PTI Local Government Energy Assurance Guidelines - Metropolitan ...

There are a number of ways that local planners can allow for wind energy in their communities, including an outright
permitted use; with a special use permit; subject to site plan review; and as an accessory use. 11
Not all wind turbines are large enough to trigger the concerns discussed above. Distributed wind technology (DWT)
applications refer to smaller turbine installations on the customer side of the utility meter. These machines range in
size from less than one (1) kW to multi-megawatt, utility-scale machines used to offset electricity consumption at the
retail rate. DWT can help energy assurance efforts through battery charging, powering remote telecommunications
sites, and other applications.
Key Questions
…in Addressing Renewable Energy Technologies
1. What are local utilities doing in the renewables area, and is it possible to participate in any of
the programs that they are managing?
2. Is it feasible to partner with other regional governments on a mass purchase of renewables that
will bring down energy costs?
3. What renewable technologies are already in place within the local jurisdiction and what type of
experience has it (including other city departments) had with them?
4. Which renewable technologies are best for the locality (wind, solar, geothermal, etc.)?
5. Are there State, Federal, or private sector incentives offered for renewable technologies that
could be used at the local level?
6. Is there a public education program that should be implemented along with the renewable
technologies that are under consideration?
2.6.3. Energy Efficiency, Distributed Generation, and Energy Assurance
Energy efficiency and distributed generation are important to an EAP because cost-effectiveness is central to
developing and implementing the plan. Because energy assurance is an emerging concern, it must compete for
funding with many established programs, projects and services that local governments and the resident population
and businesses rely on. The net effect is that energy assurance must find meaningful linkages to other priorities
in order to leverage effectiveness and contain costs. Both energy efficiency and distributed generation have the
capability of reducing the capital costs for any energy assurance investment, while also reducing ongoing operational
costs by reducing facility demand for energy.
Energy efficiency increases energy assurance by decreasing reliance on supplied energy, thereby resulting in a
higher level of self-reliance. Distributed generation makes a positive contribution to energy assurance because
these systems are typically relatively independent of the grid and can be used as primary or secondary sources of
power. Emergency backup power as a form of distributed generation is an energy assurance asset because it can be
dispatched in real time and with little effort in the event of a grid or onsite power generation emergency.
11
NYSERDA, “Wind Energy: Model Ordinance Options,” October 2005.
20 | 2 – Issues to Consider When Developing a Local Energy Assurance Plan