Green Energy News | September 21, 1997

September 21, 1997 – Vol.2 No.25

ENERGIES... week of September 21, 1997

GO RENEWABLE, choose the Green-e Logo. Californians can be assured of at least 50% renewable energy content if they choose a utility sporting the Green-e Logo(r). Pilot power deregulation programs in New Hampshire and Massachusetts showed that a high percentage of participants, about a third in Massachusetts, wanted to purchase “green”energy. However, there was no standard as to what was green. The Green-e Renewable Electricity Branding Program creates guidelines for providers and certification by the use of the Logo.

Starting in January of next year some 13 million California households will be given the opportunity to choose their electricity supplier as well as its source. Under power deregulation some 100 companies will be looking for a piece of the $20 billion California consumer electric pie.

Companies who wish to participate in the Green-e program, and use the Green-e Logo, must meet the program’s strict requirements. Aside from offering at least 50% renewable energy for a specific electricity product, companies must abide by a Code of Conduct governing business practices and provide customers with regular information about the sources of the electricity they purchase. An oversight committee, the Green Power Board, will monitor participating companies.

The program was developed by the Center for Resource Solutions with input from Independent Energy Producers Association and the Environmental Defense Fund.

EV’S IN THE BIG APPLE. The New York Power Authority and the Electric Fuel Corporation will be working together toward the possible introduction of an electric zinc-air fleet battery system for the New York City area. The “Electric Business Vehicle Project” is a demonstration project in which fleet and transit operators, along with environmental and government organizations, are expected to work in partnership with Electric Fuel and NYPA towards that ultimate goal.

The Electric Fuel system consists of a zinc-air battery built with replaceable zinc anode cassettes (known as “Electric Fuel” (r)), an automated battery refueling method for replacing the spent cassettes, and a process to recycle the cassettes. A study to build a cassette recycling facility is part of the project.

The refuelable battery eliminates the lengthy recharging process needed with most battery powered EV’s. New York Power Authority already manages more than 65 EV’s, including a school bus.