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PG&E Expands Renewable Power Supply and Launches ClimateSmart

December 18, 2006 | 1 Comment

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San Francisco, California [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Using several sources for geothermal-and biomass-generated renewable energy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for up to 387 megawatts (MW).

The program is designed to supplement, not substitute for, PG&E's existing efforts -- both voluntary and mandatory -- to increase its renewable energy sources and expanding energy efficiency programs.

The utility currently supplies more than 12% of its customer load from renewable resources that qualify under California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Program. In total, about 50% of the power that PG&E delivers to its customers comes from generating resources that emit no carbon dioxide, the primary contributor to global warming.

Also with the approval of the CPUC, PG&E will launch ClimateSmart in spring 2007 -- a voluntary program that will provide customers the option to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions associated with their energy use. The program is designed to supplement, not substitute for, PG&E's existing efforts -- both voluntary and mandatory -- to increase its renewable energy sources and expanding energy efficiency programs.

ClimateSmart allows residential and business customers to sign up voluntarily and pay a small amount on their monthly utility bill based on energy usage, which will fund environmental projects aimed at removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air.

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Bioenergy, Geothermal Energy, Green Power, Hydropower, Hydrogen - Fuel Cells, Ocean Energy, Other, Solar Energy, Wind Power

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adrian-akau-36758

December 18, 2006

I think that the most impart of this program is implementation of policy that promotes energy development without contributing to carbon dioxide production. Although the development is presently supplemental to present power systems, it points to the direction we must take for a long term sustainable energy policy. We need to be aware that our climate system is fragile and needs protection.

Even insurance companies are well aware of the catastropic consequences of what we are doing and are accordingly raising policy rates of homes and businesses in high climate risk areas to compensate for the expected rise in future losses due to adverse climatic changes. It is only good sense that we evaluate the dangers inherent in the path we have presently taken and make the necessary corrections and adjustments to insure that we do not destroy our future climate security by neglecting what can be done today.

adrianakau@aol.com

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