Tens of millions of People are already residing under the poverty degree right this moment and what number of can be thought-about to dwell beneath the poverty level after this enhance in gasoline? A lot more people will have to seek assist from the already strained welfare system simply to feed their families. Children will go hungry so mom and pop can get to work to at the least hold a roof over the family's head.
Fuel costs have been in the information continually for the past few decades. The costs carry on fluctuating. One week they are usually too excessive and the following week they're extraordinarily low. This fixed fluctuation in prices is just not an excellent signal to the general economy of the country. It reduces the soundness of a nation, further effecting its financial growth. Skyrocketing fuel prices are primarily accountable for hindering the development of countries, which are attempting to walk hand in hand with other developed nations.
There was a time when the gasoline costs rose to a mark, where most individuals discovered it too difficult to commute to work. The sudden rise in prices has a direct effect on the income of a standard being. Firms are essentially the most affected, as they commonly need to move their products and in return acquire supplies. However, the rise in the cost of assets and transportation in turn impacts the revenue of consumers.
A considerable improve within the gas costs has a combined effect on the society that we dwell in. Because of this, the product value and the cost of war goes up, as all these elements eat a large amount of fuel. That is responsible for producing less number of jobs that end result in the enhance within the rate of unemployment.
One factor that you'd like to know is that while preserving a daily check on the meals and the clothes costs, it was discovered that the food prices went excessive, whereas there was not much difference within the clothing prices. In simple words, the sudden rise within the meals value doesn't have a direct impact on other products. Nonetheless, fuel price is one of the main reasons for inflation and loss of one's income.
It is important that the countries develop a sustainable different source of fuels. It will result in much less reliance on gasoline and oil. Therefore, it is rather crucial that each one international locations of the world join hands and work in direction of bringing down the gasoline prices.
Are we really an individuals which can be so easily led? Do not we've enough gumption and guts to stand up and say enough is enough or if nothing else demand something in return? (Like an increase in wages or a cheaper barrel of oil from Iraq that we're pouring billions and billions of U.S. tax dollars into) I received a query what is the worth of gasoline in Iraq? Did you know that the usgovernment is subsidizing the value of gasoline for the folks of Iraq. Just guess what people in Iraq are paying for a gallon of gasoline? Please sit down earlier than we tell you. Five cents per gallon. There's something improper with this picture.
Inez is truly an impressive, serious and creative observer of the upstream oil and gas production.He spends a good deal of time assessing the industry, she has a lot to say and she is always happy to share her assessments with interested parties.
If you are in the market for more outstanding related content, don't hesitate to check out other fantastic sites today. Without doubt, you will find Good topics & content galore as well as oil and gas events information.
Showing posts with label energy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label energy. Show all posts
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Comprehending the Fluctuation of Oil Prices
Tens of millions of People are already residing under the poverty degree right this moment and what number of can be thought-about to dwell beneath the poverty level after this enhance in gasoline? A lot more people will have to seek assist from the already strained welfare system simply to feed their families. Children will go hungry so mom and pop can get to work to at the least hold a roof over the family's head.
Fuel costs have been in the information continually for the past few decades. The costs carry on fluctuating. One week they are usually too excessive and the following week they're extraordinarily low. This fixed fluctuation in prices is just not an excellent signal to the general economy of the country. It reduces the soundness of a nation, further effecting its financial growth. Skyrocketing fuel prices are primarily accountable for hindering the development of countries, which are attempting to walk hand in hand with other developed nations.
There was a time when the gasoline costs rose to a mark, where most individuals discovered it too difficult to commute to work. The sudden rise in prices has a direct effect on the income of a standard being. Firms are essentially the most affected, as they commonly need to move their products and in return acquire supplies. However, the rise in the cost of assets and transportation in turn impacts the revenue of consumers.
A considerable improve within the gas costs has a combined effect on the society that we dwell in. Because of this, the product value and the cost of war goes up, as all these elements eat a large amount of fuel. That is responsible for producing less number of jobs that end result in the enhance within the rate of unemployment.
One factor that you'd like to know is that while preserving a daily check on the meals and the clothes costs, it was discovered that the food prices went excessive, whereas there was not much difference within the clothing prices. In simple words, the sudden rise within the meals value doesn't have a direct impact on other products. Nonetheless, fuel price is one of the main reasons for inflation and loss of one's income.
It is important that the countries develop a sustainable different source of fuels. It will result in much less reliance on gasoline and oil. Therefore, it is rather crucial that each one international locations of the world join hands and work in direction of bringing down the gasoline prices.
Are we really an individuals which can be so easily led? Do not we've enough gumption and guts to stand up and say enough is enough or if nothing else demand something in return? (Like an increase in wages or a cheaper barrel of oil from Iraq that we're pouring billions and billions of U.S. tax dollars into) I received a query what is the worth of gasoline in Iraq? Did you know that the usgovernment is subsidizing the value of gasoline for the folks of Iraq. Just guess what people in Iraq are paying for a gallon of gasoline? Please sit down earlier than we tell you. Five cents per gallon. There's something improper with this picture.
Inez is truly an impressive, serious and creative observer of the upstream oil and gas production.He spends a good deal of time assessing the industry, she has a lot to say and she is always happy to share her assessments with interested parties.
If you are in the market for more outstanding related content, don't hesitate to check out other fantastic sites today. Without doubt, you will find Good topics & content galore as well as oil and gas events information.
Fuel costs have been in the information continually for the past few decades. The costs carry on fluctuating. One week they are usually too excessive and the following week they're extraordinarily low. This fixed fluctuation in prices is just not an excellent signal to the general economy of the country. It reduces the soundness of a nation, further effecting its financial growth. Skyrocketing fuel prices are primarily accountable for hindering the development of countries, which are attempting to walk hand in hand with other developed nations.
There was a time when the gasoline costs rose to a mark, where most individuals discovered it too difficult to commute to work. The sudden rise in prices has a direct effect on the income of a standard being. Firms are essentially the most affected, as they commonly need to move their products and in return acquire supplies. However, the rise in the cost of assets and transportation in turn impacts the revenue of consumers.
A considerable improve within the gas costs has a combined effect on the society that we dwell in. Because of this, the product value and the cost of war goes up, as all these elements eat a large amount of fuel. That is responsible for producing less number of jobs that end result in the enhance within the rate of unemployment.
One factor that you'd like to know is that while preserving a daily check on the meals and the clothes costs, it was discovered that the food prices went excessive, whereas there was not much difference within the clothing prices. In simple words, the sudden rise within the meals value doesn't have a direct impact on other products. Nonetheless, fuel price is one of the main reasons for inflation and loss of one's income.
It is important that the countries develop a sustainable different source of fuels. It will result in much less reliance on gasoline and oil. Therefore, it is rather crucial that each one international locations of the world join hands and work in direction of bringing down the gasoline prices.
Are we really an individuals which can be so easily led? Do not we've enough gumption and guts to stand up and say enough is enough or if nothing else demand something in return? (Like an increase in wages or a cheaper barrel of oil from Iraq that we're pouring billions and billions of U.S. tax dollars into) I received a query what is the worth of gasoline in Iraq? Did you know that the usgovernment is subsidizing the value of gasoline for the folks of Iraq. Just guess what people in Iraq are paying for a gallon of gasoline? Please sit down earlier than we tell you. Five cents per gallon. There's something improper with this picture.
Inez is truly an impressive, serious and creative observer of the upstream oil and gas production.He spends a good deal of time assessing the industry, she has a lot to say and she is always happy to share her assessments with interested parties.
If you are in the market for more outstanding related content, don't hesitate to check out other fantastic sites today. Without doubt, you will find Good topics & content galore as well as oil and gas events information.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Response Mixed to Bill Speeding up Solar Usage
Pennsylvania State Representative Chris Ross says the state has done to good of a job in encouraging the production of solar power. The Republican from Chester County says now there is too much of the renewable energy being produced in the state and not enough buyers. To remedy that Ross has introduced a series of bills that would force electric companies to buy more solar energy from Pennsylvania sources.
“It was probably an over complication to use two forms of stimulus at the same time. We disrupted the market place, now it’s time for us to stabilize that market place,” says Ross. In 2004 the state set the consumption mandates and in 2008 the state offered $80 million in funding for solar energy production projects.
Ross’s bill would speed up incremental steps included in the mandate that electric companies get .5% of their energy from solar by 2021. The bill also forces the electric companies to buy from Pennsylvania sources rather than out of state sources. “I see it as a correction for a distortion that unfortunately we ourselves created,” says Ross.
PennFuture President Jan Jarrett praises the bill. She says she hopes business will soon be able to sell their credits for a price that will encourage more solar production. The price of those credits dropped as supply outstripped demand.
Penn Power spokesperson Scott Surgeoner says he is in favor of using electricity produced from renewable sources but he says he wants to make sure it is done n a way that does not negatively impact the rates paid by Pennsylvania customers.
Ross’s solar jobs bill has 70 cosponsors.
“It was probably an over complication to use two forms of stimulus at the same time. We disrupted the market place, now it’s time for us to stabilize that market place,” says Ross. In 2004 the state set the consumption mandates and in 2008 the state offered $80 million in funding for solar energy production projects.
Ross’s bill would speed up incremental steps included in the mandate that electric companies get .5% of their energy from solar by 2021. The bill also forces the electric companies to buy from Pennsylvania sources rather than out of state sources. “I see it as a correction for a distortion that unfortunately we ourselves created,” says Ross.
PennFuture President Jan Jarrett praises the bill. She says she hopes business will soon be able to sell their credits for a price that will encourage more solar production. The price of those credits dropped as supply outstripped demand.
Penn Power spokesperson Scott Surgeoner says he is in favor of using electricity produced from renewable sources but he says he wants to make sure it is done n a way that does not negatively impact the rates paid by Pennsylvania customers.
Ross’s solar jobs bill has 70 cosponsors.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Altmire, Murphy Promote Nuke Power
Cranberry-based Westinghouse thinks it has designed a game changer in the nuclear power industry and two local congressmen say they are doing what they can to help.
Tim Murphy (R- Upper St. Clair) and Jason Altmire (D- McCandless) have teamed up to introduce the Nuclear Power 2021 act. Altmire says it is based on the Nuclear Power 2010 program, which he says gave a kick-start to the nuclear power industry. “It provided for loan guarantees and financing and permitting that was not available before,” says Altmire.
Since that bill went into effect Westinghouse has signed contracts to build 14 nuclear power plants in the US. Four of those plants have broken ground in the preconstruction phase. Westinghouse spokesperson Vaughn Gilbert says the plants would be the first to be built in the U.S. since 1978. Gilbert also says those contracts have resulted in 5,000 jobs in the region.
The bill sponsored by Altmire and Murphy would use the same model but apply it to small modular nuclear reactors. “Hopefully by the year 2021 we can have at least two of these [small plants] up and running,” says Altmire.
The legislation does not mention Westinghouse by name but Altmire says the company is the worldwide leader in the technology so it stands to reason that Southwestern Pennsylvania would benefit from the promotion of the technology.
The small plants, according to Altmire, can be built at a tenth of the cost of a large plant and produce about a 6th of the power. He goes on to say the new Westinghouse product allays some of the fears associated with nuclear power. “There is less power being generated, there is less heat, it doesn’t need to be near water, so a lot of the things that would give people concern about the nuclear industry because of what happened in Japan are taken care of with the smaller design.” Because they need less water the power plants can by built in areas of the western United States where larger plants are not possible.
Tim Murphy (R- Upper St. Clair) and Jason Altmire (D- McCandless) have teamed up to introduce the Nuclear Power 2021 act. Altmire says it is based on the Nuclear Power 2010 program, which he says gave a kick-start to the nuclear power industry. “It provided for loan guarantees and financing and permitting that was not available before,” says Altmire.
Since that bill went into effect Westinghouse has signed contracts to build 14 nuclear power plants in the US. Four of those plants have broken ground in the preconstruction phase. Westinghouse spokesperson Vaughn Gilbert says the plants would be the first to be built in the U.S. since 1978. Gilbert also says those contracts have resulted in 5,000 jobs in the region.
The bill sponsored by Altmire and Murphy would use the same model but apply it to small modular nuclear reactors. “Hopefully by the year 2021 we can have at least two of these [small plants] up and running,” says Altmire.
The legislation does not mention Westinghouse by name but Altmire says the company is the worldwide leader in the technology so it stands to reason that Southwestern Pennsylvania would benefit from the promotion of the technology.
The small plants, according to Altmire, can be built at a tenth of the cost of a large plant and produce about a 6th of the power. He goes on to say the new Westinghouse product allays some of the fears associated with nuclear power. “There is less power being generated, there is less heat, it doesn’t need to be near water, so a lot of the things that would give people concern about the nuclear industry because of what happened in Japan are taken care of with the smaller design.” Because they need less water the power plants can by built in areas of the western United States where larger plants are not possible.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
City Streetlights Could Change
Pittsburgh City Council has taken the first step toward creating the city’s first-ever lighting code and at the same time moved down the path toward installing new LED streetlights in every business district.
In May of 2008, the city launched a test project to install LED streetlights on half of Walnut Street in Shadyside. The experiment was well received by most and since then, various council members have been pushing for more. The city is sitting on an $800 thousand state grant to help put new lights in all of the city’s approximately 30 business districts and councilman Bill Peduto says the grant expires if the work is not put out to bid this spring. “Our goal is to get this lighting code passed, be able to then to go forward in April with Carnegie Mellon University, who we have hired as part of that grant, to map out what that new lighting system would look like for all of our business districts and by June to issue the first [request for proposal] to begin the installation of those lights,” says Peduto.
Council gave preliminary approval to the bill this morning and will hold a post agenda meeting with CMU representatives to discuss the lighting code and the initial project.
Peduto says part of the code must address what he calls “equity of lighting.” “In certain neighborhoods you see street lights at every telephone poll, in other neighborhoods you only see one street light at the intersection,” says Peduto. The councilman believes some neighborhoods are overly lit while some neighborhoods are too dark. The plan would take into account the type of activity in a neighborhood when setting lighting standard.
Two years ago the university of Pittsburgh took a look at what types of lighting is best, “cradle to grave,” from an environmental standpoint. At the time, LEDs were deemed to be the best and Peduto says it was determined that the city could trim 50% from its streetlight electricity bill by installing LED fixtures. “Today those estimates are over 70%,” says Peduto. He says maintenance costs can be cut by 75%, “Where we replace light bulbs every other year, we wont have to for about 8-10 years” with LED.
The goal is to start installing the lights in the fall and then begin looking for grants to outfit residential neighborhoods. A portion of the business district lighting will be paid for through a city budget fund filled through savings from other energy efficiency efforts.
In May of 2008, the city launched a test project to install LED streetlights on half of Walnut Street in Shadyside. The experiment was well received by most and since then, various council members have been pushing for more. The city is sitting on an $800 thousand state grant to help put new lights in all of the city’s approximately 30 business districts and councilman Bill Peduto says the grant expires if the work is not put out to bid this spring. “Our goal is to get this lighting code passed, be able to then to go forward in April with Carnegie Mellon University, who we have hired as part of that grant, to map out what that new lighting system would look like for all of our business districts and by June to issue the first [request for proposal] to begin the installation of those lights,” says Peduto.
Council gave preliminary approval to the bill this morning and will hold a post agenda meeting with CMU representatives to discuss the lighting code and the initial project.
Peduto says part of the code must address what he calls “equity of lighting.” “In certain neighborhoods you see street lights at every telephone poll, in other neighborhoods you only see one street light at the intersection,” says Peduto. The councilman believes some neighborhoods are overly lit while some neighborhoods are too dark. The plan would take into account the type of activity in a neighborhood when setting lighting standard.
Two years ago the university of Pittsburgh took a look at what types of lighting is best, “cradle to grave,” from an environmental standpoint. At the time, LEDs were deemed to be the best and Peduto says it was determined that the city could trim 50% from its streetlight electricity bill by installing LED fixtures. “Today those estimates are over 70%,” says Peduto. He says maintenance costs can be cut by 75%, “Where we replace light bulbs every other year, we wont have to for about 8-10 years” with LED.
The goal is to start installing the lights in the fall and then begin looking for grants to outfit residential neighborhoods. A portion of the business district lighting will be paid for through a city budget fund filled through savings from other energy efficiency efforts.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Lt. Gov.: "Severance Tax is Off the Table"
A panel formed to study natural gas drilling policy for Pennsylvania has 120 days to deliver a report to Governor Tom Corbett.
The 30-member Marcellus Shale Commission will spend the next four months thinking up economic and regulatory policies to suggest to the governor. It held its first meeting in Harrisburg on Friday.
Addressing the most high-profile drilling issue, Lieutenant Governor and commission chair Jim Cawley said a severance tax is “off the table,” but noted the group will weigh the need for some sort of impact fee to address infrastructure damage. “If identifiable impacts to local government are enumerated, and there is costs that go with that, the governor has charged us with seeing ways in which we could help local governments meet those impacts,” he said.
A public comment period at the end of Friday’s meeting highlighted how divisive the drilling issue has become. Some of the speakers praised drilling’s economic impact on rural communities. Bradford County Commissioner Doug McLinko, a Republican, said drilling has contributed to “climate change” in his county. “The climate is, family farms are being saved. Shops – mom and pops are seeing so much prosperity that they’ve never seen before. You know, there’s the local impacts. There’s good and bad with everything, but as far as job creation, we led the state,” he said.
Nathan Sooy of Clean Water Action said drilling’s potential dangers, including water contamination, has caused environmental groups to beef up, as well. “You guys are creating jobs in my industry. There are more and more jobs to keep track of you guys. And I just wanted to let you know that,” he said. Other speakers questioned the panel’s pro-drilling makeup – a third of its members have ties to the energy industry – with one woman calling its members “cheerleaders” for extraction.
The day’s most emotional comments came from Wyoming County resident Joanne Fiorito, who told the commission drilling has “taken my American dream and ripped it apart.” “You haven’t seen the last of [me],” she said.
The commission holds its next meeting April 27th.
The 30-member Marcellus Shale Commission will spend the next four months thinking up economic and regulatory policies to suggest to the governor. It held its first meeting in Harrisburg on Friday.
Addressing the most high-profile drilling issue, Lieutenant Governor and commission chair Jim Cawley said a severance tax is “off the table,” but noted the group will weigh the need for some sort of impact fee to address infrastructure damage. “If identifiable impacts to local government are enumerated, and there is costs that go with that, the governor has charged us with seeing ways in which we could help local governments meet those impacts,” he said.
A public comment period at the end of Friday’s meeting highlighted how divisive the drilling issue has become. Some of the speakers praised drilling’s economic impact on rural communities. Bradford County Commissioner Doug McLinko, a Republican, said drilling has contributed to “climate change” in his county. “The climate is, family farms are being saved. Shops – mom and pops are seeing so much prosperity that they’ve never seen before. You know, there’s the local impacts. There’s good and bad with everything, but as far as job creation, we led the state,” he said.
Nathan Sooy of Clean Water Action said drilling’s potential dangers, including water contamination, has caused environmental groups to beef up, as well. “You guys are creating jobs in my industry. There are more and more jobs to keep track of you guys. And I just wanted to let you know that,” he said. Other speakers questioned the panel’s pro-drilling makeup – a third of its members have ties to the energy industry – with one woman calling its members “cheerleaders” for extraction.
The day’s most emotional comments came from Wyoming County resident Joanne Fiorito, who told the commission drilling has “taken my American dream and ripped it apart.” “You haven’t seen the last of [me],” she said.
The commission holds its next meeting April 27th.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Earth Hour Calls Attention to Climate Change
Tonight from 8:30–9:30 the City of Pittsburgh will officially participate in the global event, “Earth Hour,” during which hundreds of millions of people, organizations, corporations and governments around the world will come together and turn off their lights to demonstrate a concern for climate change.
In 2007, the first Earth Hour occurred in Sydney, Australia with 2.2 million people turning off their lights in a show of support for efforts to fight climate change. Pittsburgh began participating the following year and in 2010, 128 countries took part in Earth Hour. That included 90 million Americans and iconic American landmarks, such as, Seattle’s Space Needle, the Las Vegas Strip, St Louis’ Gateway Arch, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
This evening Carlow, Carnegie Mellon, Chatham, Duquesne, Point Park and the University of Pittsburgh will all have buildings go dark for one hour.
Since 2008, Councilman William Peduto has led the effort to have Pittsburgh be a partner in this global event.
“I am proud of Pittsburgh’s continued environmental leadership. Pittsburgh’s universities have long been leaders of the region and it is only appropriate that they lead Pittsburgh’s Earth Hour efforts.”
In 2007, the first Earth Hour occurred in Sydney, Australia with 2.2 million people turning off their lights in a show of support for efforts to fight climate change. Pittsburgh began participating the following year and in 2010, 128 countries took part in Earth Hour. That included 90 million Americans and iconic American landmarks, such as, Seattle’s Space Needle, the Las Vegas Strip, St Louis’ Gateway Arch, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
This evening Carlow, Carnegie Mellon, Chatham, Duquesne, Point Park and the University of Pittsburgh will all have buildings go dark for one hour.
Since 2008, Councilman William Peduto has led the effort to have Pittsburgh be a partner in this global event.
“I am proud of Pittsburgh’s continued environmental leadership. Pittsburgh’s universities have long been leaders of the region and it is only appropriate that they lead Pittsburgh’s Earth Hour efforts.”
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Energy Company Liable for Pollution
Houston based GenOn Energy Inc. could face as much as could face $325 million in fines for water pollution violations at its power plant in Indiana County PA. A federal judge in Pittsburgh yesterday ruled that the wholly-owned subsidiary, GenOn Northeast Management Co., is liable for discharging metals into the Conemaugh River. The suit filed by PennEnvironment and the Sierra Club alleged that the violations date back to 2005. The judge found the facility committed 8,684 violations of the federal Clean Water Act. Each violation could carry a civil penalty of as much as $37,500. In 2005 the plant was run by Reliant Energy, which later became part of GenOn.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Mitchell must still decide what penalty to impose. Company officials refused comment until the penalty phase is completed. It is expected that GenOn will attempt to settle the 2007 lawsuit before the judge imposes a penalty.
Pennsylvania Sierra Club Water issues chair Thomas Au says, “GenOn’s long history of failure to comply with its pollution limits suggests that the quality of Pennsylvania’s rivers is worth less to the company than the profits it can take back to Houston.” He calls the ruling a real victory.
David Masur, the director of PennEnvironment, says the decision should force GenOn to comply with federal and state clean water rules as well as to pay a penalty large enough that the company doesn't profit from polluting.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Mitchell must still decide what penalty to impose. Company officials refused comment until the penalty phase is completed. It is expected that GenOn will attempt to settle the 2007 lawsuit before the judge imposes a penalty.
Pennsylvania Sierra Club Water issues chair Thomas Au says, “GenOn’s long history of failure to comply with its pollution limits suggests that the quality of Pennsylvania’s rivers is worth less to the company than the profits it can take back to Houston.” He calls the ruling a real victory.
David Masur, the director of PennEnvironment, says the decision should force GenOn to comply with federal and state clean water rules as well as to pay a penalty large enough that the company doesn't profit from polluting.
Monday, March 14, 2011
PennEnvironment Releases Solar Hot Water Report
Pennsylvania could reduce fossil fuel and energy consumption along with pollution, if more solar hot water systems were used according to a new report by PennEnvironment. The report was released during an event at the Plumbers Local Union No. 27 in Coraopolis PA. Solar hot water is used to provide heat to homes and businesses. According to the report, solar hot water systems have the ability to reduce Americans' energy bills by 9.9 billion dollars.
Matthew Ward, Western Pennsylvania Field Associate for PennEnvironment, says that solar hot water could greatly improve Pennsylvania. "By investing in this solar energy technology to produce hot water for homes and businesses, Pennsylvania could reduce global warming pollution by the equivalent of taking almost 275,000 cars off of our roads. And at the same time, with energy savings, people in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, all across Pennsylvania could replace their water heating bills by fifty to eighty percent."
Ward says solar hot water systems could lead to increased jobs with Europe's solar thermal industry employing 40,000 people. He says that the systems are cost effective and many businesses are already using them including Fire House No. 34 in Brighton Heights and the Ross Hill Retirement Residence.
Matthew Ward, Western Pennsylvania Field Associate for PennEnvironment, says that solar hot water could greatly improve Pennsylvania. "By investing in this solar energy technology to produce hot water for homes and businesses, Pennsylvania could reduce global warming pollution by the equivalent of taking almost 275,000 cars off of our roads. And at the same time, with energy savings, people in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, all across Pennsylvania could replace their water heating bills by fifty to eighty percent."
Ward says solar hot water systems could lead to increased jobs with Europe's solar thermal industry employing 40,000 people. He says that the systems are cost effective and many businesses are already using them including Fire House No. 34 in Brighton Heights and the Ross Hill Retirement Residence.
Monday, February 7, 2011
FirstEnergy Looks For New Ash Dump
The Little Blue Run coal ash site will reach its permanent capacity some time in 2016 or 2018 and that means Akron, Ohio based FirstEnergy is looking for a new location to place the coal ash generated by the Bruce Mansfield power plant in Greene Township, Beaver County. The Bruce Mansfield plant is the largest coal fired plant in Pennsylvania. First Energy Spokesperson Mark Durbin says they are working with regulators and the community to place a new facility nearby. He says they have had meetings with local elected officials and residents about building what he calls a “benefits package” for the community. “There is a benefit to FirstEnergy to have this new facility located where it is and we think the community should also have some type of benefit involved, so we are working with the community to try to present what we think is an offer and hopefully we will get some feedback and hopefully we can come to some type of agreement,” says Durbin. The value of that package is currently in the range of $15 million over the 20-28 year life span of the site. “It could be used for some help with property tax, maybe some other money could be used to help with municipal services in the region, maybe some of it could be used for the schools or 4-H clubs,” says Durbin.
The company picked up about $2.4 million dollars in residential, commercial and farmland last year in the hopes of using the land for the new dump. Durbin says the new facility will store the same ash, but it is a very different design. The current facility is what is known as a wet storage facility and the new facility will be a dry facility. That is the latest technology for ash storage and what current regulations call for, says Durbin.
When the Little Blue Run coal ash facility is closed it will be capped and covered. “The material that has been stored there over the years would be encased behind the dam and then it would be mulched over and vegetation would grow in,” says Durbin, “We would continue to monitor and test that facility for as long as it is around.” Durbin says eventually it could begin to look much like it did before the facility was opened.
The Bruce Mansfield plant in Shippingport has been listed as a major air polluter by state and federal regulators. Residents near the ash disposal site have voiced concerns over negative health and drinking water impacts but none have been proven. The current site has been in use for more than 30 years.
Correction 2/8/11: In at least one case, the Pennsylvania DEP found that the well of a local resident was negatively impacted by contamination from the Little Blue coal ash facility and FirstEnergy was required to provide drinking water to that home.
The company picked up about $2.4 million dollars in residential, commercial and farmland last year in the hopes of using the land for the new dump. Durbin says the new facility will store the same ash, but it is a very different design. The current facility is what is known as a wet storage facility and the new facility will be a dry facility. That is the latest technology for ash storage and what current regulations call for, says Durbin.
When the Little Blue Run coal ash facility is closed it will be capped and covered. “The material that has been stored there over the years would be encased behind the dam and then it would be mulched over and vegetation would grow in,” says Durbin, “We would continue to monitor and test that facility for as long as it is around.” Durbin says eventually it could begin to look much like it did before the facility was opened.
The Bruce Mansfield plant in Shippingport has been listed as a major air polluter by state and federal regulators. Residents near the ash disposal site have voiced concerns over negative health and drinking water impacts but none have been proven. The current site has been in use for more than 30 years.
Correction 2/8/11: In at least one case, the Pennsylvania DEP found that the well of a local resident was negatively impacted by contamination from the Little Blue coal ash facility and FirstEnergy was required to provide drinking water to that home.
Friday, February 4, 2011
GOP Lawmaker Skeptical About Cost of Energy Program
President Obama used a trip to State College to announce a new energy efficiency plan he says could save the country’s businesses $40 billion a year, once it’s up and running.
The proposal would provide tax credits, loan guarantees and grants to companies overhauling their buildings, in order to save on heating and cooling costs. Early in the speech, Obama acknowledged energy efficiency “isn’t a sexy topic,” saying, “Everybody focuses on cars and gas prices. That’s understandable. But our homes and our businesses use 40 percent of the energy. They contribute to 40 percent of the carbon pollution that we produce, and is contributing to climate change.”
The global warming reference was notable, as Obama didn’t mention climate change once during his State of the Union address, despite running for office on a platform arguing carbon emissions were a serious threat to global stability.
As part of the new plan, Obama wants the federal government to award competitive grants to states and municipalities that toughen energy efficiency standards. “We’re also going to support state and local governments who come up with the best ideas to make energy-efficient buildings the norm. So you show us the best ideas to change your game on the ground, we’ll show you the money,” he said. The effort would be similar to the Department of Education’s “Race to the Top,” which awards money to states that implement aggressive education reforms.
The White House hasn’t put a price tag on the initiative, but the president says the government could pay for it by closing tax loopholes given to big oil companies. Republican Congressman Glenn Thompson, who represents State College, was a bit skeptical of that claim. “I guess I would challenge – I’ve been working on this issue for two years. I want to see where the subsidies are.” Thompson said Obama and other Democrats sometimes exaggerate big energy companies’ perks. “It gets people’s attention because it’s picking out a bad guy you can focus your attention on,” he said.
Thompson was the only member of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation in the audience. Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey were in Washington, and Governor Corbett didn’t attend the speech, either – though Penn State football coach Joe Paterno was there. In fact, Paterno got the biggest applause of the day when Obama mentioned him, and won a standing ovation from the crowd of students when he entered the gymnasium before the speech began.
President Obama offered mild support for the Super Bowl-bound Steelers at the beginning of the speech, pointing out he had visited a town near Green Bay last week. “So, in the spirit of fairness, I’ve come to Pennsylvania, not too far from the center of Steeler Nation, to wish Steelers fans good luck in the Super Bowl, too.” When the Steelers were last in the Super Bowl, Obama actively backed them. During Pennsylvania’s 2008 primary, he frequently said the Steelers had always been his second-favorite team. And, of course, Obama appointed owner Dan Rooney Ambassador to Ireland. So some obersevers were confused by the tepid “good luck in the Super Bowl” language, especially in light of the fact Obama’s favorite team, the Bears, are the Packers’ top rival.
The State College visit was Obama’s tenth trip to Pennsylvania, since taking office.
The proposal would provide tax credits, loan guarantees and grants to companies overhauling their buildings, in order to save on heating and cooling costs. Early in the speech, Obama acknowledged energy efficiency “isn’t a sexy topic,” saying, “Everybody focuses on cars and gas prices. That’s understandable. But our homes and our businesses use 40 percent of the energy. They contribute to 40 percent of the carbon pollution that we produce, and is contributing to climate change.”
The global warming reference was notable, as Obama didn’t mention climate change once during his State of the Union address, despite running for office on a platform arguing carbon emissions were a serious threat to global stability.
As part of the new plan, Obama wants the federal government to award competitive grants to states and municipalities that toughen energy efficiency standards. “We’re also going to support state and local governments who come up with the best ideas to make energy-efficient buildings the norm. So you show us the best ideas to change your game on the ground, we’ll show you the money,” he said. The effort would be similar to the Department of Education’s “Race to the Top,” which awards money to states that implement aggressive education reforms.
The White House hasn’t put a price tag on the initiative, but the president says the government could pay for it by closing tax loopholes given to big oil companies. Republican Congressman Glenn Thompson, who represents State College, was a bit skeptical of that claim. “I guess I would challenge – I’ve been working on this issue for two years. I want to see where the subsidies are.” Thompson said Obama and other Democrats sometimes exaggerate big energy companies’ perks. “It gets people’s attention because it’s picking out a bad guy you can focus your attention on,” he said.
Thompson was the only member of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation in the audience. Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey were in Washington, and Governor Corbett didn’t attend the speech, either – though Penn State football coach Joe Paterno was there. In fact, Paterno got the biggest applause of the day when Obama mentioned him, and won a standing ovation from the crowd of students when he entered the gymnasium before the speech began.
President Obama offered mild support for the Super Bowl-bound Steelers at the beginning of the speech, pointing out he had visited a town near Green Bay last week. “So, in the spirit of fairness, I’ve come to Pennsylvania, not too far from the center of Steeler Nation, to wish Steelers fans good luck in the Super Bowl, too.” When the Steelers were last in the Super Bowl, Obama actively backed them. During Pennsylvania’s 2008 primary, he frequently said the Steelers had always been his second-favorite team. And, of course, Obama appointed owner Dan Rooney Ambassador to Ireland. So some obersevers were confused by the tepid “good luck in the Super Bowl” language, especially in light of the fact Obama’s favorite team, the Bears, are the Packers’ top rival.
The State College visit was Obama’s tenth trip to Pennsylvania, since taking office.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
President Pushes Loans, Grants & Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
President Barack Obama used a visit to Penn State University to announce a new energy efficiency plan.
The tax incentives and grants aimed at improving energy efficiency by 20 percent over the next ten years build on the “Win the Future” theme President Obama focused on during his State of the Union.
Addressing the crowd of about a thousand students, Mr. Obama said the United States will face stiff competition from the rest of the world over the coming decades.
"I know every young person here feels that pressure. You understand that it’s not going to be a cakewalk – this competition for the future."
The president wants the Department of Energy to guarantee loans for small businesses taking out money to improve their buildings’ efficiency.
Mr. Obama says that, combined with tax credits and grant programs he wants to offer, could help the country’s businesses save 40 billion dollars a year on energy costs.
He wants to pay for the plan by eliminating tax breaks for big oil companies.
The tax incentives and grants aimed at improving energy efficiency by 20 percent over the next ten years build on the “Win the Future” theme President Obama focused on during his State of the Union.
Addressing the crowd of about a thousand students, Mr. Obama said the United States will face stiff competition from the rest of the world over the coming decades.
"I know every young person here feels that pressure. You understand that it’s not going to be a cakewalk – this competition for the future."
Mr. Obama acknowledged energy efficiency “isn’t a sexy topic.”
"Everybody focuses on cars and gas prices. That’s understandable. But our homes and our businesses use 40 percent of the energy. They contribute to 40 percent of the carbon pollution that we produce, and is contributing to climate change."
"Everybody focuses on cars and gas prices. That’s understandable. But our homes and our businesses use 40 percent of the energy. They contribute to 40 percent of the carbon pollution that we produce, and is contributing to climate change."
The president wants the Department of Energy to guarantee loans for small businesses taking out money to improve their buildings’ efficiency.
Mr. Obama says that, combined with tax credits and grant programs he wants to offer, could help the country’s businesses save 40 billion dollars a year on energy costs.
He wants to pay for the plan by eliminating tax breaks for big oil companies.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
EPA: Homer City Power Plant Violates Clean Air Act
The Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency have filed suit in federal court in Pittsburgh against current and former owners and operators of the coal-fired Homer City Generating Station in Indiana County for violation of the Clean Air Act. The power plant is operated by EME Homer City Generation L.P. and owned by 8 limited liability corporations. Prior owners Pennsylvania Electric and New York State Electric & Gas were also cited in the complaint.
E.P.A. spokeswoman Bonnie Smith says the owners and operators violated the Clean Air Act by making major modifications to the boiler units at the plant without obtaining the required permits and without installing the best pollution controls....
"If a power plant installs best available control technology, they would be using scrubbers that could reduce as much as 95% of the sulfur dioxide and particulate emissions coming out of a stack, coming out of a power plant."
Smith says in 2009 the Homer City plant emitted 96,000 tons of sulfur dioxide...
"If you removed 95% (from the Homer City plant) , you would be reducing by 1% all of the sulfur dioxide emitted in the United States."
The E.P.A. is asking federal court to force the owners and operators to comply with the Clean Air Act and apply for the proper permits. Smith says their penalty policy would allow for fines ranging from $27,000 to $37,000 per day over the course of several. If those fines are sought and granted, they could total in the tens of millions of dollars.
A spokesman for Edison Mission Energy told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the violations occurred before the current owners bought the plant in 1999.
However, the lawsuit also lists violations from March 2004 till the present.
E.P.A. spokeswoman Bonnie Smith says the owners and operators violated the Clean Air Act by making major modifications to the boiler units at the plant without obtaining the required permits and without installing the best pollution controls....
"If a power plant installs best available control technology, they would be using scrubbers that could reduce as much as 95% of the sulfur dioxide and particulate emissions coming out of a stack, coming out of a power plant."
Smith says in 2009 the Homer City plant emitted 96,000 tons of sulfur dioxide...
"If you removed 95% (from the Homer City plant) , you would be reducing by 1% all of the sulfur dioxide emitted in the United States."
The E.P.A. is asking federal court to force the owners and operators to comply with the Clean Air Act and apply for the proper permits. Smith says their penalty policy would allow for fines ranging from $27,000 to $37,000 per day over the course of several. If those fines are sought and granted, they could total in the tens of millions of dollars.
A spokesman for Edison Mission Energy told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the violations occurred before the current owners bought the plant in 1999.
However, the lawsuit also lists violations from March 2004 till the present.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Feds Encourage Home Energy Efficiency
Yesterday Vice President Joe Biden announced a new federal program aimed at improving residential energy efficiency, saving homeowners money, and creating new jobs for contractors.
“Recovery Through Retrofit” offers certified contractors new software to establish a “home energy score” on a scale from 1 to 10 when they evaluate individual homes. An assessment would also include estimated savings from recommended home energy upgrades.
Interested homeowners can sign up through Efficiency PA, which will administer the start up program in Allegheny County, or contact one of the certified contractors on the website efficiencypa.com. Program Manager John Horchner says the goal is to make energy efficiency more tangible so homeowners will put their resources into energy efficiency: improving the home's energy score could increase the market value.
Unique to the Allegheny County program, according to Horchner, is the opportunity for homeowners to win prizes and be part of a house tour in the 2011 Allegheny County Green Innovation Festival.
Federally insured loans from private lenders will be part of another new program starting in early 2011: PowerSaver Loans, with terms up to 20 years. Horchner says there are also state and local programs to help homeowners retrofit for energy efficiency.
“Recovery Through Retrofit” offers certified contractors new software to establish a “home energy score” on a scale from 1 to 10 when they evaluate individual homes. An assessment would also include estimated savings from recommended home energy upgrades.
Interested homeowners can sign up through Efficiency PA, which will administer the start up program in Allegheny County, or contact one of the certified contractors on the website efficiencypa.com. Program Manager John Horchner says the goal is to make energy efficiency more tangible so homeowners will put their resources into energy efficiency: improving the home's energy score could increase the market value.
Unique to the Allegheny County program, according to Horchner, is the opportunity for homeowners to win prizes and be part of a house tour in the 2011 Allegheny County Green Innovation Festival.
Federally insured loans from private lenders will be part of another new program starting in early 2011: PowerSaver Loans, with terms up to 20 years. Horchner says there are also state and local programs to help homeowners retrofit for energy efficiency.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Hanover Solar Farm Would Be PA's Largest
Snack food maker Snyder’s of Hanover is set to begin construction of the state’s largest solar energy system.
Snyder’s of Hanover spokeswoman Andrea Bartman says the farm will reduce the company’s greenhouse gas emissions by 230 million pounds over 25 years.
Snyder’s expects all 16,000 solar panels to be installed in March or April of 2011. Bartman says the company hired only Pennsylvania contractors for this project.
“Hopefully in the next week, we will have a live camera up on the roof of our corporate building, and you will be able to watch the construction process. It will update every 15 minutes and then at the end of the project, when it’s completed, you will be able to see a time lapse video of the entire construction phase.”
Bartman says Snyder’s will also fence in the 26-acre farm, and landscape the hillside. She says the farm will stand directly across the street from Snyder’s headquarters in Hanover.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently announced the construction of a 7,000-acre solar farm in the Mojave Desert of California. That farm would be the largest in the country, and would generate more than double the nation’s current solar energy production.
Snyder’s of Hanover spokeswoman Andrea Bartman says the farm will reduce the company’s greenhouse gas emissions by 230 million pounds over 25 years.
Snyder’s expects all 16,000 solar panels to be installed in March or April of 2011. Bartman says the company hired only Pennsylvania contractors for this project.
“Hopefully in the next week, we will have a live camera up on the roof of our corporate building, and you will be able to watch the construction process. It will update every 15 minutes and then at the end of the project, when it’s completed, you will be able to see a time lapse video of the entire construction phase.”
Bartman says Snyder’s will also fence in the 26-acre farm, and landscape the hillside. She says the farm will stand directly across the street from Snyder’s headquarters in Hanover.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently announced the construction of a 7,000-acre solar farm in the Mojave Desert of California. That farm would be the largest in the country, and would generate more than double the nation’s current solar energy production.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Rendell Says No to Utility Merger, Companies say Yes
In a letter to the Pennsylvania Utility Commission PA Governor Ed Rendell says the proposed merger of FirstEnergy and Allegheny Energy would kill 980 jobs in southwestern Pennsylvania and harm competition in electricity markets. He says the move is especially troubling because it comes at a time when prices are rising due to the expiration of rate caps. Rendell directed the Department of Environmental Protection to file a brief on behalf of the commonwealth with the PUC urging the commissioners to deny the merger request. "This merger would be a great deal for Wall Street and Ohio, but terrible for Pennsylvania's workers and consumers," says Rendell. He says the merger would create an “electrical behemoth” that would “further increase the already-rising electric rates paid by families, employers, local governments and schools.” The governor says he reviewed the application and feels it, “lacks any positive environmental effects, energy efficiency incentives or increases in renewable energy.”
In a joint statement from FirstEnergy and Allegheny Energy, the companies say, "We respectfully disagree with Governor Rendell's position on our proposed merger. The merger will create a stronger company, better positioned to deliver significant immediate and long-term benefits to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including operating efficiencies that would result in better service reliability and prices for customers.” The statement goes on to point to several organizations have come out in support of the merger including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Utility Workers Union of America and “economic development and chambers of commerce groups, such as the Butler, Pa. County Economic Development Corp., Greater Johnstown-Cambria County Chamber of Commerce and the PA Economic Development Association.” The heads of the two power companies say a merged company provides the best opportunity for employment and economic growth in Pennsylvania.
I an effort to address Governor Rendell’s concerns over job losses, FirstEnergy says it has, “delayed hiring in order to accommodate Allegheny Energy employees, and will look for ways to provide additional career opportunities.” Rendell also voiced concerns that Pennsylvania would lose the Allegheny Energy headquarters office in Greensburg because the merged company will operate out of Akron, Ohio. FirstEnergy says it has, “committed to locate a regional headquarters in Greensburg.” The company says it also plans to work with local community colleges to establish a Power Systems Institute program. FirstEnergy has three other such institutes where it educates and trains future utility workers.
In closing the two companies say, “While we are disappointed that Governor Rendell does not recognize the many benefits of the FirstEnergy and Allegheny Energy merger, we will continue to work through the process to secure the needed regulatory approvals. The process remains on track. We are confident that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will look at the record of the case and base a decision on the merits.”
In a joint statement from FirstEnergy and Allegheny Energy, the companies say, "We respectfully disagree with Governor Rendell's position on our proposed merger. The merger will create a stronger company, better positioned to deliver significant immediate and long-term benefits to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including operating efficiencies that would result in better service reliability and prices for customers.” The statement goes on to point to several organizations have come out in support of the merger including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Utility Workers Union of America and “economic development and chambers of commerce groups, such as the Butler, Pa. County Economic Development Corp., Greater Johnstown-Cambria County Chamber of Commerce and the PA Economic Development Association.” The heads of the two power companies say a merged company provides the best opportunity for employment and economic growth in Pennsylvania.
I an effort to address Governor Rendell’s concerns over job losses, FirstEnergy says it has, “delayed hiring in order to accommodate Allegheny Energy employees, and will look for ways to provide additional career opportunities.” Rendell also voiced concerns that Pennsylvania would lose the Allegheny Energy headquarters office in Greensburg because the merged company will operate out of Akron, Ohio. FirstEnergy says it has, “committed to locate a regional headquarters in Greensburg.” The company says it also plans to work with local community colleges to establish a Power Systems Institute program. FirstEnergy has three other such institutes where it educates and trains future utility workers.
In closing the two companies say, “While we are disappointed that Governor Rendell does not recognize the many benefits of the FirstEnergy and Allegheny Energy merger, we will continue to work through the process to secure the needed regulatory approvals. The process remains on track. We are confident that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will look at the record of the case and base a decision on the merits.”
Monday, October 4, 2010
Marcellus Works Proposal
House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Stan Saylor from York County has introduced a program called Marcellus Works. The proposal has 4 main components, to transition state vehicles to "natural gas" or the type of gas found underground, provide tax credits for "natural gas" vehicles and infrastructure, providing conversion grants to local governments to convert their fleets to "natural gas" and installing natural gas stations at every stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike a natural gas corridor.
Saylor says he does not believe there are detrimental environmental effects to hydraulic fracturing.
He said his proposal will keep gas drilling industry in the state and thousands of jobs in the natural gas industry and in the infrastructure, manufacturing and the service sectors.
Saylor says he does not believe there are detrimental environmental effects to hydraulic fracturing.
He said his proposal will keep gas drilling industry in the state and thousands of jobs in the natural gas industry and in the infrastructure, manufacturing and the service sectors.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Groups Call on EPA to Regulate Coal Ash
Several environmental organizations have joined forces less than a week before the Environmental Protection Agency launches a series of hearings on coal ash, to call for tight federal regulations. Right now the EPA sets up guidelines for the retention ponds and acceptable levels of materials in drinking water but leaves enforcement to states. The groups released a report today that finds in many cases states know toxins are spreading out of the ponds but are not doing anything about it. In other cases they say states wont even monitor the ponds. Those are among the reasons why the Sierra Club, Earthjustice and the Environmental Integrity Project say the federal government needs to step in with enforcement. The study looks at 39 sites as case studies including FirstEnergy’s Bruce Mansfield Power Plant’s Little Blue Run Surface Impoundment in Beaver County and Allegheny Energy Supply Company’s Hatfield’s Ferry Power station in Greene County. Arsenic, Aluminum, Barium and Cadmium were among the chemicals and elements found in wells or surface waters near those coal ash ponds. Researcher Russell Boulding says he looked at ground water contamination at two plants where the power company has on-site wells. He says those wells were being used to supply drinking water to employees and although he did not test the water he believes they were contaminated based on test done to other wells in the area. “Unless they are doing some pretty fancy treatment of the ground water they are poising workers at the plant,” says Boulding. The groups are calling for the EPA to set liner standards for the ponds, monitoring protocols and clean up requirements.
The full report can be found here.
The first EPA hearing comes Monday in Washington DC followed by 6 more around the country including one September 21st in Pittsburgh.
The full report can be found here.
The first EPA hearing comes Monday in Washington DC followed by 6 more around the country including one September 21st in Pittsburgh.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Allegheny County Joins Energy Saving Program
Thursday, August 19, Allegheny County participated in the PJM Interconnection’s Demand Response Program by reducing their electricity use for an hour-long test.
The purpose of the program is to reduce the use of electricity when heavy demand threatens the PJM electricity grid, which serves 51 million people in 13 states.
The county’s Deputy Director of Operations, Phillip LeMay says PJM Interconnections approached the county to volunteer for this program. “They want more planned participation in building owners to be ready to respond to excessive demand on the electrical grid.” He says PJM has provided incentive for building owners to participate, which is a money reimbursement if they reach their goal.
LeMay says the county court house, county jails, county office building, medical examiner’s office and some detention centers limited their use of electricity from 2 to 3 p.m. He says everyone was very cooperative and believes they’d be prepared for a real event. “Just from an observation perspective I think it was a good success.”
He says they were given a weeks notice to plan the test, but if a real event were to occur they’d be given 24 hours. Limited use of electricity would last from 4 to 6 hours during an actual event.
LeMay says a report with the results will be in some time next week. If they’ve done well, they’ll receive a reward; otherwise, they’ll have to work on the plan. “Once we see the report, we can see where we need to tweak the plan and improve our communication for next time.”
The purpose of the program is to reduce the use of electricity when heavy demand threatens the PJM electricity grid, which serves 51 million people in 13 states.
The county’s Deputy Director of Operations, Phillip LeMay says PJM Interconnections approached the county to volunteer for this program. “They want more planned participation in building owners to be ready to respond to excessive demand on the electrical grid.” He says PJM has provided incentive for building owners to participate, which is a money reimbursement if they reach their goal.
LeMay says the county court house, county jails, county office building, medical examiner’s office and some detention centers limited their use of electricity from 2 to 3 p.m. He says everyone was very cooperative and believes they’d be prepared for a real event. “Just from an observation perspective I think it was a good success.”
He says they were given a weeks notice to plan the test, but if a real event were to occur they’d be given 24 hours. Limited use of electricity would last from 4 to 6 hours during an actual event.
LeMay says a report with the results will be in some time next week. If they’ve done well, they’ll receive a reward; otherwise, they’ll have to work on the plan. “Once we see the report, we can see where we need to tweak the plan and improve our communication for next time.”
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Airport Cuts Energy Usage for One Hour
The Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) took part in a regional energy conservation test program at the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) today from 2 to 3 pm. The energy conservation project is called PJM Demand Response.
Airport Spokeswoman JoAnn Jenny says this is an effort to “lighten the load” on the electric grid in the Northeastern part of the country. She says lights, air conditioning, electric walkways, escalators and other devices will be switched off in some areas of the airport. Ultimately, they’d like to save about 2,000 kilowatts.
Jenny says this will not impact flights and will have minimal affect on passengers and employees. ACAA has implemented a customer service plan for the hour long power outage, such as having extra employees around to help people with disabilities. She says only one train will run to and from terminals, which may cause minor delays.
Jenny says, “It’s a project where if we do meet the amount of energy savings that we set as our goal, there is some financial incentive—we’ll get some type of reimbursement.”
Jenny says several companies are participating in the program in 13 states, with the goal of saving nearly 3,000 megawatts.
Airport Spokeswoman JoAnn Jenny says this is an effort to “lighten the load” on the electric grid in the Northeastern part of the country. She says lights, air conditioning, electric walkways, escalators and other devices will be switched off in some areas of the airport. Ultimately, they’d like to save about 2,000 kilowatts.
Jenny says this will not impact flights and will have minimal affect on passengers and employees. ACAA has implemented a customer service plan for the hour long power outage, such as having extra employees around to help people with disabilities. She says only one train will run to and from terminals, which may cause minor delays.
Jenny says, “It’s a project where if we do meet the amount of energy savings that we set as our goal, there is some financial incentive—we’ll get some type of reimbursement.”
Jenny says several companies are participating in the program in 13 states, with the goal of saving nearly 3,000 megawatts.
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