Dear Renewable Energy Colleague:

Thanks for taking the time and energy to inquire about IPP. Though a modest organization in terms of resources and membership we are engaged in very important work. In fact, we don't know of any other organization that focuses on market and monopoly issues and the critical impact they have on the future of renewable energy. We have been in front of these issues for the last four years. When others were still asking the question, "What's wrong with utility ownership of renewables?", we had the answer " We are a competing technology!". This is now clear to most members of the renewable industry and beginning to be understood by environmental groups and other policy advocates as well.

Now with restructuring, new opportunities for renewable energy technologies are emerging. However, there are major hurdles. One important issue is whether regulated utilities will be allowed to engage in distributed generation. They are working very hard to do so and we must just as energetically keep this from happening. Distributed generation and the market for distributed generation benefits represent a major opportunity for our industries. IPP seeks your membership. Your financial participation is very important to our efforts and it allows IPP to attend numerous meetings and forums so that we can pass on the IPP message. Just as important is your active support and advocacy of the issues. Input from members is welcomed in order to keep abreast of the many events and issues in this field.

Independent Power Providers

Renewable Energy- Locally Owned- Locally Produced

Independent Power Providers (IPP) is a California Public Benefit Non Profit Corporation. Article 2, "Purposes" states: "The primary objectives and purposes of this corporation shall be to promote and encourage the use of renewable energy by developing opportunities for end user ownership of renewable energy generation sources and encouraging a professional installation infrastructure adhering to recognized standards so as to encourage maximum confidence in and use of renewable energy to the spiritual and environmental betterment of the planet." IPP was incorporated September 30, 1994. IPP has national membership of renewable energy advocates, users, manufacturers, installers and distributors. Many of our members are PV Pioneers having been instrumental in the development of the "off grid" market during the last 15 years. Our membership supports a competitive market based structure for PV as well as other forms of renewable distributed generation. Regulated utility monopolies must be limited to transmission and distribution functions only in order that true retail competition actually takes place during the national utility restructuring now occurring.

IPP was organized in response to utility announcements in 1993 that commercialization plans involving rooftop PV systems were being promoted. Since that time, IPP has participated in California and other state PV policy groups. We successfully limited the scope of the utility programs in California by addressing the anti competitive and market power issues involved with regulated utility ownership of PV systems. In addition IPP and its members have supported successful legislation creating net metering laws in several states. IPP also produces bi monthly column in Home Power magazine voicing concerns and positions related to the development of a competitive independent renewable energy industry.

Membership

Membership is open to all interested parties. In addition to modest dues we ask that members act as advocates and be willing to be involved in their local areas promoting and using renewable energy.

If you wish to join please provide the following information and your annual dues. (check for $50 to IPP)

Sincerely,

Don Loweburg, President

Mail to:

IPP
PO Box 231
North Fork, CA 93643
209 841 7001 i2p@aol.com

You can email your membership information now. Please mail your check, however, to the above address. Then we'll add you to our confidential discussion list so you can participate in the on-going conversation about net metering and other renewable energy issues via e-mail.