Washington, D.C., September 21, 2009 - U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu detailed the Obama administration's vision for implementing a smart grid and modernizing America's electrical system: a stronger, smarter, more efficient electricity infrastructure that will encourage growth in renewable energy sources, empower consumers to reduce their energy use, and lay the foundation for sustained, long-term economic expansion.

A new study released by the Minnesota Office of Energy Security shows that the state's power grid could accomodate 600 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity by making upgrades to electric transmission systems. A previous study had shown that another 600 MW could be added to the existing tranmission grid without impacting it's performance.

Times are Central Daylight Time.

The Office of Energy Security is hosting this webinar to present the results of Phase II of the Dispersed Renewable Generation Transmission Study (DRG Study). Technical Review Committee Chair, Matt Schuerger, on behalf of the Minnesota Office of Energy Security, and Study team lead Jared Alholinna of Great River Energy, will give a PowerPoint presentation summarizing results of Phase II of the DRG Study.

Minnesota electric utilities with transmission lines in the state are required by law to conduct transmission planning and identify reasonably foreseeable inadequacies in the electric transmission system.  This process is particularly important for local government officials, but the general public is also encouraged to participate, and Community Wind advocates may want to pay particular atten

Washington, DC, August 13, 2009 - The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and its regional partner Wind on the Wires (WOW) have filed a protest with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging rejection of a proposal from the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO).

Washington, DC -  21st Century Infrastructure: Opportunities and Hurdles for Renewable Energy Development is a conference sponsored by the American University Washington College of Law and the Renewable & Distributed Generation Resources Committee of the ABA Section of Environment, Energy and Resources.

Topics will include:

ST. PAUL, MN, April 16, 2009 — The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MN PUC) has granted the CapX2020 utilities a Certificate of Need to construct three 345-kilovolt electric transmission lines in Minnesota. The three lines will run from Fargo, SD to Monticello, MN; from Hampton, MN  through Rochester, MN to La Crosse, WI; and from Brookings, SD to Hampton, MN.

Portland OR
Lawyers, law professors, industry professionals and nonprofit representatives will come together from around the country to discuss the current state of federal and state laws and incentives, and whether and how to encourage development of "clean" energy sources for transmission, including wind energy.

The CapX2020 utilities filed a permit on December 29, 2008 for the Brookings County-Hampton 345kV transmission line project at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

Come learn about Oklahoma’s wind energy successes, energy policy developments, technology advancements, and what steps and actions are required to expand our state’s wind energy contribution to America’s energy mix. Featuring special keynote addresses by wind energy advocate T. Boone Pickens and Mark Tercek, CEO of The Nature Conservancy.