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February 2010 Member Newsletter
Click on the headlines below to read the complete article.
Notables: The Goal Behind Cap and Trade
Free Weatherization for Low-Income Members
Green Cents Round Up in Effect
Scholarship Applications Available Now
Notables: Cap and Trade 101
By Kevin Ritter, SMPA General Manager
In the last issue I introduced you to the basic carbon cap and trade model being proposed in the Waxman-Markey bill. In this issue I want to dig a bit deeper and discuss the goal behind carbon cap and trade.
The ultimate goal of the Waxman-Markey bill is to reduce the amount of pollution, in this case greenhouse gasses (GHG) like carbon, being emitted into the atmosphere. Based on the concept that GHGs are causing climate change, a reduction in those gases would help slow or prevent climate change and its effects.
Passing through the House of Representatives this past summer, the Waxman-Markey bill calls for a 3% reduction by 2012, 20% by 2020, 42% by 2030 and 83% by 2050. While many agree that lowering GHG is a necessity, they do not agree on the best way to go about it. Hence the reason cap and trade was hotly debated in the House and will continue to be in the Senate.
There are three basic ways to reduce GHG emissions. The first, and perhaps easiest, way is through energy efficiency. By upgrading the efficiency of everything we use, from household appliances to large commercial machinery, overall energy consumption is decreased. Therefore, utility companies burn less fossil fuel to create electricity, reducing carbon emissions. The less power we need, the less power we have to generate.
The second way is through the utilization of technological advances, many of which are still to come. By improving the technology we use every day, we'll make things like vehicles and power plants cleaner.
Last, but not least, is our ability as thinking beings to develop and put into action projects that actively reduce the levels of GHGs in our atmosphere. These projects range from planting trees to capturing methane from landfills - which can then be used to generate electricity or provide heat.
Cap and Trade relies on all three of these methods. Adhering to a proposed carbon cap will require a preference for energy efficient items, cutting edge advances in technology, and creative and passionate minds putting their ideas into practice.
The other key element is money. In the end, cap and trade will allow industries, and nations alike, to buy their ability to emit GHGs. Some industries will have an easier and cheaper time reducing their carbon output, while others will find it cost prohibitive. In that case, the industry that reduces their carbon to below the cap has extra 'emission permits' to sell, and the industry that is having difficulty can purchase those permits to account for their carbon output. However, the end goal is still achieved - overall GHG emissions are reduced.
Free Weatherization for Low Income Members
It seems that every which way we turn there are rebates, tax credits and aid programs, all aimed at improving our nation's energy efficiency. It's safe to say there's a fairly large pot of money available. The problem is knowing how to get to it.
One of the longest standing, yet only recently heavily funded, programs is the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) Low-Income Weatherization program. The program provides free, yes free, weatherization services to qualified Colorado residents.
Essentially, the government wants to help low income families make cost effective and energy efficient upgrades to their homes. What's considered weatherization? Of course, weather-stripping and caulking are the first thought, but the GEO's program includes a much broader list.
Insulation in attics and walls
Furnace replacement
Furnace safety testing
Refrigerator replacement
Sealing air leaks
Compact fluorescent light bulbs
Energy audit
Storm windows and doors
Energy conservation information
To apply for weatherization assistance contact the local weatherization agency for your county. Residents of Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel and Hinsdale Counties must contact the Mexican American Development Association in Montrose, CO at (970) 249-4774. Residents of San Juan and Dolores Counties must contact 4 Core in Durango, CO at (970)259-1916. Residents of Mesa County must contact Housings Resources of Western Colorado in Grand Junction, CO at (970) 241-2871.
Interested applicants will be required to complete an application and, if eligible, schedule a free home energy audit. After that it's fuss-free. The audit will identify the energy improvements your home need and your local agency will be responsible for scheduling the appointments and technicians to make the necessary improvements. Then you get to sit back and enjoy a more comfortable home and more affordable energy bills.
How do you know if you qualify? If you currently receive financial assistance from any of the following programs you automatically qualify for weatherization services.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Aid to the Needy and Disabled (AND)
Old Age Pension (OAP)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
MEDICAID
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
Eligibility can also be based on household income. Refer to the chart below to see if you qualify.
| Household Members | Gross Monthly Household Income |
Gross Annual Household Income |
| 1 | $1,805.00 |
$21,660.00 |
| 2 | $2,428.33 |
$29,140.00 |
| 3 | $3,051.67 |
$36,620.00 |
| 4 | $3,675.00 |
$44,100.00 |
| Each additional person* | $623 |
$7,480.00 |
| *Add $623 per month or $7,480 per year for each additional person in your household after 4 people. | ||
Take advantage of this program and let the government pay to help you lower your energy costs and improve the quality of your home. For more information please contact your local agency listed earlier.
Green Cents Round Up In Effect
If you took an extra look at your bill this month, you probably noticed something different about it. Oddly, it was an even dollar amount. That’s because the automatic Green Cents round up began with the bill you've just received. Your bill was automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar. Why is that?
In an effort to find a new way to raise money for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that benefit our communities, the San Miguel Power Board of Director's decided to do a bit of tweaking to our Green Cents program. That tweak meant changing Green Cents from an 'opt in' to an 'opt out' program.
This means all San Miguel Power members are now currently enrolled in the program. Each month your electric bill will be rounded up to the nearest dollar and those extra cents will be put directly into SMPA's Renewable Energy Fund. Typically you'll contribute less than $7 a year, but no more than $11.88.
What's the money used for? SMPA uses Green Cents funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in our local communities. For example, in the past, some Green Cents contributions have funded rebates for solar photovoltaic (solar panel) installations. However, it is hoped that by changing Green Cents to an 'opt out' program, participation will increase significantly allowing us to fund bigger and better projects.
Before moving forward with the change, the Board of Directors reviewed information from other co-ops that have similar 'opt out' programs. Past experience shows that opt out programs typically garner a 60 - 70% participation rate. For San Miguel Power that means potentially 6,000 members will remain in the Green Cents program. If each of those members contributes the average $7 per year, that's $42,000 the co-op can put directly back into the communities through efficiency improvements and renewable energy projects.
Although all members were enrolled in Green Cents, not all members are still participating. Green Cents is not a mandatory program, and ultimately the decision to round up - or not - is yours. Members wishing to opt out of the program can contact their local SMPA office and speak with a customer service representative. You may also return the opt out form below with your payment. Once participation is cancelled, your bill will no longer be rounded up unless you decided to rejoin Green Cents.
For more information visit www.smpa.com and click on our Green Cents link located on the homepage, or contact SMPA Member Services at (970) 626-5549.
Scholarship Applications Available Now
San Miguel Power is, once again, offering scholarships to this year's high school graduating class. Applicants must attend school within SMPA's service territory, be on schedule to graduate in 2010, and plan to attend a secondary education institution. Schools within SMPA's service territory include Nucla, Norwood, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray and Silverton High Schools.
Applications are available online at www.smpa.com. Return completed applications by Feb. 18, 2010 to your local SMPA office. For more information contact Carla Spangler, Manager of Administration and HR, (970) 864-7311 or carla@smpa.com
| Scholarship | Amount |
| San Miguel Power Assocation | $2,000 |
| Awarded to one graduating senior from each of the six high schools within the service territory. | |
| Tri-State | $500 |
| Awarded to two graduating seniors from the service territory. | |
| Basin Electric Cooperative | $,1000 |
| Awarded to one graduating senior from the service territory. | |
