Electric cooperatives such as Pedernales Electric Cooperative should advocate common sense public policies on air quality, water and land resources that balance environmental stewardship with the need for energy to power the region’s economy.
Non-traditional energies from geothermal, hydroelectric, tidal, wind and solar are available and should be a part of a responsible energy portfolio. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association notes, "Long range, consistent and common-sense environmental policies can ensure a clean environment without imposing severe economic penalties on electric cooperative consumers."
In the spirit of conservation, Pedernales Electric Cooperative should actively explore greater opportunities for green power, partner with green power providers, and offer the option of purchasing green power to its 220,000 members. Offering green power to our customers would be consistent with our commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. Additionally, we should explore with our partners the opportunity to implement programs which encourage home owners and business owners to invest in the future by purchasing green power.
PEC should focus its exploration of green opportunities with energy suppliers who have achieved the national Green Pricing Accreditation for its Green Works Program. These accredited utility programs undergo an annual independent verification process to document that they have delivered the green power promised to their customers.
Currently PEC’s Green Works program has made a commitment of purchasing 50 MW’s of Green Power per the information posted on the company website. PEC should attempt to increase the utility's green energy portfolio. This is not a goal that is unachievable. If anything it should be considered a target--not stretch goal-- with the understanding that more progress is expected and necessary to ensure that the environmental plan remains a key focus in our future.
About Me
- Fromthisdesk
- Georgetown, Texas, United States
- I am a director in the electric utility industry with over two decades of experience. My career has challenged me to face and solve the issues facing us in the evolving electric generation landscape. My professional experience includes nuclear, fossil, hydro, and wind energy generation projects. I have managed and provided oversight for multi-million dollar capital projects totaling over one billion dollars including multiple Clean Air Act initiatives. I am a U.S. Naval submarine force veteran with over eight years of active duty including service during the Desert Storm initiative. I hold multiple certifications including Project Management Professional (PMP), LEED AP, U.S. Naval Nuclear Engineering Supervisor and Engineering Management from the University of South Carolina. I reside in Georgetown, TX and I am an active supporter of local civic and charitable organizations. The views expressed on this blog are my personal viewpoints and do not reflect the official opinion of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative.