Sunsmart Technologies Seeks to Bring Solar to NW Missouri

Sunsmart Technologies, a startup solar company based in Phoenix, recently expanded its operations into Kansas City, where they have put some solar panels on some roofs there. Now, they are seeking to expand into Northwest Missouri. The business moves make perfect sense seeking that Missouri is seeking to be 15% renewable by 2021. That was one of the reasons that they chose Missouri over Hawaii when deciding where to open a second office. Another consideration was the fact that KCP&L pays up to a 50% rebate to customers who put solar panels on their homes under their Custom Rebate Program. All projects by KCP&L customers must be pre-approved before work begins; customers with projects that have already started or completed are not eligible for these benefits. Approval is not guaranteed; all such projects must have a societal benefit that exceeds the cost as judged by KCP&L according to KCP&L’s website. Energy Saving measures that are part of the Standard Rebate Program are ineligible for the Custom Rebate Program.

Sunsmart was recently featured in Northland, a magazine that does features on Kansas City area businesses. They employ around 20 people and are headquartered in Gladstone, MO. They provide full service installations of photovoltaic systems to commercial and residential customers. They are located at 701 NE 76th Street in Gladstone, MO; their phone number is (816) 298-7619.

There are other benefits available as well. The USDA pays up to 25% of installation costs for solar for farms and ranches in rural areas. The federal government currently provides a 30% tax credit for solar installation costs. And utility companies are required by law in Missouri to pay $2 per watt for solar electricity installed by customers.

With both federal and state incentives for solar energy, it has created a highly competitive business environment for solar and other alternative energy companies as it provides a major growth industry. And with gas prices rising back to $4 per gallon recently, it will create even more incentive as existing firms may look to get into solar and wind.

Sunsmart is just one of many firms seeking a share of the emerging market of solar. The site Angie’s List, a site where customers can review businesses, lists 59 solar panel installers in the Kansas City area alone. The ones that establish themselves will be the ones who prove themselves knowledgeable about government programs, are able to provide quality service, and who are able to stand behind their work after the job is completed.

The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit allows people to take up to 30% of their tax credit for solar water heaters, photovoltaics, and other solar electric technologies placed in service after 2008 with no maximum. Solar water heating property must be certified by SRCC (a solar rating corporation) or a comparable entity endorsed by Missouri. At least half the energy used to heat the dwelling’s water must be from solar. The credit expires on December 31st, 2016.

The USDA provides grants and loans for rural agricultural producers. The following is information from the USDA website. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in rural America to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems; make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and facilities; use renewable technologies that reduce energy consumption; and participate in energy audits, renewable energy development assistance, and feasibility studies.

The REAP Renewable Energy System Grant and Loan Guarantee provides financial assistance to agriculture producers and rural small business for the specific purpose of purchasing, installing and constructing renewable energy systems.  This type of assistance may require that a business level feasibility study be completed by an independent qualified consultant as part of the application.

USDA grants can cover up to 25% of the cost of the project. USDA loans and grants combined can cover up to 75% of the cost of projects. This program is competitive, meaning that not everyone will be approved.
The Better Business Bureau advises prospective customers to do their homework before choosing a solar installer like they would any other major contractor. The BBB advises customers to determine if solar energy is right for you, consider all the costs associated with solar energy, stay informed about state and federal incentive programs, be cautious of installers that promise no out of pocket costs prior to reviewing your specific situation, be leery if an installer suggests obtaining credit for the full amount of the system, make sure your roof is in good condition to sustain a solar panel system, and understand how solar energy works. The BBB says that if one’s electric bill is less than $100 per month, there are usually other ways of saving energy that cost less.

United Electric customers can get a low-cost energy audit to help them determine how to meet their energy needs. According to their website, United Electric Cooperative will perform home energy audits for members and recommend weatherization improvements. The Cooperative will charge $100 for the audit, with the full amount refundable if the member makes recommended improvements within 6 months of the audit. United Electric Cooperative will also match up to 50% of the cost for improvements, up to a maximum of $500. Each member who schedules an audit will receive a free energy efficiency kit that includes a water heater wrap, hot water pipe wrap, CFLs, insulation kits for electrical outlets and switches, low flow shower head, caulk and weather stripping. Members can contact their Member Services Department for more information on the home energy audits.

Senate bill could raise utility rates for Missourians

By Ellie Coatar
(MDN News) -- Officials from Missouri's biggest power companies told a Senate panel on Tuesday, Feb. 5, that they need more cash for infrastructure upgrades, with that money potentially coming out of the pockets of Missourians.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, would enable a rate increase to fund improvements to the electrical infrastructure that would allow utility companies to raise rates. The measure is largely supported by an electric alliance formed among Ameren Missouri, Kansas City Power & Light and The Empire District Electric Company.

Warner Baxter, Ameren's president and chief executive officer, told members of the Senate Commerce Committee Tuesday that the proposal would create jobs for thousands of Missourians. An Ameren study found that the bill will cause about a 50-cent increase for average residential electrical consumers.

Consumer advocate groups that oppose the bill, such as Missouri Industrial Energy Consumers, worry that the increased rates will negatively affect Missourians, especially the elderly, those with disabilities and low-wage workers.

Steve Spinner, the chairman of Missouri Industrial Energy Consumers, said the power companies are trying to go around state regulators and use the General Assembly to get their money. Spinner is also the manager of energy procurement at Monsanto.

"Streamlining the regulatory process is the goal of all regulated monopolies and it only benefits utilities, allowing them to get into the pockets of ratepayers faster with less oversight and less recourse," Spinner said.

The committee has not yet voted on the bill.

Unique Collaboration for Modern Regulations, Good Jobs, Reliable Power Infrastructure

The Missouri Electric Alliance (MEA), a collaboration of our state's investor-owned electric companies, is united in support of Senate Bill 207. The proposal by Senator Mike Kehoe of Jefferson City has gained bipartisan, urban and rural co-sponsors who want modernized utility regulations, good jobs and reliable energy infrastructure.




MEA's principal members are Kansas City Power & Light Co., The Empire District Electric Co. and Ameren Missouri. Together, the companies that keep the lights on across Missouri are urging lawmakers to update our 100-year-old utility regulations. This will enable more timely investment and re-investment in safe, efficient, reliable electric infrastructure as gas and water utilities have been able to do for a decade.



"Senate Bill 207, the Infrastructure Strengthening and Regulatory Streamlining (ISRS) bill, provides the first substantial modernization of Missouri's electric utility regulations in support of investments in infrastructure in 100 years. It will allow new reinvestment faster, creating jobs now and boosting reliability of Missouri's power grid. Similar updated regulations and consumer protections have been in place for a decade for Missouri's gas and water utilities. SB207 has bipartisan support from rural and urban lawmakers because it is good for Missouri's economic and high-technology future," said Scott Charton, spokesman for MEA.



Charton noted that the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives recently told Governor Jay Nixon by letter why it supports modernizing Missouri's aging power infrastructure: "Having a modern, safe and reliable transmission grid better positions Missouri to capture exciting new economic development opportunities and helps ensure stability in disaster situations."



To learn more about the powerful boost SB207 provides for economic development and electric grid reliability, visit Missouri Electric Alliance's website at http://www.moelectricalliance.org

Power Outage in Grant City Wednesday night

A power outage hit Grant City Wednesday night at around 9 p.m.. It also affected Sheridan, Allendale, and Denver. In Sheridan, the lights flickered off and then back on. Power was restored between 10:30 and 11 p.m. The WCCC had a generator for the facility which kicked in. At MFA, the computer was knocked out and had to be rebooted. Outages in the Grant City area have been a recurring problem for KCP&L customers. A power unit had caught fire, triggering the outage. The outage did not affect United Electric customers.

KCP&L Prepares for Missouri River Flooding

KCP&L has been closely monitoring rising Missouri River levels and has taken proactive steps to protect its employees, customers and electrical infrastructure from potential flooding. KCP&L’s preparedness efforts include:
Continuous coordination with local, state and federal emergency management agencies.
Protecting facilities near the river by building concrete-block walls and sandbagging.
Staging replacement equipment, like backup transformers, near potential flood zones if needed.
Helicopter patrols of transmission line infrastructure near the river to ensure floating debris remains clear of power poles.
“KCP&L knows it takes the entire community to get ready for an event like this and we are doing our part,” said Terry Bassham, President and COO of KCP&L. “We are taking every possible step to ensure the reliability of power plants and electrical system while keeping the safety of our customers and employees foremost in our preparations.”
KCP&L customers living and working in areas that may flood also should take steps to prepare and stay safe. KCP&L’s intent is to take every reasonable step to avoid interrupting service to customers in and around flood areas. However, the safety of our customers and employees is our first priority. KCP&L will make efforts, as it is feasible, notify customers in affected areas when rising water indicates a potential hazard or when local or state officials mandate service disconnections. Customers also should watch for information from their local officials.
Electrical current travels through water. Therefore, flooding can create specific electrical safety concerns. Anyone in a flooded area should exercise extra caution.
If your home is still dry and you are evacuating, turn off power at the breaker and unplug appliances before you leave. It’s also a good idea to move appliances to the highest floor of your home, but only if you have time.
Stay away from power lines and pad-mounted transformers (typically green electrical boxes) in flooded areas.
Do not walk in standing water or venture into areas of debris; energized and dangerous power lines may not be visible.
Do not ride watercraft near power poles and power lines, as they too can be energized and deadly.
For status updates and more information about KCP&L’s preparation, visit www.kcpl.com/flood.

KCP&L ADDS MORE WIND POWER

KCP&L announced today it is adding more wind-power to its generation portfolio. The company recently signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for approximately 131 MW of wind-power generated from a facility in Cimarron, Kan. Construction on the wind farm, to be built and operated by CPV Renewable Energy Company, LLC, is expected to begin this fall.

“In this region of the country, wind is an abundant renewable resource and KCP&L wants to bring the benefits of that resource to its customers,” explained Kevin Bryant, KCP&L vice president of Strategy and Risk Management. “In addition, the clean electricity that will be generated at this new wind farm helps KCP&L in meeting current and future renewable energy requirements in Kansas and Missouri.”

The first 100 MW of the new wind-generation facility is expected to achieve commercial operation by June 2012 with the remaining 31 MW going into operation by the end of 2012. Once the turbines are operational, KCP&L will begin purchasing power generated at the wind farm.

“KCP&L’s bold leadership in choosing environmentally clean sources of electricity to meet their generation needs is to be commended. Moreover, KCP&L has been an outstanding partner throughout this process,” said Sean Finnerty, CPV Sr. Vice President and Renewable Energy Company head. “For CPV, this project represents a significant milestone in our continuing efforts to bring additional clean, renewable energy to help power America’s future and economy. This totals nearly 300 MW of wind energy CPV will be installing in Kansas.”

Over the last several years KCP&L has diversified its generation mix, including the construction of the Spearville Wind Energy Facilities and purchase of electricity from Gray County Wind Farm. These projects added a combined total of more than 200 MW of renewable energy—enough electricity annually to supply more than 60,000 homes.

Bill Glenn, Keith Lambert Sworn in to Allendale Council

Bill Glenn and Keith Lambert were sworn in to the Allendale City Council at their regular meeting Monday.

The council passed a franchise agreement with KCP&L that will cover the next 20 years. Dan Hegeman was there representing the electric company.

Work has begun on excavating a new home in town.

Joe Hertl reported that if the weather holds up that some painting work would be done.

Hertl also announced his resignation from the Transportation Advisory Committee. He said that he would stay on until a representative was found to take his place. Hertl and the city will find someone to replace him.

It was reported that one picnic table was cracked, but that the rest were all structurally sound even though they have been in the Allendale Park for the last 20+ years.

The next council meeting will be June 13th at 7 p.m.

Raccoon Causes Power Outage Sunday Night

A power outage struck the entire area last night affecting KCP&L customers. Vernon Coy of the company reported that a raccoon had gotten into one of the main transformers in Maryville, causing the outage. The electricity went out at around 10:00 Sunday night. Power was restored that evening at 11:30; the outage lasted an hour and a half.

KCP&L Crews in Sheridan Thursday

Thursday's warm weather brought the KCP&L truck to Sheridan to do maintenance on electrical lines. Vernon Coy was in town replacing old lightbulbs on the poles that day. Persons with information about burnt out lightbulbs should contact KCP&L with the location and pole number of the lightbulb that is burned out so that they can be replaced.

KCP&L contact, safety info in the event of an outage

The National Weather Service issued warnings for extreme weather conditions in KCP&L’s service territory through the next few days. Both KCP&L crews and contract crews have been placed on standby alert and additional restoration materials have been staged at various locations throughout the service territory.

If power outages occur as a result of this storm, these crews will be called upon to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. In addition, employees in KCP&L’s 24-hour Emergency Operations Center are currently working with local communities to prepare customers for the storm.

KCP&L wants to remind customers of tips to stay safe during this storm:

• Prepare a winter storm kit by gathering extra supplies for your home and your car, including:
  • First-aid kit and essential medications
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
  • Canned food and can opener
  • Bottled water
  • Warm clothing, blanket, coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant boots for each family member
• Stay indoors during the storm, if possible.If you must move to an alternate location, dress warmly with several layers of clothing, wear gloves and a hat to avoid exposing your skin to dangerous wind chill.
• Walk carefully on snowy and icy surfaces. Avoid traveling by car and risk being stranded, but if you must travel:
  • Carry a "disaster kit" in the trunk.
  • Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • Always let someone know your destination, route of travel and expected time of arrival.
  • Carry a cell phone if you have one.
• For family members on a life support system, plan for arrangementsto get them to a location where their needs can be met in the case of a power outage. In addition, contact KCP&L at 888-471-5275 to make sure we've noted that a life support system exists at that service location.
• In the event of a power outage, call 1-888-LIGHTKC(1-888-544-4852) to report the outage. And, keep the following in mind:
  • Never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen power line. Assume any downed power line is energized. If you see a downed power line, call KCP&L immediately at 1-888-LIGHTKC (1-888-544-4852).
  • During an outage do not open your refrigerator or freezer more than necessary. Undisturbed food will remain frozen in most freezers for up to 48 hours.
  • If using a portable generator during an outage, follow the manufacturer’s safety and operating guidelines. Operate the generator in a well-ventilated area; never indoors or your garage. Dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause serious injury or death.
  • If you have access to the internet, visit the KCP&L Storm Center at www.kcpl.com/stormcenter for storm information and additional safety tips.

KCP&L OFFERS TIPS FOR WEATHERING SPRING STORMS

Spring storm season is upon us, and customers in KCP&L’s service territory have already endured a few early spring storms. KCP&L wants to help its customers be prepared for storm season. In the Midwest, severe storms are most likely to occur April though July.

Customers can take several steps to prepare themselves and their homes for a storm. A few tips include:

• Compile a list of emergency phone numbers; include 1-888-LIGHTKC (1-888-544-4852) for reporting an outage to KCP&L. Customers’ phone calls are the best way for KCP&L to know they are without power and they allow the company to better determine the full extent of damage in their neighborhood.
• Assemble a storm kit that contains a battery-powered radio or TV, flashlights, blankets and other essential items. Keep it centrally located, and ensure all family members know where to find it.
• Register with KCP&L as a Medical Customer by calling (816) 471-5275 if you are homebound and rely on medical- or life-support equipment that isn’t supported by back-up power supplies. KCP&L wants to remind those who are already registered as Medical Customers that the program requires an annual enrollment process. For more information visit www.kcpl.com/residential/medicalcust.html.
• Enroll in KCP&L’s Meter-based Surge Protection program to safe-guard sensitive computer and electronic equipment. More information about Surge Protection is available at www.kcplsave.com/residential.

When a storm threatens in your area, keep the local news on for weather updates. After a storm, stay clear of downed power lines. If the lines are on the ground, they may be energized and deadly. Contact KCP&L immediately to report a power outage or downed power lines.

If the power is out at your home, disconnect or shut off appliances that will automatically come on when the power is restored such as a washer or dryer, air conditioner and television. If all appliances come on at once, it may overload the circuits.

When inclement weather, such as thunderstorms, arrives, significant damage to the KCP&L electrical system may occur. KCP&L has also taken steps to prepare the utility for the spring storm season.

“KCP&L recently reviewed its storm restoration plan and emergency response plan in preparation for the upcoming storm season,” said Bill Herdegen, KCP&L vice president of Transmission & Distribution. “Before storm season hits, KCP&L takes several preventative measures such as trimming trees near power lines, examining our transmission lines and patrolling to ensure equipment is maintained and functioning properly.”

During an outage, KCP&L does everything possible to quickly and safely restore power. The electric utility is a leader in the Midwest for storm response and is recognized nationally for system reliability. In fact, KCP&L recently received PA Consulting Group’s 2009 Plains Region ReliabilityOne award, for the third consecutive year. The award recognized KCP&L as a national leader in delivering reliable electric service to its customers. Also in 2009, KCP&L received Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Assistance Award for providing outstanding assistance to fellow utilities impacted by disaster events.

For the most up-to-date information about power outages and restoration, view our real-time PowerWatch map at www.kcpl.com.