N.C. Utilities Commission Seeks Citizens' Input on Energy Future

The N.C. Utilities Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 1 to take comments prior to approving utilities' plans to build more coal-fired and nuclear power plants to meet the state's future energy needs. The hearing will take place at 7 p.m. on the ground floor of the Dobbs Building at 430 N. Salisbury St. in Raleigh.

The following letter about the meeting is from N.C. Sustainable Energy Association Executive and Policy Director Ivan Urlaub:

Dear NCSEA Members and Friends:

For the first time in over 20 years, North Carolina's electric utilities are planning to build large new power plants. Through the technical and leadership efforts of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) and a number of other organizations, the North Carolina Utilities Commission has decided that it's prudent to consider a variety of other approaches prior to approving utility plans currently before the Commission.

To start this process, the Utilities Commission wants to hear from you.

They'd like to hear your stories and concerns, in person. How well do you understand the way utilities plan for the future? Have you made energy efficiency improvements to your own home or workplace? Does your business save money or make a profit through energy efficiency? What about renewable energy options, such as solar thermal hot water, photovoltaics, small wind turbines or run-of-the-river hydro facilities to name a few?

Take a moment to ask how well you understand the effect of new electric utility construction on your utility rates, and whether you would like to see utilities take a more proactive role in reducing energy consumption and your overall bill.

Share your perspectives on Monday, May 1st, in Raleigh, North Carolina, in the Dobbs Government Office Building at 7:00 p.m. ... The more individual perspectives the Commission hears, the more powerful your message becomes.

So, take a moment to tell the Commission that you're interested in the utility planning process, and that you're concerned about how inaccessible utility plans are to most ratepayers; tell them about your energy efficiency savings or the effect it's had on your farm or business. Most importantly, tell them that you're interested in building a brighter energy future for North Carolina.

Thanks, in advance, for your time and support.

Sincerely,

Ivan Urlaub
Executive and Policy Director, NCSEA

P.S. If you'd like to share your thoughts with the Commission, but live far enough from Raleigh that you cannot make it to the hearing, please contact Robert P. Gruber, Executive Director, Public Staff -- NC Utilities Commission by U.S. Mail -- Robert P. Gruber, North Carolina Utilities Commission, 4325 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC, 27699-4325, or e-mail your comments to Chairman JoAnne Sanford, NC Utilities Commission -- sanford@ncuc.net. If the Commission hears from enough folks in the western or eastern parts of the state (or the Charlotte area), they will hold additional hearings. Be sure to include your name, address, the Docket Number (E-100, Sub 103) and a brief description of your concerns.