McClatchy Newspapers is reporting that energy companies are asking state regulators in North Carolina to delay and modify the implementation of a 2007 law designed to promote alternative energy sources. The statute requires utility companies to begin sourcing some energy from pig and chicken waste by 2012.Duke Energy, Progress Energy, and others are asking the North Carolina Utilities Commission for a one year delay in implementation, as well as a modifying downward by one third the requirement of the minimum amount of energy that most come from poultry waste in 2014. North Carolina is a major pork and poultry producing state. There is hope that generating power from the waste of these animals could help solve waste disposal issues as well as energy production needs. However, some worry about the pollution such processes cause, as well as the costs.
Since developing a cost efficient technology to use this waste to produce energy is proving difficult, the energy companies are moving forward with other ways to meet the state’s 2007 mandate. According to the McClatchey report, “Progress . . . last week announced plans for what would be the state’s biggest solar farm to date . . .” Additionally, Kristen Coracini, an energy policy specialist with the North Carolina Environmental Defense Fund believes green energy projects will abound in the future, and while swine and poultry waste may be a part of this, ‘“w’re not there yet.”’
The 2007 law does limit how much utilities can spend on renewable energy projects because those costs are passed on to the rate payers. The statute does give the utility commission power to revise provisions if “it’s in the public’s interest.” It will be seen if they choose to exercise that power.
To read the McClatchey story click here.
Posted: 08/19/09
