Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Solar developer AES, stating that they talk for other developers, summed their arrogance toward Virginia as, “Without subsidies they will have to leave Virginia.” 

I attended, spoke and even heard AES say those words at the May 22 meeting of the Virginia Commission on Electric Regulation (CEUR). I say GOODBYE to all renewables, and intermittent energy! 

However true or fancied, at the same meeting I advised the CEUR as being the energy problem.  The CEUR had been more socialistic in promoting failed House Bill 2116 and Senate Bill 1190 to take away locality decisions, versus addressing the topics of energy.    

Isle of Wight also has its issue with its Energy Task Force being an unfortunate failure without challenging views. Its biased window dressing, and narratives, were established prior to the first meeting, worthy for one to resign.      

“All-The-Above-Approach-To-Energy” and “renewables” are becoming a politically unsafe mix, and not good for the taxpayer and ratepayer. Using U.S. Department of Energy EIA 923 data, I calculate that Virginia Solar Weighted Average Capacity Factor is low and decreasing at 0.187 and battery storage is less than 80% Round Trip Efficient. Newer facility builds are not increasing solar performances, thus disproving the “improving efficiencies” fairy-tailed to boards of supervisors.   

We ratepayers are paying for the inefficiencies. Bear Island 87 MW BESS Round Trip Efficiency will be 80%; the 20% inefficiency will be paid by the ratepayer, same as homes NOT served annually.    

Balance Authority PJM Interconnection’s “stability” effectiveness must be questioned.

 

David Tucker

Rushmere