Letters: Renewable energy use can cut consumer costs

Re: "Alternative-energy bill is a threat to Pa. supply," letter, Aug. 24:

Gene Barr paints a wildly inaccurate picture of renewable energy and electricity markets. Clean energy provides a valuable hedge against fuel-price volatility, since renewable energy is powered for free by the wind and sun.

Recent studies have found that incorporating no-cost fuel sources such as wind and solar into the electric grid can reduce prices for all consumers. A 2009 Summit Blue study on New York state's Renewable Portfolio Standard found that each megawatt-hour of renewable energy added to the grid has the effect of lowering electricity costs by about $100 per megawatt-hour.

Projections for electricity rate increases after the expiration of rate caps have also decreased significantly, with wholesale electricity prices plummeting in our region from $66.40 a megawatt-hour last year to $40 currently.

Now is the time to make the commitment to renewable energy in Pennsylvania by passing House Bill 80.

Courtney Lane

Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture)

West Chester