Renewable Energy Initiatives

Certain forms of energy are called "renewable" because these fuel sources are constantly replenished and will not run out. Renewable resources--like the sun and wind-are viable throughout the United States. Renewable energy technologies take these resources and transform them into usable forms of energy--most often electricity, but also heat, chemicals, or mechanical power. These technologies are often described as "clean" or "green" because they produce little or no pollutants.

Most renewable energy comes directly or indirectly from the sun. The sun's rays transmit solar energy that can heat and light homes, heat water, cook food, generate electricity, and power industrial processes. Heat from the sun causes air temperature differences that, along with the Earth's rotation, cause the wind to blow. The wind powers generators that produce electricity or mechanical energy. Sunlight is vital to growing plants and trees, also called biomass. Using biomass to generate electricity, fuel vehicles, and yield chemicals is called bioenergy.

Hydropower uses the power in flowing water to operate turbines that generate electricity. The hydrologic cycle, in which water is evaporated into the atmosphere and then falls back to Earth as rain or snow, is powered by the sun. Geothermal energy uses the heat deep inside the Earth to produce electric power. Fuel Cell technology uses hydrogen molecule components to generate electricity with potable water as the byproduct. In the near future Fuel Cells will be refined for residential application.

Humans have used renewable energy for thousands of years. Sunlight gives light and warmth, wind powers sailboats, biomass from trees makes fires, water turns turbines, and geothermal hot springs are used for practical and spiritual purposes. The time has arrived where these natural renewable resources are being integrated into our modern economy, and are the inevitable wave of the future.

CITIZEN POWER is playing a role in fostering the development of renewable energy sources in the region. CITIZEN POWER is doing it's part to expand wind generation capacity. However, our Community Power program utilizes a different approach from the for profit wind power projects. CITIZEN POWER is facilitating the development of wind generation capacity by providing communities with site searching, meteorological data collection, (including tower construction) and financing locator services, in an attempt to facilitate the development of community-owned renewable energy.

Renewable energy technologies are no longer in the experimental phase, they are now vying in the competitive market. CITIZEN POWER is convinced that increased use of both renewable energy sources and energy-efficiency technologies is the best strategy to move us toward a safe, healthy, affordable and independent energy future.

Sixteen states have enacted renewable energy legislation, commonly referred to as Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS),that requires a percentage of electricity sold to come from renewable sources, such as wind, solar or hydro power.

CITIZEN POWER participated in the drafting of the first RPS legislation in Ohio. CITIZEN POWER also drafted the first RPS legislation introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly in November 2003.

In November 2004 Pennsylvania enacted Act 213, the "Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard". Click here to read a critical analysis of Act 213.

To learn more about Renewable Energy click here: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN)