Comments by Robert Rosenberg

Commission District: U

Thank you for accepting public comment on commercial scale renewable energy projects in Sedgwick County. In Kansas, commercial scale wind energy has proven to be beneficial. Properly placed wind farms minimize the impact on wildlife and they currently provide nearly 30% of our electric energy. Sometimes, when the wind doesn't blow, we need other methods of electricity production coupled with methods of controlling the demand for electricity. In the modernized electric grid system, utility companies don't overlook any source of generation, methods of storage of electricity (batteries), or demand side controls (like the Wattsaver program). Distributed generation, in the form of rooftop solar has proven to show the most promise for providing power when the utility company needs it the most (during the peak demand periods). During a hot sunny summer day, when everyone's air conditioners are on, rooftop solar can take the strain off the grid. Since our Kansas Daylight Savings Time mid-day is after 1:30 PM, there is only an hour or two in the early evening when solar can't help. Electricity production during those hours is easily filled in with wise rate structures, demand side controls, batteries, etc. Rooftop solar provides power where it is consumed and so it makes for a more resilient grid. However, as great as distributed rooftop solar is for everyone, I have serious doubts about utility scale solar. Utility scale solar wastes lots of land, it produces electricity far from where the power is consumed, and array production can be inhibited by a single cloud. Also, utility scale solar is not resilient to attack, requires more utility infrastructure, and requires grounds keeping maintenance. Distributed solar requires non of those things. In conclusion, I suggest that the Commissioners promote policies which protect distributed rooftop solar, limit commercial scale solar, and protect both commercial and residential wind. Thank you.