Any changes in energy sources should benefit public

Generating and distributing electricity in general is a challenging endeavor. Many different systems must work in harmony to bring safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to the many and varied end users. The addition of alternative technologies to this process increases the complexity. When wind and solar PV power are the alternative sources, intermittency is one of several challenges. These power sources face significant economic issues related to intermittence. When all costs are considered, wind and solar power are not cost competitive; even with current subsidies. The wind does not blow all of the time nor does the sun shine 24 hours a day. Without a large, cost effective electricity storage system (which is currently unavailable), these technologies require conventional fuel systems to generate electricity when wind and solar are unavailable which is often. Consequently, ratepayers and tax payers are paying for a system with approximately double the needed capacity. Basically, Marylands current net-metering policy pays homeowners with small solar or wind production the retail price when other producers, without intermittency issues, are paid the wholesale price. In addition, there are no distribution or transmission charges allocated to such homeowners. This means they do not pay the full cost for using these systems and other customers are subsidizing these costs. Furthermore, solar and wind systems may introduce variations in the electricity requiring additional equipment to remove these variations and everyone pays for this equipment. An advantage of wind and solar power is a fuel cost of zero. If the cost of other fuels, especially natural gas, increases in the future, wind and solar may become economically competitive. Also, if the cost of storage systems declines, the intermittency challenge is lessened. Wind and solar PV systems may be part of the optimal electricity generation mix for Delmarva. However, we need to be as confident as possible that these technologies are reliable, economical, and safe; just like what we require of all other electricity production methods. Also, we need to completely understand the benefits and costs of wind and solar systems. This analysis has not been completed for Delmarva at this time. If the benefits exceed the costs and electricity customers agree to the subsidies for owners of these technologies, then the answer is obvious. Likewise, the answer is obvious if the benefits do not exceed the costs. Electricity production and distribution is a complex endeavor and this region and U. S. have enjoyed very reliable systems in the past. It is vitally important to remember the advantages of reliable, economical, and safe electricity. Electricity has driven the economic progress of the region and country in addition to saving millions of lives. Lets be sure any changes we make to the system are in the publics best interest. Dan Ervin, Ph. D Salisbury This commentary does not represent the official position or views of Salisbury University.