| The
future of Bowersock Mills and Power is tied to energy. Although the dam
and related structures were largely responsible for Lawrence's
development prior to the Age of Electricity, and it was Lawrence's
first electrical generation facility, current state law leaves the
future in doubt. Many Lawrence businesses have expressed an interest in
purchasing renewable energy from Bowersock Mills and Power, but under
Kansas law, they are only allowed to sell electricty to Westar Energy
at a negotiated price. Since the weakening of the Public
Utilities Regulatory Policy Act of 1978 (PURPA), Westar has not
been obligated to purchase the power. Even though the dam produces
clean "green" power,
much preferred by concerned citizens, the price paid for that power by
the utility is far below what it would bring on the open market. (See what
other states are doing to support green power)
Opening the elecricity
marketplace to competition (deregulation) as has been done with
telephone service and other utilities, is one option for continued green power in
Kansas. A second option is state or federal subsidies of renewable
energy, an action that has been taken in many states, but this would
place the financial burden on the taxpayer. This is not necessary as
Bowersock Mills and Power is fully capable of competing without
subsidies; it just needs a level playing field.
Legislation regarding
renewable energy, including those that effect Bowersock Mills and Power
are continually being introduced and debated within state government. Let your state senators and
representatives know your feelings on these important issues. (Map of
states with competitive green power offerings)
|
|
