Four Free Ways to Start Your Utility Diet
Reducing utility bills is just like other forms of "reducing."
You can start your energy conservation program, without having to invest a single dollar. Here are four easy--and free--money saving tips:
1. Review electric and gas bills for the last 12 months. Start with a review of your bills and set goals for how much you want to save. It's like dieting--you need to check in first to see how much you are spending. Check you utility's online service to see if you can access your bills via the Internet. Review your usage and fees. Then set goals for reducing your costs. Start with something reasonable: cut your use by 5% over the same time last year.
2. Turn of lights, appliances, televisions, computers, and so on whenever you leave the room. Like dieting, you just need to consume less. Start by turning off the PC at night, switching off your lights and television when you really aren't using them.
3. Avoid using heaters and furnaces. Feeling chilly? Try a sweater first, or sweats, before turning on a heater. Wrap up in a cozy blanket.
4. Get a free home energy audit. Your utility may have an online audit. If it doesn't, or if it seems to be too cumbersome, remember the US government has a Home Energy Audit tool online that you can use. And it is free for anyone to use.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Solar Power: Is Big Really Better?
An opinion that suggests utility-scale solar projects may be the wrong way to go.
Spenser Michaels' NewsHour story today about the solar energy industry had me thinking of that old saw about "deja vu all over again."
Michaels investigated whether solar is viable in this economy. Today, solar provides less than 1% of electricity in the USA. In spite of best efforts of many individuals, groups, and governments, the global credit crisis has put a drag on any new development of solar. Solar start-ups are unable to obtain funding to develop their technologies, bring their technologies to market, or expand proven technologies.
A handful of firms, such as BrightSource Energy, have secured important contracts with large utility end-users. See the New York Times story. A few determined companies will be able to grow in this difficult market.
But if the NewsHour reporter dug back far enough into the BrightSource Energy/SCE story he might have found out that SCE and BrightSource, which I think was named Luz International some 15 to 20 years ago, announced the same idea way back when--only to have Luz go bankrupt in the early 1990s after building some 300 MWs of solar generation in the Mojave Desert.
The reasons for the bankruptcy included changes in tax codes. In the 1980s, tax incentives were available for alternative energy developers. Similar tax incentives are being offered today. History tells us these incentives will disappear.
Also, the cost of solar when compared to other forms of energy generation was high--and regulators prevented utilities from passing on the costs to ratepayers. Regulators, who today support paying for higher cost renewable energy resources, may turn on utilities and forbid them to pass the costs along to consumers again.
But could it be that the real problem is that we're looking at this the wrong way? Are large scale solar projects the problem? They depend on huge amounts of capital, which is hard to get these days. They depend on the promise of large utilities to buy the power, which is difficult to do when you already have much cheaper and reliable electricity supplies available, and when regulators are liable to turn on you.
What about distributed power generation instead? A small solar plant on your roof top, with the power going into your home can be partially funded with tax credits. Technology is getting a little cheaper, so you might be able to install solar without going to the bank. And you keep the utility and speculators out of the equation, which recent history has proven--again--is much less expensive for ratepayers and society as a whole.
Just a thought. If you agree, check out these books:
An opinion that suggests utility-scale solar projects may be the wrong way to go.
Spenser Michaels' NewsHour story today about the solar energy industry had me thinking of that old saw about "deja vu all over again."
Michaels investigated whether solar is viable in this economy. Today, solar provides less than 1% of electricity in the USA. In spite of best efforts of many individuals, groups, and governments, the global credit crisis has put a drag on any new development of solar. Solar start-ups are unable to obtain funding to develop their technologies, bring their technologies to market, or expand proven technologies.
A handful of firms, such as BrightSource Energy, have secured important contracts with large utility end-users. See the New York Times story. A few determined companies will be able to grow in this difficult market.
But if the NewsHour reporter dug back far enough into the BrightSource Energy/SCE story he might have found out that SCE and BrightSource, which I think was named Luz International some 15 to 20 years ago, announced the same idea way back when--only to have Luz go bankrupt in the early 1990s after building some 300 MWs of solar generation in the Mojave Desert.
The reasons for the bankruptcy included changes in tax codes. In the 1980s, tax incentives were available for alternative energy developers. Similar tax incentives are being offered today. History tells us these incentives will disappear.
Also, the cost of solar when compared to other forms of energy generation was high--and regulators prevented utilities from passing on the costs to ratepayers. Regulators, who today support paying for higher cost renewable energy resources, may turn on utilities and forbid them to pass the costs along to consumers again.
But could it be that the real problem is that we're looking at this the wrong way? Are large scale solar projects the problem? They depend on huge amounts of capital, which is hard to get these days. They depend on the promise of large utilities to buy the power, which is difficult to do when you already have much cheaper and reliable electricity supplies available, and when regulators are liable to turn on you.
What about distributed power generation instead? A small solar plant on your roof top, with the power going into your home can be partially funded with tax credits. Technology is getting a little cheaper, so you might be able to install solar without going to the bank. And you keep the utility and speculators out of the equation, which recent history has proven--again--is much less expensive for ratepayers and society as a whole.
Just a thought. If you agree, check out these books:
Monday, April 13, 2009
More Summer Time Tips for Greater Energy Efficiency
Here are additional recommendations for beating high utility bills in the warm summer months.
Weatherstrip around your air-conditioning unit. This helps keep the cool air inside where it belongs, and the hot air outside. Also, weatherstrip windows and doors. If hot air leaks in through poorly caulked windows and doors, your air conditioning unit will have to work harder to compensate.
When installing shades and drapes on your windows, stick to light colors. White and other light colors reflect heat...away from your the interior part of your home. During the daylight hours, close shades and curtains on any windows that face the south, or the west. Daylight during the afternoon hours, 3 p.m. or thereabouts, is typically the hottest part of the day.
Can you afford window awnings? If you don't have any awnings and think you can afford them, install them on the windows facing the south and the west.
Use fans to circulate the interior air. Adjust the air conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees, unless you have a medical condition that requires that you have a cooler environment. (Do use the air conditioner...for many people, especially the elderly or sick, air conditioning is a matter of life or death!)
Visit a designated community cooling center. In many parts of the country, local governments, utilities, and senior organizations create air-conditioned spaces for local residents to go to when the heat becomes unbearable. These are open to public on the really, really hot days.
If you have no air conditioning, and need a place to cool off, or if you can't afford to run your air conditioner on those deadly high-degree days, visit a local cooling center. To find the cooling center closest to you, contact your local government or utility, and listen for announcements about center locations on the radio or television.
If a cooling center does not appear to be nearby, consider visiting the local library or an air-conditioned indoor shopping center. Movie theaters also offer relief...provided you can afford the cost of a movie ticket and you can find a movie you'd like to see.
Here are additional recommendations for beating high utility bills in the warm summer months.
Weatherstrip around your air-conditioning unit. This helps keep the cool air inside where it belongs, and the hot air outside. Also, weatherstrip windows and doors. If hot air leaks in through poorly caulked windows and doors, your air conditioning unit will have to work harder to compensate.
When installing shades and drapes on your windows, stick to light colors. White and other light colors reflect heat...away from your the interior part of your home. During the daylight hours, close shades and curtains on any windows that face the south, or the west. Daylight during the afternoon hours, 3 p.m. or thereabouts, is typically the hottest part of the day.
Can you afford window awnings? If you don't have any awnings and think you can afford them, install them on the windows facing the south and the west.
Use fans to circulate the interior air. Adjust the air conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees, unless you have a medical condition that requires that you have a cooler environment. (Do use the air conditioner...for many people, especially the elderly or sick, air conditioning is a matter of life or death!)
Visit a designated community cooling center. In many parts of the country, local governments, utilities, and senior organizations create air-conditioned spaces for local residents to go to when the heat becomes unbearable. These are open to public on the really, really hot days.
If you have no air conditioning, and need a place to cool off, or if you can't afford to run your air conditioner on those deadly high-degree days, visit a local cooling center. To find the cooling center closest to you, contact your local government or utility, and listen for announcements about center locations on the radio or television.
If a cooling center does not appear to be nearby, consider visiting the local library or an air-conditioned indoor shopping center. Movie theaters also offer relief...provided you can afford the cost of a movie ticket and you can find a movie you'd like to see.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Get Ready for Summer
Five fast fixes to make your home energy efficient in summer
Cutting energy use saves you money, which in this bad economy, is really important.
What’s more, utility rates will keep going up. In 2008, prices of natural gas, a popular fuel that is used in hundreds of power plants to generate electricity, jumped when the price for a barrel of oil topped out near $150. Utilities have been passing those cost increases on to customers.
That hurts, especially if your pay was cut or you’re out of work.
Electricity powers our air-conditioners, and air-conditioners are a big part of summertime utility bills for millions of Americans.
What to do?
Here are five sure-fire ways to reduce summertime bills:
1. Set the thermostat of your air conditioner to 78 degrees. That may sound like it’s too high, especially in some areas of the country. But keeping the thermostat to a level that delays turning on the machine is the best way to keep costs down.
2. Clean your air conditioner. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and thoroughly clean you’re A/C. Clear away leaves and other obstructions from outside condenser coils and grilles. Replace or clean filters. Make sure the fan spins freely. Oil the fan motor. Check duct insulation for tears and repair as needed.
3. Use natural cooling in mornings. Open the windows early and use the cool morning air to bring down the temperature in your home. Before the sun begins to bake the ground, however, close the windows and keep what cool air you’ve allowed into your home to stay there.
4. Shade out the sun. Draw draperies and shades, close shutters, or install awnings, solar screens, and reflective window screens to block out sunlight and heat. Even shading north windows, which are not directly affected by the sun, can help keep heat reflected from driveways, porches, and sidewalks.
5. Avoid using heat-producing appliances inside. On hot days and nights, try to not use your big heat generating appliances, such as the oven or dishwashers. Or wait until later in the evening when it is cooler. Hang your laundry outside instead of using a dryer. Cook outdoors or use the microwave.
Five fast fixes to make your home energy efficient in summer
Cutting energy use saves you money, which in this bad economy, is really important.
What’s more, utility rates will keep going up. In 2008, prices of natural gas, a popular fuel that is used in hundreds of power plants to generate electricity, jumped when the price for a barrel of oil topped out near $150. Utilities have been passing those cost increases on to customers.
That hurts, especially if your pay was cut or you’re out of work.
Electricity powers our air-conditioners, and air-conditioners are a big part of summertime utility bills for millions of Americans.
What to do?
Here are five sure-fire ways to reduce summertime bills:
1. Set the thermostat of your air conditioner to 78 degrees. That may sound like it’s too high, especially in some areas of the country. But keeping the thermostat to a level that delays turning on the machine is the best way to keep costs down.
2. Clean your air conditioner. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and thoroughly clean you’re A/C. Clear away leaves and other obstructions from outside condenser coils and grilles. Replace or clean filters. Make sure the fan spins freely. Oil the fan motor. Check duct insulation for tears and repair as needed.
3. Use natural cooling in mornings. Open the windows early and use the cool morning air to bring down the temperature in your home. Before the sun begins to bake the ground, however, close the windows and keep what cool air you’ve allowed into your home to stay there.
4. Shade out the sun. Draw draperies and shades, close shutters, or install awnings, solar screens, and reflective window screens to block out sunlight and heat. Even shading north windows, which are not directly affected by the sun, can help keep heat reflected from driveways, porches, and sidewalks.
5. Avoid using heat-producing appliances inside. On hot days and nights, try to not use your big heat generating appliances, such as the oven or dishwashers. Or wait until later in the evening when it is cooler. Hang your laundry outside instead of using a dryer. Cook outdoors or use the microwave.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
How to Cash in on the Green Economy
Want an job in the Green Economy? Looking for a job in IT? Then Get This Book.
IT professionals can leverage green to help make the world a better place, help their companies lower IT-related energy expenses, and create sustainable careers for the 21st Century.
This bad economy is bound to last a long time, and it is bound to remain in the memories of most adults working today. The key to surviving through the remainder of this decade is to keep your job, or if you've lost a job, to get a new one -- and keep it as long as you can.
The trick is to find a way to reinvent yourself so that what you do is relevant to themes and issues that are changing American business. Controlling emissions from autos and power plants are at the top of the list of issues that American business must deal with, and soon. Local and national regulations are going into place that have the potential to dramatically increase every organization's electricity bills. Energy-intensive data centers are sucking up millions of dollars annually, and when the costs of controlling greenhouse gas emissions are passed onto business customers, these organizations could see their energy bills increase dramatically -- perhaps even double.
So if you're in IT or want to get into IT, then pick up this book, The Greening of IT. This comprehensive text lays out the problem and provides clear recommendations for reducing IT-related energy usage in any organization. The book is relevant to anyone looking for a job in IT or a job in the green economy.
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