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Thanks, John Farrell, for the real reason Xcel doesn't like Community Solar ("Look Beyond the Beneficial Shadow Cast on Community Solar," Thought Exchange, Dec. 5). We should all be aware of the financial motivations behind government-sanctioned energy monopolies. The bottom line is that solar technology is well suited for locally operated small and medium-sized projects. However, as Farrell said, Xcel's profits depend largely on the size of the facilities and infrastructure that Xcel has. Much of this discrepancy is due to outdated regulations that the Public Utilities Commission used to manage Xcel's profitability.
A new era of increasing electricity demand and new clean energy technologies requires an adjustment to our PUC in managing Xcel. To make the most of every clean electron available, it is crucial to create greater profit incentives for saving and efficiently managing electricity flows. Imagine a person with an electric vehicle or a local battery storage system that is bi-directionally connected to the grid, allowing Xcel to charge or receive in real time based on supply and demand.
Some forward-thinking communities are now working with their energy providers to do just that. Green Mountain Power in Vermont has proposed installing batteries in the homes of 270,000 customers rather than installing large and expensive new infrastructure. It monitors the battery, charging it when the wind turbine and solar panels produce more power and discharging it when necessary. A May report from Boston-based research firm Brattle Group concluded that utilities could save up to $35 billion a year by promoting small energy projects, such as home batteries and rooftop solar, that are easily and quickly installed can.
I know firsthand that these smaller systems make financial sense. Our roof panels produce more energy than we use at home, including charging our two electric cars. Last year our facility generated $1,320 worth of electricity and we spent $1,160. Our system will pay for itself over the next five years. After that, the expected lifespan of the panel will provide another 20 years of free electricity, including 20 years of free “fuel” for our cars. On hot summer days, our system powers the air conditioning, relieving pressure on Xcel's storage and reducing infrastructure costs for other ratepayers.
Mark Anderson, Wayzata
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A few years ago we installed as many solar panels as would fit on the south and west roofs of our garage. Almost everyone who looks at the dashboard wonders how long it will take for our investment to break even. The financial return is also a focus for solar power providers.
Why is that the first thing people think of? No one asked me what the break-even point would be for our fence, landscaping, or deck, but all of those things individually cost almost as much as our solar panels. What about cars or boats? Anyone want to play it?
We invest in solar panels because it is environmentally friendly, although saving on electricity bills is a significant additional benefit. I think the days of having to justify the cost of clean energy are long gone. This demonstrates the success of the fossil fuel industry in using costs as an argument against investing in green energy.
April Spa, Minneapolis
PRESIDENT BIDEN
I live in the district where Congressman Dean Phillips lives. Even though I didn't vote for him, I respect him for doing what Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith and every member of Congress from Minnesota never had the courage or common sense to do.
Phillips sacrificed his political career by declaring and admitting what any honest Minnesotan can clearly see, that Joe Biden is not fit to be president.
Even if you ignore Biden's numerous economic and foreign policy failures (or his ethical lapses in business dealings with Hunter Biden), Joe Biden is still too old and too cognitively challenged to be president.
Unfortunately, the Democratic Party responded to Phillips' courage, integrity and concern for the country and his party by getting him into trouble. Phillips deserves better from his party and his political colleagues representing the state of Minnesota.
Corby Pelt, Plymouth
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“Architect of War, Architect of Détente” (front page, November 30) tells the extraordinary story of Henry Kissinger’s influence on foreign policy and world affairs. At the age of 100, just weeks before his death, he was actively giving advice, still drawing on the accumulated knowledge and experience that had made him a respected statesman.
Anyone who criticizes Biden's age needs to think about his mindset. Given the current global circumstances - the death and destruction in Ukraine, the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, and the tensions with China over Taiwan - I am grateful that we have a president who has extensive foreign knowledge and the ability available to deal with the problems. Problem. world leader.
Author Franklin Foer's book "The Last Politician" contains insightful information about the Biden White House. According to Foer. “The promise of the Biden administration is competence. After the chaotic Trump years, when the president's whims overwhelmed the bureaucracy, the new team will exercise its powers quietly." And one of Biden's most pressing problems is the ongoing COVID pandemic.
Former President Donald Trump took credit for Operation Warp Speed to develop a Covid vaccine, but then banned his administration from sharing information with President-elect Biden's transition team. Biden has tapped Jeff Zayens to implement Trump's vaccine rollout plan. However, according to Foer, after an unsuccessful search, Zayenz's team concluded that they "couldn't find the program because it didn't exist."
Clearly, the Biden team needs to bring some logic to the mess it inherited. In my opinion, Biden is the right person for this job. It is also suitable to guide us in today's dirty and warlike world. The lessons from Kissinger's advice in the 90s are more consistent with Biden's age (82 if he wins in 2024).
William Steinbicker, Minnetonka
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Many in the Minnesota DFL condemned Rep. Phillips for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 2024. Of course, that's a long shot and virtually unheard of outside his home turf, but he at least offers America an alternative.
Biden made a deal with the American people in the 2020 election. He should be a bridge, serve one term and then work to create a new generation of Democratic leaders to lead the party into the future. He's done a great job this year. Whatever happens, maybe it's time for him to step aside.
This is a danger that no one in the Democratic Party wants to address publicly. What is a reasonable backup plan if something happens to Biden?
What would happen to the party's chances in the November 2024 election if Biden suffers a serious medical emergency before the election or takes a Gerald Ford-like fall from Air Force One on international television? For a man who will be 82 after the 2024 election, this is a serious opportunity.
Expelling Biden from the party without considering other viable candidates is a major strategic mistake. There are many great, patriotic Democrats across America who could lead the party and the country if given the opportunity to speak to voters on a national level. The party would do well to encourage these leaders to take action now before it is too late. Phillips is just one candidate who should be seriously considered. There are many others.
John Olson, Webster, MN.
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