Countries all over the world are making huge moves to shift their reliance away from fossil fuels. Saudi Arabia, a country built on oil, recently announced its plan to install 41,000 megawatts of solar, while the Republic of Vanuatu and Malaysia are making the switch to geothermal.
When it comes to the pursuit of renewable energy, it often feels like the United States is being left in the dust (and it is), but that doesn’t mean we’re doing nothing. Push past the paralysis in our federal government, and you’ll see lots of encouraging developments at the state and local level.
In Arizona, for instance, the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) recently recognized Tucson Electric Power (TEP) as the 2012 Investor Owned Utility of the Year for its 45 MW of solar generating capacity. That’s enough energy to power 8,000 Tucson homes for a year. And TEP isn’t stopping there. By the end of 2014, the utility expects to have more than 240 MW of solar generating capacity, enough to meet the annual electric needs of more than 46,000 homes.
For TEP it’s not just about the megawatts, it’s also about educating consumers about the benefits of solar energy, and making it easier for them to access available savings.
To that end, the utility launched the Bright Tucson Community Solar program, the country’s first IOU to offer a program that allows customers to purchase energy from local solar arrays in 150 kilowatt-hour “blocks.” This reduces or eliminates the use of conventional power while locking in an affordable solar energy rate for up to 20 years. TEP is also working with the Arizona Research Institute for Solar Energy, the University of Arizona and other project partners to develop a combined compressed air and battery storage system so homeowners can store excess solar energy for use at night or during emergencies.
“It’s important for us to develop solar energy programs and strategies that are achievable and cost-effective for our customers,” said David Hutchens, president of TEP. “Our partnerships are an important part of our long-term solar strategy. We share this award with our customers and the community.”
Photo credit: Tucson Electric Power