The future : Alternative energy discussed
Posted on Thursday, October 9, 2008
BENTONVILLE - As the cost of energy goes up and climate change becomes a global concern, communities are looking at local energy as a cost-effective, sustainable way to power homes and businesses.
Bentonville planners participated in a Web conference Wednesday to look at how planners can utilize local energy in communities.
The conference, hosted by the American Planning Association, featured a panel of four energy experts.
"Citizens are beginning to demand (local energy )," said Roger Taylor with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a division of the U. S. Department of Energy. "With high heating and oil costs, people are looking around, … (and energy ) alternatives are becoming more cost effective," he said.
In addition, sources for alternative energy, which include wind and solar energy, can be located at a residence or commercial development or on land owned by a utility company, Taylor said.
Erica Heller of Clarion Associates, a real-estate and land consulting firm in Denver, Colo., said citizens are demanding that communities focus on renewable energy.
"I talk to a lot of planners. … They're unprepared when a resident comes in and asks for a written policy that discusses renewable energy. (Planners should ) indicate where and how these uses can be allowed," Heller said.
In addition, the panel agreed that municipalities should start offering incentives to residents for utilizing wind and solar energy.
The city of Bentonville does not currently offer incentives for alternative energy uses. Transec, an engineering consulting firm in Conway, recommended that the City Council adopt a net-metering agreement that would give customers incentives for using up to 25 kilowatts of solar- or windbased power at their homes.
The council did not adopt the agreement but did approve a 6. 3 percent increase in electric utility rates. The increase was also under the recommendation of Transtec.
Wednesday's Web conference was part of the city's recognition of National Planning Month. The next event planned is a citywide cleanup day scheduled for Saturday.
Registration will be from 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. in the lobby of the Community Development Building, 305 S. W. A St. At that time, teams will receive trash bags, gloves, street or trail assignments and T-shirts. Once team members have their assignments, they can head out to their assigned street or trail and start picking up litter.
For more information, contact Danielle Semsrott at 271-6826 or dsemsrott @ bentonvillear. com.
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