We applaud
the Santa Rita Jail for investing in a 1 megawatt fuel cell. The fuel cell will
save taxpayers while helping protect the environment. Along with their 1.2
megawatt solar photovoltaic system, the jail is one of the most independent,
energy-wise at least, places in the state.
This kind
of technology is the wave of the future. All of California’s government buildings as well as
homes and businesses should aggressively pursue clean distributed generation
such as renewable fuel cells, solar panels and small scale wind turbines along
with energy efficiency improvements. The Self-Incentive Generation Program
administered by the Public Utilities Commission is set up, in fact, to provide
rebates to businesses and institutions to make these kinds of investments.
The
California State Legislature is expected to pass the Million Solar Roofs bill (SB
1) today. Among other things, the bill would lift the cap on net metering
enabling places like the Santa Rita Jail, along with homes and businesses, to
receive a credit on their electric bills for excess electricity generated by their
distributed generation technologies.
It is great
to see government entities being leaders on moving toward clean and efficient
energy. It is a win-win for all Californians.
