John Geesman gave a presentation that emphasized the importance of realizing that the federal nature of our electric regulation system puts key authority in the hands of the states, so what they do will have an enormous impact on the system. 

Kathleen Law gave a succinct and uplifting speech concerning the current status of the Michigan FIT legislation.

David Bly described the Minnesota FIT legislation, which is special because it promotes community-based energy production.

James White, as the only utility representative on the panel, gave an interesting presentation on the utilities’ perspective, and proposed a system that decides the cost and amount, but not the timing. He also emphasized the importance of keeping the legislation simple.

Mike Nelson outlined how, in Washington, he achieved the highest tariff for photovoltaics in all of the U.S. He began working with utilities ten years ago, convincing them that encouraging growth of the solar energy industry was for their best self-interest.

Deb Doncaster spoke about Ontario’s FIT law, which is called the “Standard Offer Program.” She compared what they asked for to what they had actually gotten, and warned us that if you do not have a government committed to renewable energy, you will not get anywhere.