Wednesday
Jun012011
Song: Green Energy Blues
Original Song - Wind Power Blues
Don't infer from this clip that we're lovers of carbon pollution; there are no easy energy solutions (outside of cold fusion), and wind farms are not without their problems, as demonstrated cogently in the above clip.
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This is an absolute must see...
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Further reading (includes excellent Al Gore cartoons)...
h/t to john for sending this clip our way...
Jun 1, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Reader Comments (277)
http://wattsupwiththat.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/us_bars_climatefunding.jpg
http://www.masterresource.org/2011/07/wind-turbines-whooping-cranes/#more-16001
[snip]
The permit from the FWS would allow the projects to “take” an unspecified number of endangered species. Under the Endangered Species Act, “take” is just the euphemism for killing or injuring an endangered species. The government can issue permits to kill or injure listed species with no penalties or risks of lawsuits to developers if they agree to craft conservation plans.
Waxman calls for national climate-change-education push
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/172479-top-house-democrat-calls-for-national-climate-change-education-campaign
This story is also a headliner at Al Gore's Blog.....
Here are 2 very recent headlines....
Teletubbies turn to wind power
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/911396.stm
Greenpeace: give me a child until he is seven…
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100098864/greenpeace-give-me-a-child-until-he-is-seven/
http://www.sparkspread.com/
An East Coast developer is exploring strategic alternatives, including an outright sale, of a 550 MW portfolio of wind development projects. ...
This must be First Wind............
http://www.masterresource.org/2011/08/california-33-renewables-i/
California’s 33% Renewable Energy Goal by 2020: Form or Substance? (Part II-RECs Required)
http://www.masterresource.org/2011/08/californias-33-renewable-energy-goal-by-2020-form-or-substance-part-ii-recs-required/
“Under the terms of our existing financial swaps, we are not obligated to physically deliver or purchase electricity.”( Selling to a foreign country is not mentioned here, so I presume it is mentioned in another SEC Report .)
Amendment 7 to 2010 SEC report
Table of Contents
Risk Factors P.28
Most of the information I have gotten is under Risk Factors of First Wind’s SEC Reports 2010 until the present.
See cohocton wind watch for these filings.
http://www.cohoctonwindwatch.blogspot.com/
Special thanks to marybelle.
http://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/02/17/freedom-wind-developers-subject-of-federal-investigation/
[snip]
Competitive Energy Services of Portland, the original parent company of the Beaver Ridge Wind development, and Richard Silkman, a co-managing partner of CES, are each named in separate staff notices of alleged violations released Jan. 25, by FERC.
http://www.energymaine.com/mrepress/pressRelease.asp
[snip]
Competitive Energy Services, LLC ("CES"), of Portland, Maine, announced today that it is now selling "Green Power" to Maine residential and small businesses consumers. The product is being sold through Maine Renewable Energy ("MRE"), an affiliate of Competitive Energy Services and in partnership with Maine Interfaith Power and Light ("MeIPL").
Richard Silkman, Managing Partner of Competitive Energy Services, said, "Today, we are helping to bring the promise of competitive electricity markets to Maine homes and small businesses by offering Mainers a choice of where their electricity comes from. Our product is 100% renewable and 100% generated within the State of Maine.
http://seekingalpha.com/news-article/1793086-ge-to-provide-wind-service-coverage-for-entire-first-wind-ge-fleet
First Wind, a Boston-based independent wind energy company, has selected GE (NYSE: GE) as its service provider for the companys entire fleet of 264 GE wind turbines at eight sites across the United States. The eight-year comprehensive service agreement expands upon existing contracts with First Wind, and is the first contract to cover an entire fleet of wind turbines signed by GE to date.
Who are these guys?
Now password protected by Maine LURC:
Paul J. Gaynor Executive Summary Career Highlights Education Paul J. Gaynor is responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day …. After beginning his energy career with GE Capital, he joined Enron in London …
maine.gov/doc/lurc/rev… – Similar
UPC First Wind President
Michael Alvarez
Section 4 Technical Capacity
Michael Alvarez is responsible for First Wind operations and asset … After beginning his energy career with GE Capital, he joined Enron in London in
maine.gov/dep/blwq/doc…
http://www.masshightech.com/s...
UPC First Wind
Steve Vavrik
Vice President,
Origination
“After beginning his energy career with GE Capital, he joined Enron in London in a project development and gas trading capacity. His role at Enron included trading natural gas forward contracts and negotiating structured power deals.”
http://www.windpowermonthly.com/news/1090132/Germany-Italy-accused-overestimating-wind-speeds/
[snip]
"There has been persistent overestimation of wind speeds in Germany and Italy. Developers and turbine manufacturers want to record high wind speeds to get projects off the ground. But now investors are wising up."
He added that the industry needed to attract "vast amounts of capital" - £800 billion a year globally to 2030 – "but this isn’t happening at the moment, even though wind energy is protected from the economic cycle."
Note: The same practice is happening here in the US and elsewhere.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/07/business/energy-environment/07electric.html
[snip]
SAN FRANCISCO — In a move that could shake up the American solar industry, General Electric plans to announce on Thursday that it will build the nation’s largest photovoltaic panel factory, with the goal of becoming a major player in the market.
Solyndra?????
http://dailybail.com/home/ge-dumps-offshore-wind-power-plans-after-collecting-125-mill.html
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1061392--wind-power-firm-files-2-25-billion-lawsuit
I have an update you might find interesting on who benefits by state and federal stimulus grants and loan guarantees. Thanks for all! Keep it coming!
Barbara :)
October 18, 2011
RE: Massachusetts: The Wind Turbine Siting Reform Act called the Wind Bill and WESRA
To the Honorable Massachusetts Senate President Murray, Speaker DeLeo and Representatives of the Public:
The Wind Bill (WESRA) if passed will perpetuate Beacon Hill crony capitalism and corporate welfare. Sal DiMasi sponsored the Green Communities Act reportedly for the benefit his friend, Jay Cashman of Cashman Equipment, who had announced intention to build a wind project. The Cognos contract financial interest Sal DiMasi held compromised the Office of the Speaker and will send him to prison. Public interest continues to be undermined by Patrick Administration Public Officials despite Sal DiMasi’s trail for corruption and lengthy prison sentence.
This administration has restructured the Massachusetts energy market by the Global Warming Solution Act, the Green Communities Act, its net metering provisions, the Green Jobs Act, and similar mandates. We were informed these laws would extend public and environmental benefits. Green jobs have been created-but not for the public funding green initiatives. The architects of MA green laws exclusively enjoy publicly-funded green jobs. Grants and loan guarantees also benefit Massachusetts Patrick Administration Public Officials as CEOs, founders, Directors and Advisors behind several for-profit, publicly-funded, green business ventures. Green laws force the public to fund mandated goods and services provided without consideration of cost to consumers as public interest is not the driver.
Massachusetts Energy and Environment Secretary Ian Bowles ushered green mandates while he held oversight of the Commonwealth’s six environmental, natural resource and energy regulatory agencies. (1.) Coincident to Secretary Bowles serving as Mass Energy Chief he served as Advisor to Harvest Energy and to Flo-Design awarded $8.3 million dollar federal stimulus grant.
Five months after Leaving Office, Mass Energy Czar launched Rhumb Energy to service the industry his green laws promote from his office at 4 Liberty Square, Boston, MA. Rhumb Line was founded by Ian Bowles and his former undersecretary PHIL GUIDICE is named MANAGING DIRECTOR. Bob Keough, who once served as the energy department’s head of public affairs, is listed by Rhumb Energy as “PARTNER” as is Vivek Mothta, former director of energy markets at the state’s Department of Energy Resources. (2.a, b, c, d)
Undersecretary of Energy in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources Phil Giudice was also VP with stock options at EnerNOC that was awarded 20% of Massachusetts ARRA total stimulus by $10 million dollar contract. (3.)
Deerin Babb-Brott served as Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Coastal Zone Management and Director of the Office of Coastal Zone Management in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. In that role, he led the development of the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan, a first-in-the-nation comprehensive state ocean plan that designates wind energy development areas.
EPSILON Associates has announced: “ Deerin will lead Epsilon’s work on off-shore energy projects and bring his considerable expertise to bear on Epsilon’s active coastal permitting practice.” (4)
UPC First Wind is Boston-based with its CEO and President Paul Gaynor serving as Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s appointed Co-chair of “The Climate Protection Advisory Committee” under the Global Warming Solutions Act. UPC First Wind Paul Gaynor is also co-chair of the Mass Department of Environmental Protection Advisory Committee “Low Carbon Energy Supply Subcommittee.” (5.)
UPC First Wind and affiliates IVPC build wind projects that fail to produce wind energy, yet developers continue to collect public subsidies. Seven IVPC project have been seized during operation, “Gone with the Wind” by Italian Police. (5.)
In this context, Paul Gaynor CEO and President of First Wind, Patrick Administration appointed Advisor, is the subject of Hawaii Free Press March 28, 2011 front page article on wind energy fraud titled: 'Hawaii Wind Developer tied to the Largest Ever Asset Seizure in Mafia History' (5.).
DeepWater Wind (Patrick Appointed Advisor) Paul Gaynor is Board of Managers of DeepWater Wind and Chief Executive Officer of First Wind; Michael Alvarez Board of Managers of DeepWater and President and Chief Financial Officer of First Wind according their Security Enchange Filing “Investment”. (6.)
Second Wind (Patrick appointed Advisor First Wind Paul Gaynor's Vice President Michael Jacobs worked as a sales manager at Second Wind, Inc., and held the position of utility analyst for the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
“Second Wind received a $500,000 loan from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust to help develop the Triton.” (7.)
Second Wind is partnering with WindPole Ventures-
TPI Composites Director of TPI Composites is Director of First Wind Patrick Wood III
TPI Composites’ offers a Statement On Award of More than $9 Million In Recovery Act Manufacturing Tax Credits from the Obama Administration. (9.)
With Ian Bowles Serving as Director, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has awarded TPI a $250,000 grant. (9.)
Bigger Government states:
After all, TPI Composites has also received accolades from Barney Frank, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and President Obama. Iowa companies have received more than $160 million in Department of Energy stimulus grants. How unfortunate that some Republican contenders chose to endorse more of the same instead of taking the opportunity to explain the senselessness of such a system. One would think that the Iowa Straw Poll would have been the optimal event to explain the free market perspective rather than acquiesce to the demands for more corporate welfare…” (10.)
The Wind Bill language demonstrates the Patrick Administration intends to diminish private property rights and local control held by citizens in favor of renewable corporate entities. The Public is entitled to the public safety protections of Zoning the Wind Bill attacks. WESRA, if enacted, will promote corporate welfare and the interests of crony capitalists’ as Public Employees. As the Wind Bill transfers public rights, monetary and resource wealth to its authors, and unduly exposes the public to exploitation, public health and safety risks associated with industrial development.
I urge you to take a stand against the Wind Bill that symbolizes crony capitalism and corporate welfare, a plague on Beacon Hill. Mass Public Officials caught in revolving doors with industry that relies on corporate welfare can neither be expected to adequately represent public interest, nor can they be considered objective and a credible source of good public policy.
Most Respectfully,
Barbara Durkin
Northboro, MA 01532
(1.) http://forum-network.org/speaker/ian-bowles
(2. a,b,c,d,e) http://www.rhumblineenergy.com/who-we-are-2/
http://articles.boston.com/2011-05-06/news/29517350_1_energy-resources-energy-markets-new-energy-projects
http://www.rhumblineenergy.com/2011/06/former-state-environmental-chief-gets-into-business/
http://www.boston.com/business/technology/innoeco/2011/05/former_state_energy_officials.html
http://www.rhumblineenergy.com/who-we-are-2/
(3.) http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=4910_pr_doer_enterprise_emg&csid=Eoeea
(4) http://www.ebc-ne.org/index.php?id=75&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=340&cHash=d986b0a47d2bd1d271cd3500950840ae
(5.) Paul Gaynor UPC First Wind Patrick Administration appointed Advisor and Hawaii Free Press article subject:
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=090330_pr_cac&csid=Eoeea
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=090330_pr_cac&csid=Eoeea
http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/main/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4008/Hawaii-Wind-Developer-tied-to-Largestever-asset-seizure-by-antiMafia-police.aspx
(6.) SEC Filing
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1434804/000104746910008574/a2195887zs-1a.htm
(7.) Triton
http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/cdid/11697/pid/11150
Second Wind is partnering with WindPole Ventures- (8.)
http://www.mass.gov/Eoeea/docs/eea/restructuring_roundtable_2010.pdf
(9.) TPI Composites
http://www.tpicomposites.com/press-room/press-releases/tpi-composites%E2%80%99-statement-on-award.aspx
http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/20936
(10.) Bigger Government
http://biggovernment.com/jgriffith/2011/08/25/wasserman-schultz-and-romney-agree-we-should-pander-to-iowa-caucus-voters-with-corporate-welfare/#comments
The voice of experience and remorse in ME with wind energy bills like WESRA passed two years ago.
Based on a report by Maine Center for Public Policy:
Bangor Daily 10/13/11
Some who created wind-power fast track now questioning the goals they set
Some who created wind-power fast track now questioning the goals they set — Maine News — Bangor Daily News
"AUGUSTA, Maine — The Wind Energy Act of 2008, which gave developers a fast track for putting up wind turbines on some of the state’s treasured high ground, was a piece of legislation passed at the time in the name of jobs, energy independence and climate change.
“There is tremendous potential for Maine to become a leader in clean, renewable energy, including wind energy,” said Gov. John Baldacci, who appointed the task force whose report led to the bill. “This kind of investment would create jobs and help to expand Maine’s economy.”
But now, two years after the law was championed by Baldacci, some members of the task force who supported the Wind Energy Act are questioning whether the goals they set for wind power can or even should be achieved.
Critics and even some one-time supporters say the proponents of the law were swept up in a tidal wave of enthusiasm for a technology that turns out to require significant sacrifice from the state, but has little to offer Maine in return..." [cut] continue reading this article by link:
http://bangordailynews.com/2010/08/09/news/some-who-created-windpower-fast-track-now-questioning-the-goals-they-set/
Additional evidence available upon request.
Your efforts are appreciated more than you know!
It appears that Patrick Wood III financially benefits because he did not clean up the energy market manipulation and Enron as he was tasked to do by President Bush when Bush appointed Pat Wood as Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FERC.
And, it appears that we remain at risk by Enron business practices. In fact, Enron is back.
Best,
Barb
RE: First Wind Director Patrick Wood III business interests, crony capitalism, revolving doors, loans, grants, federal stimulus for insiders' deals, the next Solandra and Evergreen Solar
I have not yet tallied the total federal stimulus, grants and loans granted the companies with which the father of the Renewable Energy Portfolio RPS is associated, but I know of several public subsidy beneficiaries without researching further, First Wind, Xtreme Battery, TPI Composites. The "Director" of each is Patrick Wood III.
Enron made it clear that the US energy market is vulnerable to an insiders game and manipulation. There is no reason to consider this dynamic was altered by Patrick Wood III appointed by President Bush to Chair the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FERC and tasked to address ENRON corporate fraud at FERC by Bush.
The result is a revolving door between FERC and Utility Commissions, DPU, PUC, and wind companies that build wind projects that fail to produce reliable energy, yet developers continue to collect public subsidies, stimulus, grants, loan guarantees, and forms of state and federal tax breaks. (documentation available)
First Wind company has received stimulus funding for wind projects operational in 2008--intended for 2009 and 2010 operational projects- to stimulate jobs. This project was built by Mass Governor Patrick's appointed Advisor on green energy policy, First Wind CEO and President Paul Gaynor. This Advisor's company UPC First Wind executed a Trade Secret with Nixon Peabody Law Firm to conceal that federal funding was provided for wind turbines that are mechanically flawed and installed at Kahuku Wind project, (Liberty 2.6 MW by Clipper). And, UPC First Wind testimony boasts the exceptional operating success of IVPC affiliates projects, while 7 IVPC wind projects were seized by Italian Police in Operation Gone with the Wind. Video on Youtube has the Mayoral candidate declaring Kahuku wind project fails by First Wind. Yet, First Wind has access to the White House and Congress on matters stimulus. (documentation available)
The public will not have a voice that carries on the state or federal level in policy making in energy matters until we extinguish the power of the insiders and expose the revolving doors that profit the few at the expense of the public and the environment.
The Insiders Green Game was conceived in Texas. The Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard RPS serves as a green law model for individual states to mandate publicly-funded wind energy.
Harvard University's Patrick Wood III is the father of RPS and apparently the beneficiary of RPS as Director of stimulus beneficiary companies. ENRON's Ken Lay recommendation to George Bush to clean up energy market manipulation and ENRON corporate fraud failed. Wood's failure to perform as US Energy Chief at FERC has allowed the ENRON corporate fraud to continue and Wood is by no coincidence in position to profit by economic and energy casualties.
Please note the below energy related companies highlighted in blue, in which Pat Wood is Director, and/or serves as regulator. I'm still cobbling the stimulus, grants and loan guarantees that have been funneled to Pat Woods' energy interests' that include First Wind, the Boston-based First Wind with CEO and President acting as Deval Patrick's appointed Advisor (under the Global Warming Solutions Act) on wind energy mandates that benefit his company. Pat Wood is Director of First Xtreme Battery and TPI Composites and other energy shell corporations.
Individual states have adopted green mandates as variations of the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard RPS.
Patrick Wood III Wood was Chairman of the Texas Public Utility Commission in 1999 when RPS was enacted in Texas.
RE: Patrick Wood III father of the renewable portfolio standard RPS
David Hulbut's paper about RPS statutory wind energy enacted in 1999 date coincides with Patrick Wood III term as Chair of the Texas Public Utility Commission.
Chairman of ENRON Ken Lay first recommended Patrick Wood as utility commissioner to then-Governor Bush of Texas. Wood was later suggested by Ken Lay to President Bush to appoint as Chairman of the Federal Energy Commission FERC to respond to the CA energy crisis and Enron. Wood was named Chairman of the FERC in 2001 by President Bush.
From this forward link to David Hurbut's RPS Texas Case Study: http://lawlibrary.unm.edu/nrj/48/1/06_hurlbut_portfolio.pdf
Author of 'A Look Behind the Texas Renewable Portfolio Standard' David Hurlbut works for NREL that promotes wind energy. http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/staff/david_hurlbut.html
DAVID HURLBUT*
A Look Behind the Texas Renewable
Portfolio Standard: A Case Study
ABSTRACT
A renewable portfolio standard (RPS - a statutory
requirement to achieve a renewable energy goal by a certain date- is
the tool of choice for many state policy makers concerned about
climate change and the role played by electric generation. Texas
enacted its RPS in 1999; since that time, it has added the most
renewable capacity of any state and has rapidly outpaced its
statutory goals. [continue reading by link above]
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Wood's tenure as FERC Chair sparked the HEARING before the COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS UNITED STATES SENATE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION on NOVEMBER 12, 2002
'ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH: FERC'S OVERSIGHT OF ENRON CORPORATION--VOL. I'
SENATOR LEVIN (dialogue next link,with Patrick Wood FERC Chair testimony to Government Affairs Committee Hearing on Enron ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH:
LEVIN:
"Enron has exposed how, all too often, corporate executives have walked away
from corporate disasters with millions in their pockets, often from
exercising stock options, while pension funds, investors, employees,
and creditors have lost everything.
Today's hearing provides another painful lesson in corporate abuse.
The spotlight today is on U.S. energy markets and how lax government
oversight failed to protect U.S. consumers and markets from false data
and price manipulation by corporate wrongdoers."
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-107shrg83483/html/CHRG-107shrg83483.htm
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-107shrg83483/html/CHRG-107shrg83483.htm
Please note that stimulus dollars support Pat Wood's interests listed under "Experience", here:
Pat Wood, III's Experience
Chairman
Public Utility Commission of Texas
Utilities industry
February 1995 – June 2001 (6 years 5 months)
Chairman
FERC
Renewables & Environment industry
2001 – 2005 (4 years)
Chairman
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Government Agency; Government Administration industry
June 2001 – July 2005 (4 years 2 months)
Principal
Wood3 Resources
Renewables & Environment industry
July 2005 – Present (6 years 3 months)
Energy Infrastructure Development.
Director
SunPower Corporation
Public Company; SPWR; Renewables & Environment industry
August 2005 – Present (6 years 2 months)
Director
Quanta Services
Public Company; PWR; Construction industry
May 2006 – Present (5 years 5 months)
Director
Range Fuels, Inc.
Privately Held; Oil & Energy industry
May 2007 – Present (4 years 5 months)
Director
Xtreme Power
Privately Held; Renewables & Environment industry
October 2008 – Present (3 years)
Director
TPI Composites, Inc.
Privately Held; Renewables & Environment industry
January 2009 – Present (2 years 9 months)
DIrector
First Wind
Renewables & Environment industry
March 2010 – Present (1 year 7 months)
http://www.linkedin.com/in/patwoodiii
First Wind CEO and President is Mass Governor Deval Patrick's appointee to the Climate Protection and Green Economy Advisory Committee under the Global Warming Solutions Act.
The Foundation For Taxpayer & Consumer Rights (FTCR)
http://cwd.grassroots.com/energy/fs/?postId=3360&pageTitle=FTCR's+Letter+to+FERC+CHairman+Pat+Wood%2C+IIImic
FTCR's Letter to FERC Chairman Pat Wood III
After Wood's Dismissive Reaction to Enron Tapes Exposing Energy Market Manipulation
June 16, 2004
Pat Wood, III
Chairman
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20426
Dear Chairman Wood:
We have received a copy your June 7, 2004 letter to Senator Barbara Boxer and are appalled at your indifference to both already established facts surrounding Enron's gaming of California ratepayers and to the suffering of Californians due to market manipulation perpetrated by companies that you regulate.
Most disturbing is the misstatement of conclusions already reached by your agency and that you show far more empathy for the discredited positions of Ken Lay, who first recommended you as a utility commissioner to then-Governor Bush, than for Californians. Despite the revelation by CBS News of taped conversations among Enron employees revealing overtly criminal behavior by Lay's employees (and explicit acknowledgement that Mr. Lay himself was in on the schemes), you have once again dismissed evidence of one of the largest crimes against consumers in our nation's history.
You state: "the Commission found no evidence that there was market manipulation specific to the long-term contract negotiations and no evidence of unfairness, bad faith or duress in the negotiations of the long-term contracts."
In fact, that conclusion contradicts the findings of your own agency. According to FERC's "Final Report on Price Manipulation in Western Markets" of March 26, 2003 the manipulated spot market prices "significantly influenced" the energy prices agreed to in longer term contracts. Your agency found that "forward power prices were distorted" and FERC even developed "a detailed statistical analysis providing estimates of the extent of the distortion based on a certain level of distortion in spot power prices." Your claim that the awful behavior of Enron and its energy generation and trading counterparts did not improperly alter the environment in which California's long-term contracts were negotiated cannot be reconciled with the findings of your agency or the plain history of California's energy crisis.
You also wrote: "The Commission has worked persistently to resolve the issues in the refund proceeding so that refunds may be distributed." You point to an impending $3 billion refund assessment.
But the truth is that your agency has set up roadblocks every step of the way. When the Ninth Circuit ordered FERC to accept evidence of market manipulation in the refund proceedings, you allowed only a 100-day period to produce the documents. And when state agencies supplied you with caseloads of information, you kept the evidence out of the refund proceeding, instead placing it in a series of secret investigative proceedings from which California was excluded. What's most obscene is that the more-than-$3 billion in prospective refunds to which you refer is set to be mitigated by a $3 billion dollar debt you would have California ratepayers refund to the energy companies.
You state: "To date, the Commission has approved, or had a role in other agencies' approval of, numerous settlements that grew out of dysfunctions in California energy markets. These settlements amount to over $3.1 billion."
The clear implication that FERC has played a proactive and significant role in efforts to provide Californians with refunds from the energy crisis, is a rewriting of history. The only money that has actually been secured as compensation for California has come from settlement negotiations between California officials and the offending companies. Californians have been forced to negotiate with these bandits, exactly because FERC has failed to use its extensive powers in the refund process. There is no doubt that the amount recovered so far -- which we believe to be significantly less than the $3.1 billion you allege -- would have been far greater had FERC ever used its wide ranging authority to order refunds or meaningfully suggest that it would severely punish companies that illegally gamed the market or even simply ensured that the entire amount stolen from California was on the table.
California ratepayers remain at least $7 billion short of what they are due in refunds in large measure because the FERC, under your leadership, has failed to protect consumers from the illegal profiteering of energy companies and has refused to enforce the law so Californians can recover billions of dollars stolen from the state.
It is, of course, not just the outstanding refunds that you have withheld, but your unwillingness to bring energy companies to the table for contract renegotiation that is so offensive. The market manipulation began at least as early as June 2000, according to a Department of Justice indictment of Reliant. It continued - as evidenced by Enron's "Fat Boy/Death Star" memo, the conversations about manipulation involving AES and Williams traders as well as the new Enron tapes and a host of other indisputable proof -- through the 2001 blackouts and price spikes. This should provide you with incontrovertible evidence that the contracts must be abrogated or renegotiated.
Although you do not attempt to defend these indefensible tapes, your effort to deflect their relevance in this manner demonstrates your continued allegiance to your long-time promoter Ken Lay. But more importantly, your letter shows that you do not grasp the heinousness of this massive larceny. These tapes are the most startling evidence to date that the environment in which California negotiated over $40 billion worth of long-term energy contracts was illegally skewed to force California to accept unjust and unreasonable terms and prices. It is because California was victimized by crooks who manufactured shortages to drive prices up and threatened blackouts that the state signed the outrageous contracts. Even after three years of bearing the excessive prices of these contracts, these insidious deals still leave the state's consumers with at least $7.38 billion in excessive rates to be paid over the next decade. In other words, you are willing to allow another $7 billion above reasonable market prices to be charged to Californians under these contracts despite the plethora of evidence that the prices were obtained as a result of manipulation. And, of course, this does not include the billions of dollars above market prices that we have already paid on these contracts since 2001.
There is no excuse for your unwillingness to confront the abhorrent economic crimes that gave way to the deregulation disaster of 2000 and 2001. It is time that you stand up for consumers.
Sincerely,
Douglas Heller
Executive Director, Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights
http://www.masterresource.org/2011/10/rob-bradley-at-enron/
see first comment too.
http://bangordailynews.com/2011/10/20/news/penobscot/lurc-members-favor-rejection-of-wind-farm/
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/191541-news-bites-beacon-attorney-blames-banruptcy-on-solyndra-firestorm
A bit about Beacon and 'the other guys" (scroll halfway down for Beacon but read the whole thing)
http://saveourseashore.org/?tag=upc-first-wind
Corporation that owns Zuccotti "Protester" Park Wins $168 Million Loan Guarantee from Obama DOE!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2790976/posts
The project owned by brookfield...
http://www.brookfieldpower.com/granitewind
The first 2 comments are mine and worth looking at.
http://bangordailynews.com/2011/11/16/news/penobscot/first-wind-wants-to-pull-bowers-mountain-wind-project-for-now/?ref=latest
http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/wind-powerfoes-travelto-augusta_2011-11-17.html
[snip]
Highland Wind, led by former Gov. Angus King and former Maine Public Broadcasting Corp. president Rob Gardiner, withdrew an application to the state this spring to erect 39 turbines in Highland. But the two said they plan to revise it and re-submit it later.
http://www.pressherald.com/news/electronics-on-the-fritz_-could-be-smart-meters_2011-11-19.html
http://noconsensus.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/climategate-2-0/
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/23/us-google-idUSTRE7AM03220111123
http://foia2011.org/
I am absolutely floored by what I am finding.
http://www2.goldmansachs.com/s/proxy-2011/images/Goldman_Sachs-Proxy2011.pdf
from page 50, item 9.
Item 9. Shareholder Proposal Regarding a Report on Climate Change Risk Disclosure
In accordance with SEC rules, we have set forth below a shareholder proposal, along with the supporting statement of the shareholder proponent, for which we and our Board accept no responsibility. The shareholder proposal is required to be voted upon at our Annual Meeting only if properly presented at our Annual Meeting. As explained below, our Board unanimously recommends that you vote AGAINST the shareholder proposal.
The National Center for Public Policy Research, 501 Capitol Court, N.E., Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 20002, beneficial owner of at least 23 shares of Common Stock, is the proponent of the following shareholder proposal.
Resolved: The shareholders request that the Board of Directors prepare, by November 2011, at reasonable expense and omitting proprietary information, a report disclosing the business risk related to developments in the political, legislative, regulatory and scientific landscape regarding climate change.
Supporting Statement
In 2010, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued interpretive guidance on disclosure requirements regarding developments relating to climate change. Codifying SEC guidance would fully comply with the candid disclosure of business risks that is embedded in SEC policy and it would serve in the best interest of the company and shareholders.
Goldman Sachs will be materially affected by developments concerning climate change. The Company’s Environmental Markets Group has $3 billion of investments in renewable energy, and the environmental policy framework says its commitment to “finding effective market-based solutions to address climate change” will be significantly affected by changes in climate science and the prospects for related government action.

Government action on climate change is based on the hypothesis that industrial activity, principally through the emission of greenhouse gases, are responsible for global warming.
The quality, integrity and accuracy of global warming science has been called into question:
‰ Documents and emails released from the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) of the University of East Anglia in late 2009 exposed vulnerabilities in the reliability and objectivity of key information provided to the United Nations’ influential Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
‰ In 2010 the IPCC acknowledged its Nobel Prize-winning 2007 report on which significant government initiatives rely included inaccuracies and exaggerated claims based on questionable data sources.
Changes in the political landscape bring uncertainty to business plans based on government action on climate change.
‰ The transfer of the U.S. House of Representatives from Democrat to Republican control reduced the likelihood that any cap-and-trade legislation will be adopted by Congress.
‰ The failure to price carbon dioxide through federal cap-and-trade legislation has had a negative impact on the carbon trading market.
‰ According to Bloomberg, “Futures contracts in the U.S. Northeast’s carbon market fell to their lowest level in six weeks after President Barack Obama backed away from the national cap-and-trade program he once sought.”
‰ The Chicago Climate Exchange’s decision to shut down its greenhouse gas trading program was attributed to the failure of Congress to enact climate-change legislation.
Economic and government fiscal considerations can affect business investments:
‰ Demand for renewable energy products is affected by government subsidies, but this source of funding can suddenly be reduced or eliminated. For instance, budget deficits in European countries resulted in subsidy cuts for wind and solar energy, creating uncertainty for investors.
Shareholders need transparency and full disclosure to be able to fully evaluate the business risk associated with developments in the scientific, political, legislative and regulatory landscape regarding climate change.
Directors’ Recommendation
OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST THE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL.
‰ Goldman Sachs is not a scientific institution, nor do we commission scientific reports.
‰ We do not believe our Annual Meeting is an appropriate forum for a debate on complex scientific topics, including the “quality, integrity and accuracy of global warming science” referred to in the proponent’s supporting statement.
‰ Our Board does not believe that a report focusing specifically on the business risk related to developments in the political, legislative, regulatory and scientific landscape regarding climate change would provide meaningful information to our shareholders.
In 2005, we adopted our Environmental Policy Framework (our EPF), reflecting our commitment to finding effective, market-based solutions to address a range of environmental issues and creating new business opportunities that benefit the environment. Our EPF, which is not limited to climate change issues, is based on our recognition that a healthy environment is necessary for the well-being of society, our people and our business, and is the foundation for a sustainable and strong economy. The commitments undertaken within the EPF are intended to further market-based solutions to environmental challenges, and our subsequently published Environmental Progress Reports provided updates on the implementation of our environmental strategy. The EPF and its implementation have been reviewed each year by our Board since its implementation and will be reviewed by our Board periodically and as needed going forward.
....I can't wait till the next one when climate gate 2 is mentioned.....
If you happen to come by this is important.
http://bangordailynews.com/2011/12/23/business/aroostook-county-company-signs-deal-to-sell-cedar-log-homes-in-china/
The owner is leasing land to First Wind in Oakfield Me.. UPC has connections to Chinese markets. There is more regarding this going back to 2001.....
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/09/business/global/09iht-green09.html
[snip]
A withholding of 1.4 billion E.U.A.’s would certainly help restore price tension, as a renewed E.U.A. shortage would force power generators to switch from burning high-carbon coal to natural gas, implying a carbon price of about €21, given present coal and natural gas prices. That is three times the current carbon price.
But the Union may not agree to such an ambitious proposal, which might affect fuel bills at a time when many member states are enduring harsh austerity measures. The European Commission has previously suggested withholding a smaller 500 million to 800 million E.U.A.’s from 2013-20......
..........How many E.U.A.’s should be removed? Carbon market analysts forecast that a glut in E.U.A.’s and other carbon credits will persist through 2020 and beyond.
They project a net surplus in 2020 of 650 million E.U.A.’s (Barclays Capital); 1,200 million to 1,300 million (Point Carbon); 800 million (UBS); 800 million (Société Générale); or 566 million (Deutsche Bank).
http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2009/04/22/first-wind-secures-376m-for-ut-project/
Looks like R-momey is the same as O-bama.....
Romney is the same as Obama going back to ENRON..
First Wind Secures $376M For UT Project
http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2009/04/22/first-wind-secures-376m-for-ut-project/
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9S7H89O0.htm
[snip]
ISO New England's determination about Cape Wind was included in a Jan. 3 report in which the company rejected Cape Wind's bid to participate in a market that it oversees.
The report said, "The ISO and its consultants ... have determined that it is unlikely that the project will achieve Commercial Operation by the start of the 2015-2016 Capacity Commitment Period." That period begins June 1, 2015.....
.....The delays have had consequences for the $2.6 billion project. Last May, Cape Wind's bid to win a federal loan guarantee to cover a major portion of its cost was placed on hold, with the Department of Energy citing concerns about Cape Wind's "readiness to proceed at this time."
The timeline also plays into its contract with the utility National Grid, which has agreed to buy half of its power. The contract says Cape Wind must begin construction by Dec. 31, 2013, and be producing power by Dec. 31, 2015. The contract allows up to two-year extension on both dates, but Cape Wind would have to pay a non-refundable security deposit of about $2.3 million.
http://bangordailynews.com/2010/04/21/politics/expuc-head-enriched-by-utility-company/
[snip]
AUGUSTA, Maine — While he was Maine’s chief utilities regulator, Kurt Adams accepted an ownership interest in a leading wind energy company.
One month later, in May 2008, he went to work for that company, First Wind, as a senior vice president.
Adams was chairman of the Maine Public Utilities Commission for three years beginning in April 2005. Before that, he was the in-house counsel for Gov. John Baldacci, who appointed him to the commission.
State board deals potentially fatal blow to First Wind deal
https://bangordailynews.com/2012/01/20/business/state-board-deals-potentially-fatal-blow-to-first-wind-deal/print/
First Wind: PUC position would harm state’s economy
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/01/24/business/first-wind-puc-position-would-harm-states-economy/
Note: Didn't Hank Paulson make a similar threat?.......
Now for a little more "crony capitalism" and a bit of abuse of holding state office (again)....
Passamaquoddy Tribe plans $120M wind farm in Washington County
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/01/26/business/passamaquoddy-tribe-plans-120m-wind-farm-in-washington-county/
[snip]
The tribe already owns 1,060 acres of blueberry barrens adjacent to the 1,000 acres that the U.S. General Services Administration is offering for sale. Per U.S. law, the tribe will get partial preference on the acquisition, John Richardson, founder of Native Power LLC, said this week.
Note: Who is Mr. Richardson?
Governor Nominates John Richardson to Head DECD
http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/governor-nominates-john-richardson-head-decd
Now this is where things get really interesting....I am working on this one and will expound on this later in a real story format.
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. Announces Withdrawal from Minority Interest Wind Investment
http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/912161/algonquin-power-utilities-corp-announces-withdrawal-from-minority-interest-wind-investment
[snip]
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. ("APUC") (TSX: AQN) today announced that it plans not to proceed with the previously announced investment in First Wind Holdings, LLC's ("First Wind") wind portfolio in the North East United States ("Portfolio"). The initial joint announcement with Emera Inc. ("Emera") (TSX:EMA) in April 2011 had contemplated APUC acquiring a minority interest of approximately 12.5% in the Portfolio, representing an approximate U.S. $83 million investment.
STAY TUNED.
http://api.ning.com/files/Qx6a0LN-EZJReyW2Ez*CT8jfn7VYnYpli*N069eHxb8WV2wO4KBZ2pr6BBhIw4Os5Fd-F5L0HZMEXtNzPyWHUJ5n9-mk2IxF/easyfile_doc242789.PDF
Public Advocate Eric Bryant moves for dismissal with prejudice in the matter of petitioners Bangor Hydro Electric and Maine Public Service due to numerous violations of the Commission's Rules of Procedure.
http://realwindinfoforme.com/blog/the-beginning-of-the-end/
Mark your calendars. February 2012 may well be the beginning of the end for Big Wind.
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/opinions/letters_to_the_editor/x1085186913/Durkin-State-green-energy-firms-success-questioned
[snip]
Mass Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs best defense, ‘State says clean energy firms thrive in Massachusetts’, hangs a lantern over the state’s inability to pick winners.
From the perspective of the public funding approximately 60 percent of these investments, Evergreen Solar and Beacon Power are in bankruptcy protection; Boston Power is moving to China; A123 Systems’ battery defect, according to Fisker Automotive, has prompted the recall of 239 Karma cars in the U.S. Boston-based First Wind, New England’s largest wind developer, has lost $333 million in needed capital by Maine Public Utilities Commission recent ruling against their merger plans with Algonquin Power.
According to US House of Representatives Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan ‘Promise of Green Jobs’ study, “The Costly Consequences of Crony Capitalism” 11/21/11:
First Wind Holdings, received a $117 million loan guarantee in March of 2010.
First Wind withdrew its initial public offering in October of 2010, due to a lack of investor demand. [11] According to the Boston Globe, investors shied away from the company because “First Wind owes more than $500 million, loses money on a steady basis, and reports a negative cash flow.”[12]
CFTC Orders D.E. Shaw To Pay Fine
http://news.hedgefund.net/default.aspx?story=13369
[snip]
New York-based hedge fund D.E. Shaw & Co. has been ordered to pay a $140,000 fine by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
D.E. Shaw has been ordered to pay without admitting or denying any wrongdoing, according to a CFTC press release Thursday.
The CFTC accused the firm of exceeding speculative position limits in soybean and corn futures contracts in trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
D.E. Shaw manages over $14 billion in assets.
http://www.saveoursound.org/news/reader.php?id=181
Gov. Deval Patrick on Wednesday announced a conditional agreement with NStar to facilitate the merger that would impose a four-year rate freeze on the new power company, and also require the company to purchase 27.5 percent of Cape Wind power generation should that project be operational by 2016.
The administration characterized the Cape Wind purchasing agreement as an important piece to the state’s renewable energy agenda and a component of NStar’s strategy to comply with the Green Communities Act. If Cape Wind doesn’t get built, NStar would have to make a comparable purchase of renewable energy in the state.
The Cape Wind portion of the deal was characterized by House Minority Brad Jones on Wednesday as “legalized extortion” on the part of the administration to prop up Cape Wind, and Knapik called the wind project investment a “fool’s errand.”
East Falmouth Republican Rep. David Vieira called it a “backroom deal.”
“This seems like extortion to me. I don’t appreciate the Governor playing Chicago-style politics with the future of Cape Cod and the Islands,” Vieira said in a statement. “If NStar wanted to purchase CapeWind power, NStar has always been free to make such a purchase. The fact the Governor held the NStar merger hostage to the CapeWind power purchase just doesn’t pass the smell test.”
http://www.masterresource.org/2012/02/ontario-windpower-case-study-i/
[snip] You need to go to the link to see the charts.
Again, looking at the overnight from Jan 31 to Feb 1, as wind output rose, even though the system operator was reducing generation sources other than wind, it is clear that the difference between the available generation and the Ontario demand exceeded 1400 MW, and the Sygration website data, which allows plotting of the Ontario IESO, shows the system operator was paying up to $71.50 a MWh to utilities outside Ontario to take the excess generation. At the extreme, consumers in Ontario were paying wind generators some $135 a MWh for 1441 MW, were paying Bruce Power $45 a MWh to not generate 900 MW, and were paying utilities outside Ontario $71.50 a MWh to absorb the excess generation.
Disclosure: I have spent nearly 20 years in the wind industry and have measured the wind professionally for utility scale power plants. This article is absolutely spot on and one (of several reasons) I am no longer involved with that industry.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/213341-bingaman-to-unveil-clean-energy-standard-thursday
[snip]
Bingaman has spent months crafting the “clean energy standard” behind closed doors, mulling various scenarios outlined in a report he requested from the Energy Information Administration, the Energy Department’s statistical arm.
http://www.masterresource.org/2012/03/ontario-windpower-case-study-ii/
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/03/07/wind-power-companies-paid-to-not-produce/
[snip]
Wind farms in the Pacific Northwest -- built with government subsidies and maintained with tax credits for every megawatt produced -- are now getting paid to shut down as the federal agency charged with managing the region's electricity grid says there's an oversupply of renewable power at certain times of the year.
The problem arose during the late spring and early summer last year. Rapid snow melt filled the Columbia River Basin. The water rushed through the 31 dams run by the Portland, Ore.-based Bonneville Power Administration allowing for peak hydropower generation. At the very same time, the wind howled leading to maximum wind power production.
Demand could not keep up with supply, so BPA shut down the wind farms for nearly 200 hours over 38 days.
"It's the one system in the world where in real time, moment to moment, you have to produce as much energy as is being consumed," BPA spokesman Doug Johnson said of the renewable energy.
Now, Bonneville is offering to compensate wind companies for half their lost revenue. The bill could reach up to $50 million a year.
The extra payout means energy users will eventually have to pay more.
"We require taxpayers to subsidize the production of renewable energy, and now we want ratepayers to pay renewable energy companies when they lose money?" asked Todd Myers, director of the Center for the Environment of the Washington Policy Center and author of "Eco-Fads: How the Rise of Trendy Environmentalism is Harming the Environment."
"That's a ridiculous system that keeps piling more and more money into a system that's unsustainable," Myers said.