February Chapter Program

Energy Policy – Economics and the Environment
by Kenric Scheevel Government Relations Representative
Dairyland Power Cooperative 

The energy crisis of the 1970’s resulted in national energy policy focused on reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil. At that time, the federal government banned the use of natural gas for generating electricity and urged utilities to build power plants which could utilize America’s abundant and affordable domestic supply of coal.

Once again, calls to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil is driving national energy policy, only this time concerns about climate change due to rising atmospheric levels of CO2 are driving energy policy in an entirely different direction.

Energy policy is now focused on reducing our nations “carbon footprint” by adopting new generation and energy efficiency technology intended to enhance national security even as we move toward a “carbon free economy”.
Wind turbines, photovoltaic solar cells, methane digesters, enhanced energy efficiency efforts and electric automobiles are generating visions of energy independence – not to mention a wave of new “green jobs”.

This presentation provides an overview of current legislative initiatives and the impact it will have on the electric energy sector. In particular it will focus on current legislation designed to reduce carbon emissions, and the projected impact on the cost of electricity in our region.

Kenric Scheevel is a Government Relations Representative for Dairyland Power Cooperative, headquartered in La Crosse, WI. His role is to monitor and influence legislative and regulatory policy at both the state and national levels in Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. Kenric also serves as community liaison, interacting with community leaders and local residents.
While discussing energy issues with elected officials, he often finds it helpful to discuss the cooperative difference - that is, how cooperatives are owned and governed by the members they serve.

Prior to joining the Government Relations Team at Dairyland, Kenric served eight years in the Minnesota State Senate, representing a relatively rural area in Southeastern Minnesota. A mechanical engineer by training, Kenric worked in the power generation industry and taught high school mathematics/physics earlier in his career. Kenric and his wife Karen live near Preston, MN, on the farm that has been in his family for over 100 years - where they raised their two children, Brandon and Alison.

Spouses and guests are welcome.

Those wishing to attend this program remotely should contact Jim directly at (JSpielbauer@trane.com).  All others should register online.

Engineers’ Week 2010 Award Banquet and Celebration
A Joint Meeting of: IEEE, ASME, ASHRAE, SME, WSPE

Electric Power: The Smart Grid and Green Energy
by Ed West and Karolanne Hoffman, Dairyland Power

Local, regional, and national initiatives are changing our electric power systems. Two of the areas of interest and activity are the “Smart Grid” and “Green” energy.

The presenters will discuss what the key aspects of activities are, how they are affecting producers and consumers, and future expectations.

How is the consumer affected by a “Smart Grid”? How does a “Smart Grid” help the power producer and distributer? What is considered “Green” power and how does the “Smart” grid help realize benefits of “Green” power?

These and other questions will be addressed.

Dinner cost of $20.00 (paid at the door) will cover one of a three choice buffet dinner of Roasted Pork, Chicken breast, or Cod fillets. Contributions and any excess funds will go to the Coulee Region Engineering Societies Scholarship Fund.

Area Educators, Coulee Region Engineering Society members, and their guests are invited to join us. You need not be an Engineering Society member to attend.