by Linda Chipperfield, Ozark Chapter Executive Committee
This August City Utilities of Springfield (CU) will ask voters to approve a bond issue to finance a new 300-megawatt coal-burning plant. Springfield already has two operating coal power plants and CU projects the need for a third one by 2008.
The Southwest Missouri Citizens for Clean Energy (CCE) have a better idea. “We believe that if CU were to actively promote energy efficiency technology, power demand could be reduced by approximately 17% over 10 and 28% over 20 years, eliminating the need to build a new plant” says Stan VanVelsor.
Support for energy efficiency in Springfield was highlighted in March with a compact fluorescent light bulb sale sponsored by CU. 4500 bulbs were sold in less than two hours with customers asking for more. According to the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a co-sponsor of the bulb sale, installation of energy efficiency technology by business, residential, and public agency consumers can be accomplished at much less than the 16% rate increase needed to finance a coal plant.
An alternative energy forum sponsored by the League of Women voters was held in April and was well attended by the public. Speakers were Troy Helming of Krystal Planet Wind Power Co., Alecia Ward of the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Gary Wright, a Springfield pediatrician and public health advocate and Stan VanVelsor of the CCE.
Once Missouri DNR issues City Utilities a draft air quality permit, CCE will ask the DNR for a hearing.
CCE has garnered much support since its inception in spring 2003. The group’s supporters include the American Lung Association of Western Missouri, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, Missouri Organic Growers Association, Southwest Group, Missouri Public Interest Research Group, New Life Evangelistic Center, Springfield League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women.
The CCE is planning another forum for July.