electric power during the most recent calendar year. Currently, this is $0.0521/kWh. Avoided costs are recalculated annually based on the previous year's cost.
MVEA will use one electronic meter that is capable of reading positive and negative kWh. Positive kWh is what your normal monthly bill is based on. Negative kWh is the energy you supply back to the grid. You are paid at avoided costs for all negative kWh produced.
If you are considering a wind or solar project, we are here to help answer your questions and assist you in your endeavor. Please contact either MVEA office for additional information. Contact MVEA and discuss your project with one of our professionals. You should download the Qualifying Facilities document. This document includes a checklist that will help keep you on track for meeting all of MVEA's requirements.
Free Trips for High School Juniors
How about a week long, all expense paid trip to Washington , D.C? Or, how about a trip to the Steamboat Springs area? Either of these trips could be yours just by writing a short essay on What is clean coal technology and why is it better for the environment?
During your trip to Washington , D.C. in June 2007, you'll have the opportunity to hook up with approximately 1500 other high school juniors from around the U.S. They'll be tours of the nation's capital, dancing the night away while cruising down the Potomac , meeting and talking with your state's representatives, and the opportunity to make some great new friends.
You might also win a trip to Clark , Colorado , located just outside of Steamboat Springs in July. High school juniors from Colorado , Kansas , Oklahoma and Wyoming will gather at a beautiful resort located on the Elk River and spend the week at an outstanding leadership camp. You'll participate in activities to improve personal goals and get an inside view of the state and national legislatures. There is plenty of time for swim parties, barbeques, dances, and banquets during the week. Many of the attendees call this camp a life changing experience.
All you have to do to enter is write a 500-word essay on the above topic What is clean coal technology and why is it better for the environment? and, meet the qualifications listed below. There is plenty of information on the website and in your library for this topic, so have at it! Attach the entry form to your essay and send it to: MVEA, Attn: Deborah Skillicorn, P.O. Box 1600, Limon, CO 80828. Your parents or guardians must receive electric service from MVEA and you must be at least 16 years old by January 1, 2007. Entries must be received or postmarked by November 18, 2006.
Don't miss out on these two great trips! Call Deborah Skillicorn at 800-388-9881 ext 2577 for more information.
Click here for ENTRY FORM
It's MVEA Scholarship Time
Don't miss out on the 15-college scholarships available through MVEA.
10 - $1,000 MVEA Scholarships
1 - $1,000 MVEA Vocational/Technical Scholarship
2 - $500 Tri-State Generation & Transmission Scholarships
1 - $1,000 Basin Electric Scholarship
1 - $1,000 E.A. Mick Geesen Memorial Scholarship
To qualify for these scholarships
- Your parents or guardians must receive electric service from MVEA
- You must be a graduating high school senior
- You must meet ACT or SAT and GPA requirements (these vary according to which scholarship you apply for).
- Applications must be received by January 15, 2007
MVEA Scholarship Application
MVEA Vo/Tech Scholarship Application
Geesen Scholarship Application
Don't miss out on the cash!
Hurry, Time is Running Out!
Each year MVEA sends out season's greetings to our associates. This year we would love to send a card with a drawing from one of the children in our territory. So
we're having a little contest.
To enter:
• You must be between 5 to 12 years of age
• Your parents or legal guardians must be members of
MVEA
• It must be an original drawing
• It must be a holiday picture (whatever holiday your family celebrates in December)
• Picture must be in color on a piece of white paper 5.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall or 8.5 wide and 5.5 tall (your option).
• You must have fun while drawing this picture.
All entries must be received or postmarked by November 18, 2006. The winner will receive a stuffed McGruff, the Crime Dog and a $50 U.S. Savings Bond.
Send your entries to MVEA, Attn: Deborah Skillicorn, PO Box 1600, Limon, CO 80828.
Need Help Paying Your Utility Bill?
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is designed to help low-income households with winter home heating costs. It is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating . Following are phone numbers for your county LEAP offices. Applications will be accepted from November 1 through April 30.
El Paso 719-442-0007 Elbert 719-541-2369
Douglas 303-688-4825 Lincoln 719-7432404
Washington 970-345-2238 Pueblo 719-583-6356
Crowley 719-267-3546 Arapahoe 303-636-1100
or, go to the LEAP website at www.stateboard.cdhs.state.co.us/oss/FAP/LEAP/default.html
Other agencies in the area to assist with emergency situations:
Health & Human Service Information & Referral 211, 719-955-0742, 866-488-9742 www.ppunitedway.org
Pikes Peak Community Action Agency:
Administration office - 719-471-7870 Eastern El Paso County 719-347-2976
Eastern Colorado Springs 719-385-7930 Fountain Area 719-382-8515
Northern Churches Cares - 719-277-7470
Tri-Lakes Cares 719-481-4864
Salvation Army 719-636-3891
Silver Key (60 and over) 719-632-1521
Army Emergency Relief (military personnel and retirees) 719-526-4783
The Home Front Cares (active military, reservists and National Guard) Military Service Center
Give The Gift of Light
The holiday season is sneaking up on us and it's time to start thinking about gifts. MVEA can help you give a gift guaranteed to be used and appreciated and you don't have to fight the holiday shopping crowds to buy it! Give the gift of light!
MVEA's gift certificate program makes it easy for you to provide a credit on a friend or relative's MVEA electric account. Simply fill out the following form and return it, along with your check, to either MVEA office or in an MVEA dropbox. To simplify things even more, instead of filling out the form, you can call us with the information and we'll charge your credit card. How easy is that for holiday shopping!
- The recipient's electric account will be credited in the amount of your gift;
- You will receive confirmation of the gift, and
- The recipient will receive a certificate listing your name and the amount of credit they receive (you can remain anonymous if you wish).
Give us a call for more information or click here to download an application. An MVEA gift certificate can be given anytime throughout the year.
Mail completed applications to: MVEA, P.O. Box 1600, Limon, CO 80828.
Remember Our Veterans
As our young men and women are sent to war overseas, November 11 becomes especially significant this year. It is a time to remember not only our soldiers of today, but also those who have served and given their lives for their country in the past. Countless have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom to choose our religion, say what we feel and live where we want. Freedoms so basic to us that it is difficult to imagine that many people in the world do not have them.
Veterans Day honors the men and women who have served in America 's armed forces, especially those who have fought in wars. The date marks the anniversary of the signing of the treaty between the Allied and Central Powers in 1918 to end World War I. The Armistice inspired a day of impromptu parades, business closings, and celebrations around the world. In 1938, Congress proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day. Sixteen years later, as the memory of World War I faded; the holiday was changed to Veterans Day to pay tribute to all military personnel.
MVEA wishes to take this opportunity to honor our nation's heroes; those that have given their lives and those that have volunteered to put themselves in harm's way to ensure our freedom. Thank you and God Bless America.
