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Rep. Bacon Concerned Proposed Vectren EDG Tariff To Replace Net Metering Would Have Increased His Bill More Than 5 Times

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IndianaDG Tells IURC to Reject Vectren’s Proposed EDG Tariff to Replace Net Metering

Indiana Distributed Energy Alliance (IndianaDG) filed testimony with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) asking them to reject Vectren’s proposed Excess Distributed Generation (EDG) tariff to replace net metering.

IndianaDG filed testimony of three (3) witnesses:

  • Brad Morton of Evansville-based Morton Solar,
  • Kurt Schneider of Indianapolis-based Johnson Melloh Solutions (“JMS”; and
  • Edward T. Rutter of LWG CPAs and Advisors (“LWG”)

Both Morton and Schneider are with companies doing solar installations using net metering in the Vectren service territory.

Rep. Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) is a Vectren net metering customer who was one of five customers who asking Vectren to provide an analysis of their last 12 months of electric bills under net metering compared to what it would have been under Vectren’s proposed EDG tariff.

“Since Vectren provided very little information in their testimony about the expected impact of their proposed EDG tariff, I thought it was a good idea for me to just ask them.” said Bacon. “Then I could share with my constituents what the impact might be for new solar customers under Vectren’s proposal.”

If approved by the IURC, Vectren’s EDG tariff would only apply to new solar customers or existing net metering customers who add to their system thereby requiring a new Interconnection Agreement.

“I was astonished and flabbergasted by the Vectren bill analysis I received showing how my bill would have been under the EDG tariff as compared to net metering.” Bacon continued, “My Vectren electric bill for the past 12 months showed an increase of more than 5 times higher under EDG than net metering.”

“That was quite a shock,” said Bacon. “I think I have a responsibility and duty to inform Vectren customers in southwest Indiana who is thinking about installing solar systems especially local units of government and schools as well as residential and commercial customers.”

“Although I am retiring from the Indiana General Assembly, I strongly urge that state lawmakers look at the potential impact of Vectren’s proposal, “said Bacon. “and then take appropriate corrective action during the 2021 session.”

“We should be supporting the solar industry as a way to increase jobs in southern Indiana, particularly in light of the decline in area coal mining.  Instead, this shocking rate result will chill future interest in new customer-owned solar and the jobs that go with it.” Continued Bacon. “The sun’s energy is a gift from God for each of us to harness and to improve our lives.  It should not be financially monopolized by an electric utility.”

 

Morton states: “My testimony  explains the adverse impacts Vectren’s proposal would have on my business Morton Solar, on our prospective customers, on ratepayers served by Vectren and on Indiana’s economy.”

“Vectren’s estimated value of EDG is much too low, unreasonably lengthening the Vectren customer “payback ” period for the cost of a new solar energy system. ” continued Morton. “This will deter customers from installing solar energy systems on their homes and businesses.”

Schneider’s company JMS recently completed the solar carport system at the Evansville airport.  “Vectren’s EDG tariff would be very bad for JMS’s business and our prospective customers.”

“The double whammy of Vectren’s proposal is first they would cut the rate but second they would further reduce EDG credits by an “instantaneous” netting methodology.” continued Schneider. “In my opinion, this will drastically reduce or dry up JMS’s Indiana solar business in the Vectren service area.”

Rutter explains in his testimony there are both direct and indirect benefits from DG resources to the grid which Vectren does not recognize.

Rutter offers comments about the recent Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) report to the 21st Century Indiana Energy Development Policy Task Force.

“LBNL modeled solar DG at high levels of penetration in Vectren’s service area over the next 20 years,” Rutter said. “This suggests that SEA 309 was premature in not having this comprehensive study to understand the benefits and costs associated with DER deployment, particularly rooftop solar. The report states that systems with high adoption of rooftop solar results in system-wide savings.”

In addition, testimony filed for the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) by Anthony Alvarez states: “…because Vectren’s proposal does not conform with the statutory requirements for determining EDG, I recommend the Commission deny Vectren’s request for approval of its proposed Rider EDG Tariff.”

Other intervenors also urging that the IURC deny Vectren’s request for their EDG Tariff are Joint Intervenors including Citizens Action Coalition (CAC), Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC), Vote Solar and Solar United Neighbors (SUN) as well as Solarize Indiana.

Vectren is the first Indiana electric utility to file a proposed DG tariff to replace net metering pursuant to SEA 309 enacted by the Indiana General Assembly in 2017.

The state law prescribes that the remaining four electric utilities–NIPSCO, Duke Energy, I&M and IPL–file proposed DG tariffs no later than March 1, 2021.

The testimony was filed in Cause No. 45378. An evidentiary hearing before the IURC is currently scheduled for October 6, 2020 beginning at 9:30 am Eastern.

 

AG Curtis Hill Wins Over Planned Parenthood In Lawsuit

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Attorney General Curtis Hill announced today that Planned Parenthood has conceded defeat in a lawsuit that challenged an Indiana law requiring ultrasounds at least 18 hours before women undergo abortions.

The concession was the result of Planned Parenthood’s opening of a new clinic in Fort Wayne that will provide the ultrasounds required by the law. Planned Parenthood has agreed to drop its lawsuit against the ultrasound requirement provided that Indiana refrains from enforcing it until Jan. 1, 2021 — giving Planned Parenthood time to train staff at its Fort Wayne clinic to operate ultrasound equipment. The concession makes clear that if anything threatened women’s ability to obtain abortions, it was Planned Parenthood’s own business decisions, not the challenged law — an argument that the State made all along.

After the federal district court and court of appeals upheld a preliminary injunction against Indiana’s law, the U.S. Supreme Court on July 2 vacated the federal appeals court’s decision and sent the case back for further consideration in light of another recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent, June Medical LLC v. Russo.

“I’m pleased that Planned Parenthood saw the likelihood that this very reasonable law ultimately would be upheld,” Attorney General Hill said. “To their credit, they recognized the merits of avoiding further legal wrangling over this matter.”

Indiana’s law is rooted in respect for women’s health and the sanctity of human life, he added.

“For women considering abortions, ultrasounds are an important part of informed-consent counseling,” Attorney General Hill said. “Anyone interested in protecting women’s health, including their mental health, should support giving them as much information as possible to aid their decision-making. Empowering women with knowledge is fully consistent with the U.S. Constitution.”

Lt. Gov. Crouch Awarded Two Farms Highest Agricultural Honor

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Garwood Orchards and MPS Egg Farms have been awarded the AgriVision Award, the highest agricultural honor from the State of Indiana. This award was presented at the Indiana Statehouse by Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler.

Now in its 14th year, the AgriVision Award is presented to businesses or organizations within the Hoosier agricultural community that are advancing the industry, whether that is by developing a new technology, working to address a worldwide issue or creating a better community.

Garwood Orchards is an agritourism destination in LaPorte, Indiana where there is fun to be had for the whole family, along with nutritious locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Garwood Orchards began in 1831 and is now a sixth-generation family-owned and operated business by brothers Tom, Mike, and Brian Garwood. Their farm produces roughly 500 acres of fresh fruits and vegetables such as sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, and apples for U-Pick, farm markets, and wholesale.

Pictured above left to right are Lt. Gov. Crouch, Sally Krouse, Dan Krouse, Sam Krouse, Bob Krouse, and ISDA Director Bruce Kettler. 

This orchard not only features U-pick orchards, wagon rides and live music, they also have a state-of-the-art packing house for fruits and vegetables and the Garwood’s cultivate crops using the latest technologies. During a typical school year, they host local schools and children on tours of their facility.

“We are so thankful to be chosen as an AgriVision Award recipient,” said Carey Garwood from Garwood Orchards. “This award means so much to our family and we were honored to be able to represent our industry and community at the Statehouse today.”

The Garwoods are an exceptional family-owned and operated business in Indiana and quite deserving of the AgriVision award for the business they have created and for the nutritious food provided to consumers nationwide.

“These two agricultural operations take technology and community involvement to the Next Level,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. “It was an honor to recognize the families and their agricultural businesses at the Statehouse today.”

MPS Egg Farms, one of the largest shell egg producers in the United States, is a sixth-generation family farm business based in North Manchester, Indiana.

The family business, run by Bob, Dan and Sam Krouse, has 630 employees who care for 11 million hens, which produce more than 9 million eggs daily at six farms in Indiana, Illinois and Texas. Each farm is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment and is certified by numerous third-party organizations for quality assurance, animal health and product safety standards.

MPS Egg Farms produces both conventional and cage-free eggs that are delivered to grocery stores and food distributors nationwide. MPS Egg Farms is a national poultry industry leader in the conversion to cage-free egg production, in response to client and consumer demand.

Sustainability and advancing the egg industry are top of mind for owners, Bob, Sam, and Dan. Each serves on a number of industry boards such as the United Egg Producers, American Egg Board and Indiana State Poultry Association.

The Krouse family serves as leaders in their trade organizations and the agricultural community by focusing on what is best for the employees, their consumers, their flock, and the environment.

As part of their commitment to enhancing the environment, they have installed over 3,000 solar panels at their North Manchester egg production facility.

“MPS Egg Farms is pleased and humbled to be recognized with this prestigious award,” said Sam Krouse, Vice President of Business Development for MPS Egg Farms. “We are proud to be part of Indiana’s storied agricultural heritage and look forward to continuing to work with our industry partners to further our state’s reputation as a global leader in agriculture and food production.”

MPS Egg Farms and the Krouse family had the vision to make egg production in Indiana, and across the U.S., to the next level and they did just that by creating a safe, healthy work environment, keeping poultry welfare a top priority and advocating for the continual success of the poultry industry.

“Garwood Orchards and MPS Egg Farms are pillars in the agriculture industry,” said ISDA Director Bruce Kettler. “The passion they have not only for their own businesses, but their respective communities is exceptional. It was an honor to recognize them and their contributions today at the Statehouse.”

 

 

FOOD INSPECTION REPORT FOR VANDERBURGH COUNTY

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Food Inspection Reports 8-20-20

Sheriff’s Office Announces Death of Jonathan Parkhurst, Sheriff’s Merit Board Secretary

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It is with great sadness that the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office acknowledges the passing of Sheriff’s Merit Board Secretary Jonathan J. Parkhurst. Jonathan was appointed to the Sheriff’s Merit Board on April 12, 2018 by Sheriff Dave Wedding.

Jonathan previously served as chief trial attorney for the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, chief deputy prosecutor for the Posey County Prosecutor’s Office and later as a special prosecutor for the State of Indiana and deputy public defender for the Vanderburgh County Public Defender’s Office.

A graduate of the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Iowa College of Law, Jonathan developed a reputation as a talented trial lawyer who always found time to sit down with our deputies and thoroughly prepare a case.

Jonathan’s counsel and friendship will be sorely missed by the members of our agency.

Pictured above: Jonathan J. Parkhurst (April, 1963 – August 20, 2020)

EPD DAILY ACTIVITIES REPORT

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EPD

EPD REPORT

Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” August 21, 2020

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Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” August 21, 2020

“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” was created because we have a couple of commenters that post on a daily basis either in our “IS IT TRUE” or “Readers Forum” columns concerning National or International issues.
The majority of our “IS IT TRUE” columns are about local or state issues, so we have decided to give our more opinionated readers exclusive access to our newly created “LEFT JAB and Middle Jab and RIGHT JAB”  column. They now have this post to exclusively discuss national or world issues that they feel passionate about.
We shall be posting the “LEFT JAB” AND “MIDDLE JAB” AND “RIGHT JAB” several times a week.  Oh, “LEFT JAB” is a liberal view, “MIDDLE JAB” is the libertarian view and the “RIGHT JAB is representative of the more conservative views. Also, any reader who would like to react to the written comments in this column is free to do so.

AG Curtis Hill: Indiana’s election laws ‘protect voters and ensure the integrity of the political process’

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Attorney General Curtis Hill today applauded a federal court’s ruling that plaintiffs challenging Indiana’s absentee voting laws have failed to show that Indiana’s system is unconstitutional.

“Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a representative democracy,” Attorney General Hill said. “Today’s decision helps affirm that Indiana’s election laws are set up to protect voters and ensure the integrity of our political process.”

The plaintiffs in the case, Tully v. Okeson, asked the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana to enter a preliminary injunction that would require Indiana to allow all voters in the state to cast ballots by mail in the Nov. 3 election. Indiana law grants vote-by-mail privileges to any voter who falls into one of 13 categories, “many of which are sweepingly broad,” Judge James Patrick Hanlon wrote in his ruling.

The plaintiffs argued that Indiana’s absentee voting law unconstitutionally burdens their right to vote.

“Some states have chosen ‘no-excuse’ voting by mail for all. Indiana has decided otherwise,” Hanlon wrote. “The question here, however, is not whether the policy is wise, but whether it is unconstitutional.”

Hanlon wrote that the plaintiffs did not show a reasonable likelihood of success in making a case that Indiana’s rule is unconstitutional.

The judge also noted that Hoosiers may cast an early in-person vote from Oct. 6 until Nov. 2. Eligible Hoosiers may also have poll workers bring them a ballot so they may vote at home.

“These provisions of Indiana’s voting laws make it easy to vote,” Hanlon wrote.

Attorney General Hill added that everyone who plans to visit a polling place from Oct. 6 until Nov. 3 should take the necessary steps to protect their health.

Reopen Evansville Task Force Has Several Financial Resources For Local Businesses

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As we continue to connect residents with rent and utility assistance, the Reopen Evansville Task Force is also reminding local businesses that the City has several financial resources that might help them navigate through this difficult time:

  • Re-open Evansville Post Pandemic (REPP) is a $5,000 loan at zero percent interest for five years to assist businesses who were closed or had a drastic reduction in business due to the Stay-at-Home order and delayed re-openings.  These loans are available through October 2020 or until the $100,000 allocation is exhausted.  We have expended about 60% at this time.
  • The Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) COVID Relief Fund assists businesses located within Jacobsville (& Lamasco) and Haynie’s Corner with expenses to provide for a safer environment for employees and customers.  Businesses who need PPE, regular sanitation or equipment to social distance and safeguard personal health may be interested in this fund.  The forgivable loans are available through August 2020.
  • The City has had for many years an Economic Development Administration Revolving Loan Fund (EDA-RLF).  Normally, applicants to this fund were required to obtain a turndown letter from a bank.  However, EDA has allowed the City to amend its lending plan to waive the letter and to be more flexible with interest rates.  This opportunity is available through May of 2021 when the fund will revert back to requiring a turndown letter and a minimum interest rate tied to prime.
  • In addition to the existing EDA-RLF, EDA has provided new funds in the amount of $500,000 for loans to assist businesses to respond to the impact of COVID.  This loan pool to has flexible rates and terms as well as not requiring a turndown letter from the bank.  This EDA-RLF-CARES will initially be available for response to COVID and then as it revolves will be a permanent part of the City’s loan resources following the same rules as the existing EDA-RLF.   The flexibility will last until July 2022 or until the $500,000 has been lent.

Potential applicants to these loan funds are asked to contact Karina at the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) at 812-425-7232 or khampton@isbdc.org.  Karina will set up an appointment with a business counselor who will then assist with compiling the information for the loan applications and then submitting them to the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) who will present it to the Loan Administration Board.

More information is available on the Reopen Evansville Assistance Portal: https://assistance.reopenevanvsille.com.

 

USA Swimming Releases 2020-21 U.S. National Team Roster

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USA Swimming Releases 2020-21 U.S. National Team Roster

 8 Swimmers with Hoosier Ties Make the Cut

 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – As athletes prepare for the new Olympic year, and both the rescheduled U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming and Olympic Games in Tokyo, USA Swimming today announced its 2020-2021 National Team roster. The 115-athlete USA Swimming National Team roster includes 59 men and 56 women.

Following the global disruption to the 2019-2020 season, USA Swimming made the decision to keep every returning athlete from the most recent U.S. National Team roster and add two qualifying athletes.

 “I am incredibly proud of the poise and commitment our National Team athletes and coaches have shown as we deal with this worldwide pandemic,” USA Swimming’s Managing Director of the National Team Lindsay Mintenko said. “Now more than ever, heading into this unique Olympic year, we have endeavored to support as many of our top athletes as possible and look forward to reading an exceptional team for the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021.”

The 2020-2021 USA Swimming National Team by the numbers:

  • 115 National Team members (59 men; 56 women)
  • 26 hometown states represented
  • 60-plus USA Swimming clubs represented
  • 32 NCAA universities represented
  • 34 swimmers (18 men, 16 women) who have competed at the Olympic Games

The 2020-2021 USA Swimming National Team is comprised of returning 2019-2020 National Team members and athletes that achieved a performance faster than the sixth-place time on the 19-20 roster before March 17, 2020. Additionally, a few athletes already on the 19-20 roster qualified in new events, and event rankings have been updated. The full selection criteria for the 2020-2021 National Team can be found here.

This year’s Open Water National Team will adopt the same practice as the pool team and extend all its returning athletes from the 2019-2020 U.S. National Team. The Open Water National Team roster is comprised of the athletes selected to compete at the 2019 FINA Open Water World Championship, which took place in July 2019 in Yeosu, South Korea. The remaining positions were filled based on results from the 2019 USA Swimming 10K National Championships.

Benefits offered to USA Swimming National Team members include travel to USA Swimming TYR Pro Swim Series meets and training camp opportunities. Select athletes are eligible for monthly assistance and elite athlete health insurance.

 Women’s Team

Lilly King – 100 Breast, 200 Breast

Annie Lazor – 100 Breast, 200 Breast

 Men’s Team

Zach Apple – 50 Free, 100 Free

Michael Brinegar – 800 Free, 1500 Free, Open Water

Ian Finnerty – 100 Breast

Zane Grothe – 400 Free, 800 Free, 1500 Free, Open Water

Cody Miller – 100 Breast, 200 Breast

Blake Pieroni – 100 Free, 200 Free

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