TVA’s Actions Undermine Commitment to Renewables
Knoxville, Tenn. (September 6, 2011) — Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) Executive Director Dr. Stephen A. Smith issued the following statement about TVA’s decision on the Generation Partners program. “TVA’s announcement today that they are reducing the maximum project size for Generation Partners is yet another example of the agency’s eroding support for clean, renewable energy. Last year, TVA scaled the program back from one megawatt (1000 kilowatts) to 200 kilowatts and now they are further reducing the size to 50 kilowatts. TVA is correct in saying that Generation Partners has been a key element in fueling the growth of the solar industry in Tennessee and neighboring states, but it is incorrect to say that this growth is not sustainable. “TVA’s action today ensures that the industry will suffer a significant setback. Although solar prices continue to drop and become increasingly competitive, TVA’s renewable standard offering does not provide the proper incentive needed to continue to fuel solar energy growth in the Valley. We are thankful TVA has continued to fund systems up to 50 kilowatts, but today’s action will dramatically constrain the development of any system larger than 50 kilowatts. This will significantly reduce the amount of clean energy that will become available to TVA customers. “SACE believes that TVA should have a comprehensive approach to renewable energy that takes into account the various technologies and sizes of projects. Proper incentives will ensure the sustained, orderly development of the renewable energy industry in the Tennessee Valley, and allow renewables to become an increasingly large portion of TVA’s energy mix. “Today’s decision is a step in the wrong direction, and will unfortunately lead to serious negative economic consequences and job loss in the Tennessee Valley.” # # # Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast.www.cleanenergy.org