Seattle City Light customers would pay 31 percent more over six years, under a proposal to be announced Monday by Mayor Mike McGinn.
Mayor Mike McGinn will propose a 31 percent rate increase over six years for Seattle City Light customers, at a news conference scheduled for Monday morning.
The rate hikes, which average 4.7 percent a year, are part of City Light’s new strategic plan. In endorsing the plan, McGinn is expected to stress the predictability it brings ratepayers, according to his “talking points” for the news conference and other documents obtained by The Seattle Times.
McGinn plans to stress that businesses want predictable rates and that the six-year plan lets businesses and customers know what to expect.
For the average home, City Light says the increase will amount to roughly $35 a year; for a hotel it translates to an extra $109,000 annually; and for a large customer, such as a steel mill, the proposed increase would amount to $632,000 more per year.
The proposed increases, to start next year, would need to be approved by the City Council. The first two years of increases could be approved this year as part of the city’s budgeting process. After that, the increases could be more or less than the plan calls for.
Rates have climbed 18 percent over the past two years.
Some of City Light’s biggest customers, including Boeing, have lobbied against such rate hikes, saying the city-owned utility needs to attain savings through efficiencies before it jacks up rates.
Consultants hired by City Light identified last year $35 million in potential savings, based on comparing City Light’s staffing and other spending with peer power companies.
“Talking points” for City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco for Monday’s announcement say “no rate increase is easy to propose and we did not come forward with this recommendation without critical examination of our own operations.”
Carrasco notes that City Light is committed to saving $18 million a year through efficiencies by the third year of the plan.
Some proposed efficiencies require changes in staffing practices, which means negotiating changes in union contracts.
City Light needs rate increases to decrease debt, invest in equipment, build up reserve funds and maintain ongoing cycles of maintenance for reliability, according to City Light communications director Suzanne Hartman.
The six-year strategic plan was developed through a customer committee that met 32 times. Talking points for the panel’s Co-Chairmen Eugene Wasserman and Stan Price note that the process was “incredibly transparent.”
On the eight-member panel, Wasserman was appointed to represent customers at large and Price was appointed to be an energy-efficiency advocate.
It’s “not easy to recommend six years of rate increases,” according to Wasserman and Price, “but we have a better understanding of what is driving rates and what needs to be done to protect and improve the incredible electrical system the city is blessed to have.”
Bob Young: 206-464-2174 or byoung@seattletimes.com
Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018156311_citylight07m.html
yellowblue SOLARFAN
BENEFITS
• Made in the United States
• Limited Lifetime Warranty (strongest in the industry)
• Removes heat during the hot summer months and removes moisture that can cause mold and mildew in the winter.
• During hot summer months your attic can reach temperatures in excess of 160°F. By using the yellowblue™ solar attic fans with proper ventilation you can keep your attic temperature within 5° to 10°F of outside temperature all day long.
• Because heat is reduced in the attic, the cooled air running through the ventilation ducts won’t heat up before reaching the rooms you want to cool. This not only reduces the amount of time the air conditioner is on, it prolongs the life of the air conditioning system by not overworking the system.
• Asphalt shingle life is extended when attics are properly ventilated because the roof decking is not allowed to overheat.
• Properly ventilated attics reduce the likelihood that moisture will rot the roof deck and framing or cause growth of mold and mildew in construction materials.
• Attic ventilation is essential in cold climates because ice dams can form when snow melts over a homes heated spaces and that water will run down the roof, only to freeze again over the cold eaves. The water will also flow under shingles and into the attic causing serious damage. The thaw/freeze cycle can be prevented when proper attic ventilation is in place and attic temperatures are kept consistent.
• Proper attic ventilation with the yellowblue™ solar fans increases fresh air circulation and reduces moist air and household off-gas build up.
Many of our competitors are overstating the performance of their products and we want you to be confident the products you purchase from us will do the job you expect them to do.
Two to four times more air movement than any competitive product on the market. Doesn’t cost one penny to operate! It’s completely powered by the sun! An average consumer can expect to reduce AC usage by a few hours every day The 20 watt panel fans can extract from 800 to 900 CFM (Cubic feet per minute) of hot stale
air out of your attic.
• yellowblue™ solar fans qualify for the 30% tax credit on materials and installation through the “Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit for Photovoltaic Systems.”
FEATURES
Motor
• High performance brushless DC motor
• Completely sealed
• Stainless steel double-shielded ball bearings
• Balanced Vibration isolation system to minimize structure-borne noise
• Motor electronics control board software includes the following special features:
1. Maximum Power Point Technology (MPPT), which maintains the highest air-flow. This feature is not available on any other competitive product in the world
2. Locked rotor protection
3. Thermal overload protection
4. Variable voltage input range of 9 – 24 VDC
5. Long service life (expected life span 35 years)
Fan Blade
• 300mm Reinforced Polymer (which reduces noise)
• Dynamically balanced impeller (no need to adjust fan blades after installation)
• Aerodynamically optimized blade profile and winglets to improve airflow
• Operates whisper quiet throughout the day.
Solar Panel
• Aesthetically pleasing appearance
• Proprietary imbedded design for maximum curb appeal and system performance
• 20-watt solar panel, 1.13 amp proprietary
• Multilayered high tech aerospace grade material sandwich our imbedded solar panels
• High efficiency multi-crystalline PV Module
• Outstanding low-light performance
• High transparent low-iron, tempered glass
• Solar panel is sealed to the hood creating a water-tight weather-proof seal
• Rugged design to withstand high wind pressure, hail and snow load
Base
• Flashing design is seamless spun-formed aluminum to eliminate leaks
• Cone shaped designed improves system performance via the venturi effect
• Weather resistant powder coated finish on all exposed fan parts
• Fireproof with NO plastic parts
Internal Components
• High quality gauge stainless steel screen keeps out undesirable creatures and debris
• Double reinforced aluminum halo supports the vital components so the fan will not warp over time
• Internal cowling has smooth and exacting shapes to reduce air turbulence
• Motor mount air diversion system provides a dramatic improvement over all other competitors because of it’s ability to quickly divert attic air out of the compression section of the fan to the outside.
• Works just like a jet engine intake and exhaust system
No matter how much insulation you have in your attic, the heat from the attic can transfer radiant heat into the living spaces of your home in the summer and allow heat to escape in the winter months.
Insulation can actually add to temperature increases or decrease in a home because the insulation can be like a sponge trapping the heat or cold in the insulation . This can easily continue to create heat or cold in the living spaces long after the attic temperature has decreased.
If an attic is properly insulated and along with the powerful properties of Yellow Blue reflective attic Blanket these Hot or Cold areas of insulation can be eliminated in the attic space so it will not affect the adjacent living space. This helps keep the temperature of your existing insulation more stable therefore helping you eliminate hot and cold spots, conserve energy and save money.
Yellow Blue efficient attic experts have specialized training in these areas and can help you in your decision making process. The goal of yellowblue is to work with you…the homeowner to help customize a system that’s best for your attic including multi-layer Reflective attic blanket insulation, hot water heater blankets and the most advanced yellowblue Solar fan efficient attic system in the world.
yellowblue SOLARFAN
BENEFITS
• Made in the United States
• Limited Lifetime Warranty (strongest in the industry)
• Removes heat during the hot summer months and removes moisture that can cause mold and mildew in the winter.
• During hot summer months your attic can reach temperatures in excess of 160°F. By using the yellowblue™ solar attic fans with proper ventilation you can keep your attic temperature within 5° to 10°F of outside temperature all day long.
• Because heat is reduced in the attic, the cooled air running through the ventilation ducts won’t heat up before reaching the rooms you want to cool. This not only reduces the amount of time the air conditioner is on, it prolongs the life of the air conditioning system by not overworking the system.
• Asphalt shingle life is extended when attics are properly ventilated because the roof decking is not allowed to overheat.
• Properly ventilated attics reduce the likelihood that moisture will rot the roof deck and framing or cause growth of mold and mildew in construction materials.
• Attic ventilation is essential in cold climates because ice dams can form when snow melts over a homes heated spaces and that water will run down the roof, only to freeze again over the cold eaves. The water will also flow under shingles and into the attic causing serious damage. The thaw/freeze cycle can be prevented when proper attic ventilation is in place and attic temperatures are kept consistent.
• Proper attic ventilation with the yellowblue™ solar fans increases fresh air circulation and reduces moist air and household off-gas build up.
Many of our competitors are overstating the performance of their products and we want you to be confident the products you purchase from us will do the job you expect them to do.
Two to four times more air movement than any competitive product on the market. Doesn’t cost one penny to operate! It’s completely powered by the sun!
An average consumer can expect to reduce AC usage by a few hours every day The 20 watt panel fans can extract from 800 to 900 CFM (Cubic feet per minute) of hot stale air out of your attic.
• yellowblue™ solar fans qualify for the 30% tax credit on materials and installation through the “Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit for Photovoltaic Systems”
FEATURES
Motor
• High performance brushless DC motor
• Completely sealed
• Stainless steel double-shielded ball bearings
• Balanced Vibration isolation system to minimize structure-borne noise
• Motor electronics control board software includes the following special features:
1. Maximum Power Point Technology (MPPT), which maintains the highest air-flow. This feature is not available on any other competitive product in the world
2. Locked rotor protection
3. Thermal overload protection
4. Variable voltage input range of 9 – 24 VDC
5. Long service life (expected life span 35 years)
Fan Blade
• 300mm Reinforced Polymer (which reduces noise)
• Dynamically balanced impeller (no need to adjust fan blades after installation)
• Aerodynamically optimized blade profile and winglets to improve airflow
• Operates whisper quiet throughout the day.
Solar Panel
• Aesthetically pleasing appearance
• Proprietary imbedded design for maximum curb appeal and system performance
• 20-watt solar panel, 1.13 amp proprietary
• Multilayered high tech aerospace grade material sandwich our imbedded solar panels
• High efficiency multi-crystalline PV Module
• Outstanding low-light performance
• High transparent low-iron, tempered glass
• Solar panel is sealed to the hood creating a water-tight weather-proof seal
• Rugged design to withstand high wind pressure, hail and snow load
Base
• Flashing design is seamless spun-formed aluminum to eliminate leaks
• Cone shaped designed improves system performance via the venturi effect
• Weather resistant powder coated finish on all exposed fan parts
• Fireproof with NO plastic parts
Internal Components
• High quality gauge stainless steel screen keeps out undesirable creatures and debris
• Double reinforced aluminum halo supports the vital components so the fan will not warp over time
• Internal cowling has smooth and exacting shapes to reduce air turbulence
• Motor mount air diversion system provides a dramatic improvement over all other competitors because of it’s ability to quickly divert attic air out of the compression section of the fan to the outside
• Works just like a jet engine intake and exhaust system
Des Moines Iowa (PRWEB) February 25, 2012
Green is not just a trend or a wave of the future…it is the future.Today’s homeowners demand energy efficient products for their safety and the environment. YellowBlue, who has established itself as an industry leader in the growing reflective insulation and attic blanket market, has now taken it a step further by introducing the most advance solar attic Fan and ventilation system in the world.
The YellowBlue fan guarantees offers an unprecedented Lifetime Warranty and features the new Maximum Power Point Technology(MPPT). This revolutionary technology allows the Yellow Blue solar fan system to maintain the highest possible air flow and fan speeds under all solar conditionsand while running maintenance free and energy free.
The Yellow Blue Solar fan is American made and offers a 30% federal tax credit to consumers. The fan is constructed of aircraft grade spun aluminum so you won’t need to worry about rust or expansion issues in diverse weather conditions.
No matter how much insulation you have in your attic, the heat from the attic will transfer radiant heat into the living spaces of your home in the summer and allow heat to escape in the winter months.
Insulation can actually add to temperature increases or decrease in a home because the insulation can be like a sponge trapping the heat or cold in the insulation. This will continue to create heat or cold in the living spaces long after the attic temperature has decreased.
If an attic is properly insulated Hot or Cold air in the attic space will not affect the adjacent living space temperature therefore you can eliminate hot and cold spots, conserve energy and save money.
Yellow Blue efficient attic experts can help you in your decision making process and customize a system that’s best for your attic including multi-layer Reflective attic blanket insulation, hot water heater blankets and the most advanced yellowblue Solar fan in the world.
After more than a year of review and extensive public feedback, Austin Energy (AE) today outlined its proposal for a 12.5% rate increase – its first increase in base electric rates in 17 years. The redesign of rates is needed to provide sufficient revenues, to achieve greater rate equity between customer classes and to better support strategic goals for energy efficiency and on-site energy resources such as rooftop solar.
Rate increase impacts
Currently rates for residential and the smallest businesses are about 25% below the cost to serve those groups. Under the rate proposal, residential customers would see a $10-$20 a month increase on average for electric usage of 1,500 kWh or less. More than 80% of residential customers average 1,500 kWh a month or less. This translates into an overall 20% increase for residential customers.
Commercial and industrial customers will be consolidated into eight customer classes. This is consistent with industry best practices. Small businesses would be transitioned to a demand charge over a three-year period. The charge is currently paid by medium and larger business and is based on the peak demand of the business each month. The proposed rate design represents, on average, a 3% to 20% increase for commercial. The range reflects the fact that about one-third of businesses are already paying very close to the cost to serve them – while two-thirds are paying less than the cost to serve them.
Key changes to residential electric bill
Increase the monthly Customer Charge from $6 to $12 to pay more of the $19.70 fixed cost to serve each customer for billing, meters, call center and other account management.
Establish a monthly $10 Electric Delivery Charge to pay more of the $14.42 fixed cost to serve each customer for the construction, maintenance and operation of the electric system. This new fixed line item charge reduces the charge per kWh of electricity used.
Increase the current 2-tier inclining rate structure to a 5-tier structure. Customers who use less power pay the lowest rates. Those using higher levels pay higher rates to cover the additional generation and infrastructure sizing needed to serve the higher demand. A 5-tier structure encourages energy efficiency and conservation. For example, a customer who averages 1,200 kWh per month at 12 cents per kWh, can lower their rate to 9 cents/kWh by dropping their usage 200 kWh per month through conservation and by making energy-efficiency improvements.
Increase funding to assist low-income customers from $3 million to $7 million. Use $1 million of new funding for free energy efficiency improvements targeted to low-income customers with the highest usage. Collect the $7 million through $1 per month charge for residential and 65 cents per 1,000 kWh charge for commercial customers.
Austin Energy also seeks to present more cost information on the electric bill. This will be achieved both through line items that have appeared in the past – as well as the recovery of various community benefit expenditures through new line item charges. The new items are not new fees. They will simply be collected as line items rather than included in the Energy Charge, which is the base electric rate:
Energy Charge. Charge per kWh of electricity used. It recovers generation costs and costs not recovered through line-item charges.
Fuel Charge. Dollar-for-dollar recovery of fuel costs for AE power plants as well as the net cost of power sales and purchases through ERCOT transactions, if purchases are greater than sales.
Regulatory Charge. Dollar-for-dollar recovery of Austin Energy’s required share of fees for our use of statewide transmission, new state transmission construction costs and support of Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) operations.
Customer Assistance Program. To fund assistance for disadvantaged residential customers.
Service Area Street Lighting. To fund maintenance and electricity for street lighting in all communities served by Austin Energy.
Energy Efficiency. To fund energy efficiency, Green Building, solar and electric transportation programs, rebates and incentives.
What is the Emergency Stabilization Act of 2009?
On October 3, 2008, George W. Bush signed the Emergency Stabilization Act of 2009, which extended the credits available for solar-powered energy systems and expanded the qualifying product requirements. This allows for a 30-percent tax credit on the purchase and installation of residential solar water heating, photo voltaic equipment, and fuel cell property.
What YellowBlue Advanced Solar Attic Systems are eligible for the federal tax credit.
YellowBlue Attic Fans, both roof mount and Gable kits, qualify for the category solar energy systems,(photovoltaic systems) under the definition below:
Property that uses solar energy to generate electricity for the residence and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirements.
There are no specific technical requirements for photovoltaic systems. But all installed Solar Star Attic Fans Systems must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirements to qualify. The YellowBlue Solar Attic Fan systems meet these requirements.
What are the tax incentives dates for Solar Attic Fan Tax Credits?
Homeowners are eligible for tax credits for qualified photovoltaic systems purchased and installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2016*.
What is the amount of the tax credit the homeowner is eligible to receive?
For solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, the allowable tax credit is 30% of the qualified PV system expenditures, including both product and installation costs.
What is the maximum amount of cost on which the credit can be figured?
There is no credit cap for residential photovoltaic (PV) systems placed into service after December 31, 2008.
Do products installed in my second home or rental property qualify?
Existing homes & new construction qualify. Both a primary residence and second homes qualify. Rentals do not qualify.
What is a tax credit?
A tax credit is subtracted directly from the total tax liability.
What does the homeowner need to claim the tax credit?
To qualify, tax payers should retain information that includes:
Receipt with the cost of the system (including labor)
When it was placed in service
Manufacturer certification statement
Where do homeowners go for the IRS form?
Click here for IRS Form 5695, available on the IRS.gov website.
Are there any local incentives for my county and/or city?
Many local utility provide financial incentives for energy-efficient products. To find out if rebates or incentives are available in your area, visit the ENERGYSTAR rebate finder at www.energystar.gov, visit your state energy office website for specific state tax information or go to http://www.dsireusa.org/ (State database of Incentives for energy efficient products).
Disclaimer: YellowBlue Eco Tech makes no warranty as to the qualification of the products for federal tax credits. YellowBlue Eco Tech is not responsible or liable for the taxpayer’s ability to receive tax credits and this document does not constitute legal or tax advise. YellowBlue Eco Tech, Inc. is not a tax advisor. Any tax payer who wishes to clain a tax credit should consult a tax professional with any questions. This document is not intended to constitute legal or tax advice. The user maintains the full and complete responsibility to comply with all codes, laws and regulations. The information contained herein is believed to be accurate as of the time of preparation and information is subject to change without notice. Therefore, YellowBlue Eco Tech makes no warranty as to the accuracy of this information. If there are changes
in requirements or applicable law yellowblue will attempt to update information based on information as it is made available .
All questions concerning concerning safe installation of YellowBlue Solar Attic Fans and Systems should be directed to the local independent authorized dealer of yellowblue products.
Copyright Yellowblue eco tech 2012
It’s increasingly expensive for utility companies to generate power. The cost of fuel is raising the utilities’ operational costs, and demand on the grid is growing rapidly, despite new advances in energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, infrastructure investment costs (what it takes to maintain the grid), are forecasted to be around $14 billion dollars a year in the near future. All of these associated costs get passed on to you the consumer.
For more info go to
http://www.sungevity.com/rising-electricity-rates
Energy independence could very likely be the best investment available today! Most real estate experts currently believe that, an investment in Energy Independence will significantly raise a home’s value. One source, the Appraisal Journal, states that the value of your home is increased by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual operating costs resulting from installed energy efficiency measures or energy generation systems.
