As Ohio is just starting down the road of alternative energy mandates, we can look to the experiences in other states who have already implemented such laws. A case in point is Massachusetts.
Several years ago, Massachusetts set in motion a “Don Quixote” strategy to battle global warming. There were a number of stakeholders in Massachusetts who protested these alternative energy mandates. High electric costs had already driven larger manufacturing companies out of Massachusetts. At the same time, many of their citizens have moved north into New Hampshire and Maine. Part of the argument was that many of the solar cell strategies were ill advised and would prove financially disastrous. Some even warned that these politically driven energy projects might double or triple Massachusetts future electric rates that are already hovering over 20 cents per kilowatt hour.
Now, Massachusetts businesses are complaining about the increased costs of electricity associated with solar-power mandates at a time when the economy is weak. Electricity prices are already higher in Massachusetts than in other parts of the country. Energy suppliers are also not happy about the requirement to produce power at such a high cost. For more information, see this March 30th article from the Boston Herald: Businesses fuming over solar rules
The lesson for Ohio is that our electric costs will increase as the requirement for alternative energy grows. It is critical for businesses to prepare by pursuing ways to reduce their electric consumption while taking a more active role in shaping Ohio’s energy policy through organizations like IEU-Ohio. Contact us if you want to know more about what you can do.
