City Water Light and Power’s new Dallman 4 coal-fired power plant is going online and testing of pollution
levels will continue for several months. Although the power plant nears
completion, important work remains to complete the clean energy agreement
between CWLP and the Sierra Club. Involvement by CWLP customers and support
from the city council are increasingly important.
The agreement received national attention because it mirrors what needs to be
done globally. CWLP agreed to take action in four areas: 1) closing its oldest,
least efficient coal plant, 2) reducing pollution from existing plants, 3)
investing in renewable energy and 4) increasing energy efficiency and
conservation projects.
Important benchmarks have already been reached, including the purchase of 120
megawatts of wind power capacity, half of which will be used for state
government buildings. The aging Lakeside plant sits dormant and will soon
close. New energy efficiency programs that help customers reduce their monthly
utility bill are being developed. The refrigerator rebate and recycling program
is retiring outdated energy hogs.
After the Dallman 4 plant goes online, a portion of excess power sales will help
fund new money-saving efficiency projects. The city council should reaffirm its
commitment to set aside a portion of those power sales to fund programs for
CWLP customers before the money is diverted into the general city budget.
Residents can increase their clean energy use through several programs including
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). The Renewable Energy Choice program allows
customers to purchase RECs on their monthly bill or individually as carbon
offsets that expand the market for clean energy sources. A widely promoted
program would increase support for renewables.
Additionally, CWLP should announce a timeline for specific projects to reduce
emissions from their Dallman 1-3 coal plants.
Americans have long asked for a stronger voice in decision-making about our
energy future and the climate change crisis gives new urgency for the public to
take power into our own hands. The agreement helps facilitate public input as
new programs are developed through a series of Smart Energy Forums. The next
one is 6 p.m. June 11 at the Illinois National Bank Conference Center.
The Mayor’s Cool Cities Advisory Council is an outlet for citizens, businesses, and
schools to participate in reducing citywide global warming emissions in areas
beyond CWLP operations.
Springfield residents can be proud as our city receives national recognition as
a clean energy leader. Whether we continue to make progress depends on renewed
support and participation from citizens in deciding the direction of CWLP.
Will Reynolds chairs the Energy and Climate Change Committee of the Sierra Club
Sangamon Valley Group. Contact him at eccc@thereisaway.us.
This article appears in May 21-27, 2009.
