By Kathy Adams
The Virginian-Pilot
© February 22, 2013
The Virginian-Pilot
© February 22, 2013
Gov. Bob McDonnell signed legislation Thursday repealing
certain financial incentives for electric utility companies that use renewable
energy sources.
The change means utilities, such as Dominion Virginia
Power, will no longer be eligible for a bonus for obtaining a certain portion
of their energy from renewable sources, such as solar power. Reduced incentives
remain for nuclear and offshore wind power.
Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli proposed repealing the
"adders" after a study showed they were increasing consumers' bills
without having the intended environmental impact.
Opponents of the repeal, mostly environmental groups such
as the Virginia Chapter Sierra Club, argued the law needed to be changed, not
done away with altogether.
Dominion still plans to meet the goals of the program,
even without the financial incentive from the state, and is pursuing projects
to that end, said spokesman Jim Norvelle.
"We are looking for ways to get onshore wind
generation, and we are launching a pilot program to add a large amount of
solar-generated electricity to our grid that will begin this year as
well," he said.
Also under consideration is an offshore wind farm for
Virginia Beach and an expansion of Dominon's nuclear facility in Louisa County,
Norvelle said.
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