10% here, 10% there

You know, it seems as if 10% is a magic number in electric power politics. That number seems to come up all the time... 10% of our capacity, 10% increase in usage, 10% shortfall due to contract problems, 10% limit on run-time.

Well now it appears that 10% of our energy needs can be met with renewable resources. Mountain Express has this bit on Representative Susan Fisher's battle against coal, which is a great thing. They are quoting a N&O article which stated, in part,

The article notes that an energy consultant’s report in December concluded that 10 percent of the state’s energy needs could be met by renewable sources and efficiency programs.

I have it on good authority that she, Representative Charles Thomas, and US Representative Heath Shuler are coming down against the 10% Woodfin Diesel plant as well.

I wonder if that is the same 10%, or if there is a different 10% for us greenies? And I wonder if that consultant knew that at the same time their report was issued, the Buncombe County commissioners (well, some of them anyway) were secretly (and illegally?) meeting with Progress Energy 10%ers to sneak a 10% plant on 100% of us?