OCT 2011--Texas A&M University CHP recognized.
Texas A&M University was awarded CHP Project of the Year at CHP2011 for its new 50 MW CHP plant. The plant helped the Univeristy save over $1 million in the first month alone. TAMU was one of four awardees recognized by the Texas CHP Initiative. The other award winners were Juan Ontiveros (CHP Champion of the Year), Texas Senator Craig Estes (CHP Policymaker of the Year), and The Methodist Hospital (Ally of the Year). More info
SEPT. 2011--ACEEE releases state-by-state CHP report. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy produced a report that compares the conduciveness of each state's economic and regulatory climates for CHP deployment. Texas ranks among the most favorable places for CHP adoption due to its relatively accommodating interconnection standards, but a shortage of publcly funded incentives and a disparate patchwork of utility policies and practices coninue to pose significant barriers. Access report
SEPT. 2011--Louisiana PSC solicits third round of comments on EE program. The Louisiana Public Service Commission has drafted rules for the first phase of a proposed statewide energy efficiency program. The deadline to file comments on the current proposal -- which addresses the intiial "Quick Start" trial phase -- is Nov. 18. CHP may be eligible, depending the outcome of the current rulemaking. Rulemaking for the more comprehensive, long-term Phase 2, under which CHP has a better chance for inclusion, will not begin until Phase 1 is implemented, which is not expected to occur until mid-2012. Access proposal
SEPT. 2011--EPA webinar addresses GHG permitting requirements for CHP. The requirements of the “Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule” became effective January 2, 2011. The rule sets thresholds for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that define when permits under the New Source Review Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and under the Title V Operating Permit programs are required for new and existing industrial facilities. This webinar addressed how the Tailoring Rule will impact CHP, permitting processes, and GHG BACT analyses. Access presentation
AUG. 2011--NERC-FERC report addresses resource adequacy in Texas. In the wake of early February freezes that triggered blackouts in several parts of Texas, several parties, including the state legislature, examined the causes of the incidents and explored ways to prevent them from happening again. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and North American Electric Reliability Corporation authored a report in August on the subject titled "Outages and Curtailments During the Southwest Cold Weather Event on February 1-5, 2011: Causes and Recommendations.
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JUNE 2011--CHP permitting bill signed into law. Thanks to persistent outreach efforts by the Texas CHP Initiative, Governor Rick Perry signed into law HB 3268, which will streamline the air permitting process for CHP systems in the state. The law requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to open rulemaking to develop a standard air permit or a permit by rule specifically for CHP systems.The new rule would streamline the permitting process by making permit levels for CHP be consistent with technology capabilities, especially for projects under 20 MW.
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APR. 2011--GC RAC authors Texas CHP White Paper. The U.S. DOE Gulf Coast Clean Energy Application Center published a White Paper on the medium-term impact of increased CHP on Texas' natural gas industry and environment. The report, "Impacts of Increasing
Natural Gas Fueled Combined Heat and Power from 20 to 35 Percent of Total Electricity Production in Texas," projectssignificant environmentaland economic benefits under such a scenario in 2025. Access report
