IPPP Update

by Don Loweburg & Bob-O Schultze

(April / May 1994) This last month has been active and productive for IPPP. In California we have 21 trade members. Outside California interest is beginning to grow. We will coordinate contacts and keep a record of names and addresses as they come in to us. At that point, the ball passes to you, the new members and your state chapters. This organization needs to operate in a decentralized manner (just like PV). Our mission: to promote the independent (utility free) development of off-grid photovoltaic power systems.

We've already received significant input that we should broaden our perspective and include solar thermal, solar hot water, and on-grid (roof top utility-tied) PV.

These suggestions have strong merit, however we suggest that we stay focused for the moment on off-grid PV. The immediate struggle is already in this area. If other utilities follow current proposals, they will likely try to extend their monopoly to off-grid PV systems first.

Under IPPP's decentralized model, other chapters of IPPP may broaden their mission statement to reflect member consensus as they wish. Different areas have different needs. Eventually we'd like to give all small renewable energy providers and producers the opportunity to come together under the IPPP banner if they wish. With unity comes strength.

Some background on utility activity. PVUG (PhotoVoltaics for Utilities Group) is a national organization of mainly utilities that has been working on programs to commercialize PV. Many states have affiliate groups, generally termed State Collaborative Working Groups working in coordination with PVUG.

One of the main tasks of the working groups is to deal with regulatory "concerns". In many states, such as California, explicit regulatory language prohibits utility control of solar technology. The IPPP in your state needs to participate strongly in any PVUG attempt to adversely address or gloss over regulatory protection of existing PV providers and the end-user.

In California, Southern California Edison has filed with the state Public Utilities Commission a proposal to provide off-grid PV to customers. IPPP and others have filed official protests to the Commission. At this time, no decision has been made.

Utility filings in other states will soon follow. IPPP folks need to begin forming a strategy to present their position. We've found here in California that early input into the planning stages of these ventures by organized in-state groups will save lots of time and energy for all or write us for information on your State Collaborative Working Group. Get involved. It's easier and better to be part of the process than risk being steamrolled later on. You may not change the Group position, but you can present your concerns before your PUC or PSA.

We need to articulate the many reasons why utilities should not control the PV industry. At some point these issues may go to court. Legal expertise will be needed.

If you use PV, are a PV professional, or just a person who thinks that utilities should stay out of the off-grid market, put your efforts behind IPPP. Join now. We need some specific information. If you have obtained any kind of financing for PV systems, please call or write. If you have or know anyone who has financed PV system purchases, we want to know about it. This is important information. The utilities have perceived financing as an industry weakness and an excuse for them to offer this "service". We think that financing represents an opportunity for the existing service providers, not an invitation for new utility intrusion. We'd also like to hear about your experiences with utilities who ARE encouraging renewable intertie with net billing and other progressive policies. We can throw flowers as well as darts.

For those of you planning to attend SEER '94 in July, plans are afoot to have an IPPP booth. This will be a great opportunity for independents, manufacturers, utilities, and all concerned to exchange views and news in an informal, non-confrontational setting. Plans also include a presentation and workshop for IPPP folks on Friday. We'll keep you posted as things develop.

Access
California: Don Loweburg, Offline Independent Energy Systems,
PO Box 231, North Fork, CA 93643 • 209-877-7080

National: Bob-O Schultze, Electron Connection,
PO Box 203, Hornbrook, CA 96044 • 916-475-3401

New IPPP Regional contacts:
Colorado: John Adams, Current Solutions,
PO Box 653, Silt, CO 81652 • 303-876-2113

Florida: Tom Lane, ECS, 4110 S.W. 34th Street, Suite 15,
Gainesville, FL 32608 • 904-377-8866

Missouri: Julie Courtney, Ozark Renewables, Rt.3,
Box 4305, Reeds Spring, MO 65737 • 417-338-8688

Arkansas: Jimis Damet, Rocky Grove Sun Co, HCR 65,
Box 280, Kingston, AR 72742 • 501-677-2871

Wisconsin: Christopher LaForge, Great Northern Solar,
Rt 1, Box 71, Port Wing, WI 54865 • 715-774-3374

Oregon: Bob Maynard, Energy Outfitters,
PO Box 1888, Cave Junction, OR 97523 • 503-592-6903

Indiana: Mark Downing, Hurshtown Alternative Power,
14701 Hurshtown Road, Grabill, IN 46741 • 219-627-6397