Monday, August 31, 2015

The Road Ahead

As Chairman of the Electric Utility Commission of Austin, Texas, Peter Sinclair of Climate Crock of the Week interviewed me the other day about the new solar contracts that the City of Austin and Austin Energy are considering. It comes in two parts. Here is the first one:

And here is the second:

In the back ground, you can see the two new Huichole string drawings that we just purchased during our most recent trip to Real de Catorce.

Things are better in Mexico, and this is the first time we have driven in three years. It's like the good old days when you have to wait 2 hours to get a permiso for your car. And the police at the state lines (we cross three on our trip) actually stop you again. During the height of the panaderos, only the military would stop you.

Regarding the 600 MW solar purchase by Austin Energy, City Council should make a decision in October. If they decide to do the entire 600 MWs, Austin Texas, the nation's 11th largest city, will have close to 50% Renewable Energy by the end of 2016, with a remarkable 800 MWs of affordable solar.

In my second year as Chairman I am delighted how far we have come.

And I am strengthened by the road ahead.