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December 2011  Two recent news stories, which occurred in two US cities 2,500 miles apart, serve to illustrate how difficult it can be to make the transition to renewable energy in the US.The first story appeared in the Honolulu Star Advertiser, and most other Hawaii newspapers, on December 1, 2011. It ran under the headline: "PUC streamlines rules for PV interconnection to HECO grid." The article reported on a ruling by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC). This is an independent, appointed commission responsible for regulating Hawaii's public utilities. Included is the Hawaiian Electric Company, which has subsidiaries on Maui and Hawaii Island. These islands are second and third largest, in terms of population, in the only island state in the US. Historically, Hawaii has been at the top of the list of all states in its reliance on imported fossil fuels -- oil and coal. Used for both electricity generation and as transportation fuels, these imports have created problems for Hawaii's environment and economy. Billions of dollars left the state to pay for its imported energy habit. At the same time, environmental pollution and destruction have been visited on this natural paradise. The good news is that the objective of the Hawaii PUC ruling... MORE |