NMPP Energy Executive Director Gary Stauffer was one of two representatives for the American Public Power Association who participated in May on a two-week educational trip to Spain to tour solar energy facilities.
Stauffer was among about 24 other representatives from municipal and investor-owned utilities of various sizes across the country to learn first-hand about the Spain’s solar power efforts. The country of about 40 million people has increased its use of solar power the past decade.
Stauffer provided a recap of his trip to the NMPP Energy Joint Operating Committee, NMPP staff and at the APPA National Convention in Salt Lake City in June. He will give his presentation to the MEAN Board of Directors and Management Committee in August.
Stauffer noted several differences in comparing the current energy picture between the United States and Spain. One big difference is the price of electricity is significantly lower in the U.S.
As a result, Stauffer said, Europe has been practicing efficiency and conservation for years.
“As we go into an environment for our great grandchildren where fossil fuels will become more problematic and expensive, these kinds of strategies will become more necessary,” said Stauffer. “This is where we’re headed and it’s just one of the strategies that will be looked at down the road.”