Conserving policy

Gov. Sonny Perdue’s Energy Policy Council is in the process of finalizing its plan for more statewide conservation of resources, more energy efficiency and more homegrown solutions to Georgia’s energy woes, but critics say the 160-page document represents little more than a missed opportunity.

The council will review its final draft at a meeting scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 5, in the Loudermilk Center for the Regional Community on Courtland Street. It’s an open public meeting, but there is no scheduled public comment period.

At a meeting earlier this month, “The tone of the council was very frustrating for those of us looking for a new course for energy,” said Julie Mayfield, vice president and general counsel of the Georgia Conservancy. “The tone was basically, ‘What we have works, and it works well,’ and there is resistance to tax incentives for businesses that invest in and use renewable energy.”

Mayfield also lamented the absence in the plan of a recommendation for a public-benefits fund or pot of money to be used for energy-efficiency projects. The money could come out of a $1.15 increase per household on utility rates, Mayfield said. But “there is a strong sentiment on the council not to raise utility rates,” she added.

-- Max Pizarro