Bizjournals Energy and the Environment

RALEIGH – Two biomass-fueled power plants owned by a Canadian company aiming to sell power to Progress Energy are now at the heart of the state’s first formal arbitration over the rates and terms by which an independent producer can sell electricity to a utility.

Construction companies shed workers all throughout 2009, but one firm focused on renewable energy projects is bucking that trend.

Green energy advocate Greg Kuss remembers telling his family on Thanksgiving that he had plenty to be grateful for in 2009.

State mandates continue to drive big investments for renewable energy in California. At the same time, local utilities, faced with challenges stemming from the recession, are raising rates in the new year.

Uncertainty over possible federal pollution restrictions has dampened prices for carbon emission allowances in Maryland, and that means less money is available for energy efficiency programs and electricity bill rebates.

Changes in how energy is produced and paid for will have a big effect on the area this year and for the foreseeable future.

Energy companies will ask the state Legislature to settle an acrimonious dispute over whether independent power developers can legally provide solar electricity to customers in the Public Service Co. of New Mexico’s territory.