Part One: First of a two part interview with Robert Sipes, Western Region Vice President of Progress Energy, examining the basic responsibilities of utilities to provide reliable, affordable and safe power, the challenges a utility faces today in transitioning to sustainable energy.Part One: First of a two part interview with Robert Sipes, Western Region Vice President of Progress Energy, examining the basic responsibilities of utilities to provide reliable, affordable and safe power, the challenges a utility faces today in transitioning to sustainable energy, the lessons learned when an oil fired peaking plant was rejected in Woodfin, NC, resulting in a new corporate strategy of conservation, clean energy and traditional power generating, the implications of the recent legislation mandating energy efficiency and clean energy sources, and the 'Construction Works In Progress' provision which charges ratepayers for ongoing construction of new coal or nuclear power plants before they go online, despite sustainable energy systems and energy efficiency measures which are less expensive and don't require CWIP funding mechanisms. This interview is the foundation for the following programs as we explore the challenges facing utilities in transitioning to clean, sustainable energy.
