The value of homegrown energy

Dear Editor:

In response to your lead editorial on energy, “Renewable energy changes grid care, but we all should pay,” published in the April 8 edition:

More than 100 studies conducted across the country substantiate the dividends of local renewables.

Solar and wind do not have fuel costs and give us energy price stability. Renewables sited closer to electricity demand and in congested parts of the electric grid are a cost-effective alternative to condemning land for costly grid infrastructure.

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Local generation reduces the strain on our grid, making existing investments last longer. Renewables bring down the regulatory, environmental and health expense associated with old supplies.

All such benefits drive down our cost of electricity. The Acadia Center recently showed that solar power built in Rhode Island produces more value to ratepayers than its developers are paid for.

National Grid just proposed a fee for local renewables to use the distribution grid, alleging customer costs but neglecting the benefits. The fee earned widespread and uniform opposition.

Utilities that are in tune with their customers’ interest and current economic necessity support local, cost-effective, clean and reliable generating resources, instead of preferring uneconomic investments tied to outdated energy systems. Thankfully, National Grid withdrew its access-fee proposal days before the hearing.

The parties have since agreed to a stakeholder process to establish the costs and benefits of local renewables.

If that process is fairly and openly administered, future price signals will accurately reflect value and provide lasting benefit for customers. •

Seth Handy is a Providence attorney.

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