Connecticut Energy Blog

2012-01-17T19:41:00.001-08:00

2012-01-17T19:37:00.001-08:00

English Station ducks wrecking ball, for now

2011-08-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

Demolition plans fall apart due to environmental concerns. Read more from the New Haven Independent.

I have to admit I'm a little confused. They were pumping oil out of transformers, so obviously they were not pumping fuel oil. PCBs were used as dilectric cooling fluid for transformers during most of the life of this power plant. So...should it be a surprise to discover a "99%" concentration of PCBs? I take issue with the characterization of this concentration being "very high". It's almost pure PCB.

I still don't understand why no one is going after Quinnipiac Energy to find out what happened to the clean-up money. Does anyone know where they are and has anyone tried to audit that account? UI? City of New Haven?

English Station to be destroyed

2011-08-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

After initially proposing to turn the site into a fuel cell generation station, the real estate developer that owns the English Station claims to have a new plan that involves razing the historic, century-old building. Luther Turmelle reports for the New Haven Register.

This could be a relief for breathing members of the New Haven community, to whom the dormant plant represents an ongoing threat of a urban pollution. Obviously people will be anxious to see the term "undetermined industrial purpose" better defined.

While the developer has a history of preserving historic buildings (here and here), it seems that converting the polluted coal and oil burning facility into living space is not in the cards. As I have previously reported, UI shelled out almost $2million for environmental remediation but that money seems to have gone missing. Still, one wonders if the original building might be suitable for some "undetermined industrial purpose". It's a beautiful building.

Electric rates set to go down

2010-12-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

DPUC approved new lower rates for electricity users in CT. CL&P customers should see approx 8% reduction while UI customers will see a more modest 1.5% dip. Read more here.

Still, you may find lower rates from an alternative provider. Click here for a list of providers and prices.

Madison saves big bucks on energy bills

2010-12-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

Updated control systems help make sensible choices, like not heating or cooling rooms that are not in use. CT Energy Efficiency Fund (funded through our electric bills) shelled half of the $68k installation, allowing the school to save $27k per year. That's an impressive 2.5 year pay-off.

Click here to read more from the New Haven Register's Alexandra Sanders.

"Exotic" wind turbine in Torrington

2010-11-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Not all wind is harnessed equally. Here's an interesting 150 KW wind turbine design by Optiwind and installed at a farm in Torrington.

Free energy analyses available for UI customers

2010-11-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

The CT Energy Efficiency Fund is offering free energy use analysis and cost-saving tips to the first 6,000 United Illuminating customers to sign up. UI will supply "detailed" energy reports for one year, comparing your energy use (electricity only, I assume) to last year's usage and also in relation to similar homes in the area. They are promoting the program through facebook. Click here to sign up and get more information.

You help pay for this and similar programs through small charges on your electricity bill, so don't be shy about signing up!

South Kent School goes solar

2010-10-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

Congrats to South Kent School on their new PV system.

http://www.southkentschool.org/article.php?id=297

University of New Haven develops 500 mpg car

2010-06-08T05:18:00.000-07:00

UNH has designed and built a single-seater that can travel 500 miles on a single gallon of gasoline. It relies not on hybridization, regenerative braking, solar or human power -- just good old fashioned ingenuity and efficient design. Best of luck to team who will be competing in the national supermileage competition this weekend!

Read here and here.

Rell vetoes energy bill

2010-05-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

Governor Jodi Rell put the kibosh on the legislature's comprehensive energy reform bill. This bill was to become the most sweeping energy change in the state since deregulation was passed in 1998.

Read here

WOW! UI buys gas companies

2010-05-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

UI's parent company jumps head first into the Natural Gas business. They just bought the two largest NG companies in CT and one in Mass. Read more from Luther Turmelle.

Save the CT Clean Energy Fund

2010-03-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

The legislature is planning to take money you pay for clean energy and apply it to the general fund. Please read the press release below and consider turning out for the public hearing on March 22.

Contact: Emily Smith,

Managing Director, External Relations

Connecticut Innovations

Phone: (860) 257-2337

Website: www.ctinnovations.com

On Monday March 22, 2010 the legislature’s Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee is holding a public hearing on S.B. 484 An Act Concerning the Governor’s Revenue Plan. This bill will “securitize” the revenue stream of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund for a 10-year period diverting funding intended to support development of renewable energy projects in Connecticut to the general fund. This proposed raid on the CCEF will have dire consequences on the continued growth and development of clean energy efforts across the State of Connecticut.

Information about the public hearing is below:

FINANCE, REVENUE AND BONDING COMMITTEE

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010

The Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 22, 2010 from 10: 00 A. M. to 3: 00 P. M. in Room 2E of the LOB. Please submit 75 copies of written testimony one hour prior to the start of the hearing to Committee staff in Room 3700 of the LOB. Testimony not submitted prior to the start of the hearing will not be distributed. Sign-up for the hearing will begin at 8: 30 A. M. in the Atrium next to the up escalator. All sign up will be done by a lottery system. Each person wishing to testify should be in line prior to sign up at 8: 30 A. M. At the time of sign up you will draw a number and your name will be placed on the list next to the corresponding number on the sign up sheet. The lottery will conclude at 9: 45 A. M. and all other speakers should report to Room 3700 of the LOB where your name will be placed at the end of the list. The first hour of the hearing is reserved for Invited Speakers. The public portion will begin at approximately 11: 00 A. M. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes of testimony. Unofficial sign-up sheets have no standing with the Committee.

If you are unable to attend the public hearing you should still contact members of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding committee to voice your opposition to this proposal. A list of committee members and their e-mail addresses may be found here.

Raiding this fund is backdoor way to tax electric ratepayers - the CCEF is funded through a small surcharge on every CL&P and UI electric ratepayer’s bill. Ratepayer funding goes to support CCEF programs and initiatives that benefit Connecticut. Using this funding for purposes other than clean energy turns it into a tax on certain ratepayers. Not fair!

Ratepayer funding is used for programs and initiatives that create “green jobs” - The programs and initiatives of the CCEF have resulted in significant growth of the “green” economy across Connecticut. Its solar programs have grown an in-state solar installation industry that now boasts over 50 solar installation companies. The fuel cell industry includes over 1200 highly-skilled employees with the potential for rapid growth as fuel cell projects continue to grow in number and size. Large scale clean energy projects under the Project 150 program will create hundreds of good construction jobs. Green jobs are the jobs of the future. The Federal government is increasing commitments to green jobs by funding new clean energy projects across the country. Connecticut must invest in the future, not steal from it.

Clean energy is good for Connecticut – CCEF has put Connecticut on the map as a national leader in promoting clean energy. Its mission and goals help improve the quality of life for all Connecticut residents by creating jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, reducing greenhouse gases, improving the environment and improving public health. CCEF programs support clean energy projects at businesses, non-profits, public facilities and residences. Ratepayer funding must continue to support clean energy initiatives so that Connecticut can maintain its position as a national leader in promoting clean energy.

Raiding the CCEF puts millions of federal stimulus package dollars at risk - CCEF has worked hard to create a renewable energy industry and support clean energy projects across Connecticut. It has created strong programs and has staff in place to quickly deploy any federal dollars targeted for clean, renewable energy projects. Raiding the Fund would put an end to CCEF’s successful programs making it impossible for the state to take advantage of these federal dollars.

Link to CCEF “Talking Points/Impact Statement” www.ctcleanenergy.com/impact

Thank you for your continued support of the CCEF,

Norma Glover

Chair

CCEF Board

More residents choosing alternative electric providers

2010-01-06T07:31:00.000-08:00

20% of CT electric customers have now chosen an alternative provider for generation. you, too, can choose a better rate from this list. Read more about the trend in the article in the New Haven Register.

There has been some discussion about "re-regulating" the electric market in CT. Opponents claim that this would remove our right to choose alternatives (which is true) and further point out that the utility generation rates are higher than the alternatives. However, this does not necessarily mean that everyone's rates will go up if we eliminate the competitive market. States that have maintained the regulated monopolies have significantly lower overall rates than states like CT who have competitive markets. So your alternative provider might be saving you a penny or two over UI, but your rate is still 3 cents too high compared to the rest of the country.

The reasons for this are not 100% clear. Some may argue that we are now susceptible to market manipulation by the generation companies. Also, we now have an additional middle-man who serves as a broker between you and the generation companies. Regardless, re-regulating the market seems like an extremely difficult task. The utilities would have to buy back all the power plants that they sold off in the 90s. With only one buyer, how would they determine a fair price?

DPUC approves CL&P and UI rate changes

2009-12-31T06:29:00.000-08:00

CL&P residential customers: -5.2%

CL&P small/med business: -4.6%

CL&P big industrial: +10.2%

UI customers: 0%

UI says increases in distribution charges are offset by corresponding decreases in generation charges.

More info in this story by Luther Turmelle.

All CT electric customers can select other options for the generation portion of the bill. Click here for a current list of providers and rates. The list also shows what portion of your energy comes from renewable sources (up to 100%).

PSEG makes nice with New Haven for new peaking plant

2009-11-20T05:43:00.000-08:00

PSEG is planning to install three 40MW natural gas-fired "peaking" plants on their existing site in New Haven's East Shore neighborhood. After a series of negotiations with community groups, they have agreed to a plan that promises to reduce net emissions in the area. This includes a half-million dollar program to retrofit city trucks with particulate filters. PSEG has also promised to reduce output from the much larger and dirtier oil plant (formerly one of the sooty six) for a net reduction while the peaking plants are running.

Click here for a more detailed summary of the project.

According to a joint press release:

The final agreement, reached after three months of negotiation, will supply the state grid with sufficient power while creating a net reduction in air pollution. Terms of the agreement include the existing, older diesel-powered New Haven Harbor Station using more natural gas instead of diesel to produce power, reducing plant idling time from 14 hours to 12 hours, and contributing $500,000 to the new East Shore Air Quality Account – a fund to be used to further reduce pollution in the area through initiatives such as retrofitting garbage trucks with particulate filters. These reductions will more than offset emissions from the new peaking plants that are being built.

Click here for the press release (via www.newhavenindependent.org)

87% of CT is paying too much for electricity

2009-10-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

It's been more than a decade since deregulation gave Connecticut electricity customers the right to choose an electricity provider. For many of those years, there was little or no choice but now, with utility rates in the stratosphere, there are many alternatives with lower rates. You can even get a 100% renewable energy option for LESS than the utility's standard rate.

Click here to see all the choices you have. To see your monthly savings, look at the total kWh on your bill and enter that number in the field near the top that says "Estimated monthly svings are based on...".

Most of these allow you to sign up on line. Be careful as some have contracts with cancellation fees. Also, some are variable rates, so you may want to keep up to date with the going rates and be ready to switch.

See CT Energy Info for more information and a list of top 10 misunderstanding regarding choosing an electric supplier.

Clearing up facts on CFLs

2009-08-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

Please read my letter to the editor, published in the New Haven Register. Because there were a few editing snafus in the print version, I am posting the original below.

Here is editorial that I was respnding to.

Here is the published letter.

Dear Editor

I am responding to the New Haven Register's recent Editorial about energy efficiency legislation and light bulb technology. Take what side you will on the legislation, but please get the facts straight. First, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) cost less than incandescents -- both at the counter and on your electric bill. A CFL is rated to last about eight times longer than an incandescent in the same application. For equivalent life, incandescent bulbs will total $.25x8=$2 at the counter. That's twice as expensive as the $1 CFLs I recently purchased. More significantly, efficient CFLs offer much higher savings through an immediate reductions on your electricity bill. At today's electric rates, each 60W bulb replaced with an equivalent CFL can save more than $70 over the life of the bulb.

The claim that CFLs emit less light is simply not true. Light output, measured in "lumens", can be found right on the package. Just select an output to meet your needs. You will find ratings to match equivalent incandescents. If you like the yellow color of incandescents, try a "soft white" CFL and/or use an appropriate lampshade. There have been improvements in this area so give it another go if you have been turned off in the past.

Most importantly, the notion that any incandescent can possibly compete with a CFL in terms of efficiency is laughable. An incandescent bulb is a resistance heater that sheds a little light in the process: for every 10 Watts of electricity in, 9 are shed as heat and 1 converted to visible light. The Phillips bulb referenced in your article has gained a respectable 30 percent in efficiency over a standard bulb. However, a typical CFL is 700 percent more efficient than an incandescent (10W input = 7W light + 3W heat). Is there really any contest here?

If you oppose CFL legislation because you don't like being told what to buy then so be it. But please don't throw money down the toilet because of myths and misinformation.

Power To The People

2009-08-05T19:54:00.001-07:00

Don't miss Luther Turmelle's excellent energy blog.

Power To The People

Free energy audits still available for UI customers

2009-07-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

UI offers "free" energy audits and energy-related improvements to many households within their customer base. The program is administered by United Illuminating and is funded by a state-mandated charge on your electric bill.

For more information on UI's program,

Call 877-WISE-USE

Click here for details from UI's website

or read this article in New Haven Register.

CL&P customers are offered a similar program (click here).

More biodiesel coming to New Haven port

2009-06-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

Innovation Fuels has plans to expand distribution operations into New Haven. The New Jersey-based company hopes to move about 12 million gallons per year through New Haven's port. The fuel will then be distributed throughout the region via rail and truck.

In tandem with the recent news that Greenleaf Buiofuels is building a production facility in the same neighborhood, New Haven is shaping up to be a regional epicenter for the renewable fuel.

Click here for a previous post on Greenleaf's production plans

Click here and here for more info on Innovation Fuel's distribution plans

Stimulus $$ for CT energy projects

2009-06-12T03:02:00.000-07:00

$25 million is available for energy and conservation projects in CT. $15 million in grants directly through the DOE and another $10 million to be distributed by the state. Luther Turmelle reports here.

Mass give go-ahead to Cape Wind project

2009-06-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

454 MW of clean, renewable energy coming to a grid near you. This will be the first offshore wind farm in the United States and one of the largest in the world (though larger ones are on the drawing board). Way to go Mass!

Links:

EERE release

Press release from Mass Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

List of offshore wind farms on wikipedia

Cape Wind (developer's website)

Last day to support CT Solar bill

2009-06-03T06:32:00.001-07:00

Today is the day to call your rep and ask him or her to support bill SB6635. Among other things, the effort would help use solar to reduce summer peak loads. While widespread solar power usage might still be a relatively small portion of regional generation, solar works best in the blaring hot days where peak consumption threatens blackouts. The price of electricity on the pot market shoots up thousands of percent on these days, making solar generation a dollar-smart investment. Even UI is supporting the bill.

Advocates hoping for Senate OK of solar power bill (New Haven Register)
Click here to contact your Senator (via Clean Water Action)

More details from Roger Smith of Clean Water Action:

This bill provides stable funding for residential solar installations- no longer will households compete with large and expensive commercial solar installations for scarce funds

Without this bill there is no more commercial solar program for the foreseeable future in CT- that means no new solar systems on schools, town buildings, churches and businesses, and solar companies moving to states like MA and NJ with solar programs.

In addition to funding for solar on buildings, the bill allows for large freestanding solar installations on under-utilized lands like brownfields, landfills, parking lots, etc which aren't viable under current law.

Food-to-energy in Waterbury

2009-05-19T06:11:00.000-07:00

A Mass group wants to turn former Brass plant (and current "brownfield") into a power plant fueled by food waste. The plant would generate about 10 megawatts of electricity. This is a respectable amount of power, though not large by industry standards. For comparison, a typical fossil fuel plant which will produce several hundred or thousands of megawatts. A large fuel cell power plant will produce several hundred kilowats or a few (<5) megawatts
Old Brass Mill In Waterbury Eyed For Food Waste Power Plant (Hartford Courant)
Praise and concerns from Waterbury blogger Bryan P. Baker

UI and politicians go head to head

2009-05-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

How did I miss this one?

Showdown on Church Street (www.NewHavenIndependent.org)

Blumenthal, DeStefano rip UI executives (New Haven Register)

While I can understand the mayor's frustration at UI vacating a good deal of corporate real estate, I don't understand his position regarding the English Station. UI was required by law to sell that plant. They also gave almost $2 million to Quinnipiac Energy to clean up the site. Though QE apparently frittered away that money without cleaning up the site, UI is still on the hook for the cleanup. If anyone should be mad it should be the shareholders who will have to pay for the cleanup twice. What did Quinnipiac Energy do with the money?

For more information on this, please click here to read my previous post on this matter.

UPDATE: Here is the relevant info from UI's latest SEC filing.

A site on the Mill River in New Haven was conveyed by UI in 2000 to an unaffiliated entity, Quinnipiac Energy LLC (QE), reserving to UI permanent easements for the operation of its transmission facilities on the site. At the time of the sale, a fund of approximately $1.9 million, an amount equal to the then-current estimate for remediation, was placed in escrow for purposes of bringing soil and groundwater on the site into compliance with applicable environmental laws. Approximately $0.1 million of the escrow fund remains unexpended. QE has since sold the property to Evergreen Power, LLC (Evergreen Power) and Asnat Realty LLC (Asnat). UI is unaware of what agreement was reached between QE and Evergreen Power and Asnat regarding future environmental liability or what remediation activity remains to be undertaken at the site. UI could be required by applicable environmental laws to finish remediating any subsurface contamination at the site if it is determined that QE and/or Evergreen Power and Asnat have not completed the appropriate environmental remediation at the site. In July 2008, Evergreen Power and Asnat submitted a claim seeking compensation for environmental remediation on the property, including the existing building which remains on the site. Based upon the current status of the evaluation, UIL Holdings has not recorded a liability related to this claim in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2009.

And the winner is...

2009-05-08T05:58:00.001-07:00

Two Connecticut companies, Northeast Utilities and United Illuminating, are among eight finalists for the coveted Edison Award. Both were chosen for work related transmission upgrades -- UI for the Singer substation and NU for various transmission lines. Luther Turmelle has the story. The Singer substation opened without a parade, but apparently it is the largest of its kind in North America.

I am at the edge of my seat here...

Greenleaf to produce biofuel in New Haven

2009-03-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

Greenleaf Biofuels, based in Guilford, CT, was awarded $1.3 million from the state of Connecticut to support a major biodiesel production facility in New Haven. With 6.7 million gallons of renewable biodiesel pumping out every year (over 18,000 gallons per day), this will be one of the largest biodiesel facilities in the Northeast. The plant will use waste oil as feedstock and is said to be a "next generation" facility. Would love to hear more details.

Greenleaf Biofuels, LLC

Article in EnergyCurrent

Article from New Haven Register (pdf)

West Hartford energy plan

2009-03-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

Major props to West Hartford's Clean Energy Task Force for compiling a comprehensive energy plan that will save the town hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. Let this serve as a model for all of Connecticut's municipalities.

Click here for the plan

Click here for a Hartford Courant article

State Energy Authority

2009-03-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

Dick Blumenthal makes a case for a state-owned energy authority in the Hartford Courant. I have to say, this sounds pretty good though I would love to hear a good rebuttal. One little item that irked me is that he questioned why electric rates didn't drop with fuel prices (as they did at the gas station after oil prices dropped).

If high oil and natural gas prices were the cause, electric rates should have fallen along with fuel prices. Rates have barely budged.

I think he is probably aware that our rates are based on long(ish)-term contracts that buffer sharp rises and dips in fuel costs. However, I do not deny that profit seeking middlemen are primary driver in our high costs.

As someone who thinks we need to use less energy, though, I have to say I am not as outraged by these prices as many others are. People are actually using less electricity. My bill is manageable because I do everything I can to conserve. People are kicking and screaming about the high rates, but is everyone really doing all they can to use less? Are they using air conditioners as soon the thermometer gets into the 70s? Still using incandescent bulbs? Leaving a large screen TV on all the time? I bet there's a lot more we can all do to make our electric bills more irrelevant.

Energy funds could be raided

2009-02-28T04:40:00.000-08:00

Every month, residents and businesses pay a few pennies into the state's Clean Energy and Conservation & Load Management funds. These funds help pay for not only clean energy generation, but programs that reduce the strain on our electric grid. Efficiency programs have helped residents, businesses and municipalities save millions of dollars above and beyond the initial investment.

The state legislature has rejected the Governor Rell's proposal to snatch money from these funds. Unfortunately, the fight to save these funds is not over. Please call your representatives and ask them not to touch the fund. Tempting as it is, this will actually cost us money in the long run as we neglect important investments in efficiency and infrastructure. Call your representatives, ask where they stand and voice your opinion on the matter.

Public Power Authority -- Public Hearing Tuesday, Feb 24

2009-02-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

I've been asked to post the following press release regarding a Public Hearing for House Bill 6510 (AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY). This authority will have the ... um, authority to own and operate power generation facilities. More answers below and you can read the bill by clicking right here.

Energy and Technology Committee
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
1:00 PM in Room 2D of the LOB
H.B. No. 6510 (RAISED) AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY.

Connecticut Electric Authority

HB 6510 AA Establishing a Public Power Authority

What is a Connecticut Electric Authority?
A Connecticut Electric Authority (CEA) is a quasi-public state agency responsible for lowering electricity costs to all consumers. Currently, electricity regulation, system planning, electricity procurement and conservation are handled by numerous state agencies in a disjointed manner. Under a CEA, a single state electricity “czar” would consolidate state efforts and reduce electricity rates. Rates would be reduced by expediting the transition from purchasing electricity based on the quirky Federal Energy Regulatory Commission market rules to a cost-of-service system where consumers pay only for the cost of generating electricity and a reasonable profit. A CEA should, over a period of years, reduce electricity rates up to 20%. If the CEA can reduce rates by just 1 cent per kilowatt/hour, consumer electricity bills would be reduced by 5.5%, or $300 million. This is a large rate of return on a $2 million CEA budget.

Why do we need a CEA?
1. We need one agency to purchase our electricity directly from generators.
Connecticut’s electricity prices are the second highest in the continental U.S. Our current system of purchasing electricity does not provide rate protection for consumers. Federal electricity market rules skew upwards the price we pay for electricity. A CEA will have the authority to plan and purchase electricity directly from generators, reducing long-term electricity costs for consumers.

2. We need one agency to bolster electricity supply and promote renewable sources.
When it would be beneficial for consumers, a CEA with bonding authority will be able to provide low-cost financing for new, highly efficient power plants to augment our existing fleet, replacing old, inefficient polluters. A CEA with long-term contracting authority will then be able to negotiate low-cost electricity purchases from these new plants.

3. We need one agency to reduce demand for electricity.
Reduced demand for electricity through the ‘grid’ system will reduce overall electricity prices. Connecticut can reduce electricity costs through a focused approach to conservation. We currently have numerous governmental entities funding conservation programs, but these efforts are not coordinated effectively for consumers. A single agency with fully integrated conservation programs and a system to allow consumers to readily access comprehensive conservation assistance is the most effective way to reduce electricity demand and allow consumers to control their utility bills.

UI Rate Hike Denied

2009-01-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

UI's latest request to raise distribution charges has been denied by the DPUC.

State says lights out to UI rate hike (Luther Turmelle, New Haven Register)

Tonight: UI seeks comments on rate increase

2008-12-16T06:53:00.001-08:00

United Illuminating is seeking permission to raise distribution rates over the next couple of years. According to this letter (pdf) from UI president Anthony Vallillo, the rate increase is due in part to a reduction in demand. While the amount that the company collects depends entirely on customer usage, the cost of maintaining the grid does not vary linearly with demand. Therefore, they say, UI needs to raise the per-KWh rates to make up the difference (and to make up for an increase in uncollectables, pension plans, and new capital expenditures). Since United Illuminating's services are heavily regulated by the state, they need permission from the DPUC in order to raise rates.

The rate increase will affect only the distribution portion of your bill, so while that rate will increase by about 40% over the next two years (26% in 2009 and another 13.1% in 2010), your total bill will increase by about 10%. If you haven't already replaced all your lights with CFLs, now is a good time.

Come hear the case and share your thoughts on the matter. Here is the meeting info:

Tuesday, Dec 16th, 6:30 PM
Hall of Records, Room G-2
200 Orange Street
New Haven, CT

Now you see it, now you don't -- CT's solar rebate fund goes broke

2008-12-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

CT has run out of money for residential solar subsidies. The rebate program, which offered rebates of up to 30% of the installed cost, may be shuttered until 2010. The solar leasing program, however, will remain in effect, as will a federal tax rebate program of up to 30% of installed cost.

Read more here (Business New Haven)
Solar leasing program here (CCEF)
Federal tax incentives here -- 41 page pdf (SEIA)

Biodiesel gets boost from state grants

2008-11-23T20:02:00.000-08:00

Keep an eye out for more opportunities to buy biodiesel in CT. Seven grants of $50k apiece have been awarded to companies around the state to encourage distribution of renewable biodiesel fuel, which can be used for home heating and transportation. Click here for more info.

This Saturday: New London Sustainability Fair

2008-11-06T19:40:00.000-08:00

Learn about efforts to reduce energy consumption, increase recycling and support sustainable practices

SATURDAY, NOV. 8, 2008
10:00AM – 1:00pm
New London Science & Technology
Magnet High School
490 Jefferson Avenue, New London

FREE FOR EVERYONE!
Money saving tips for conserving energy
Valuable information for your family

GUEST SPEAKERS 11:30am – 12:00PM
Commissioner Gina McCarthy,
CT Department of Environmental Protection
Connecticut Light & Power

Sponsored by New London Sustainability Committee

For more info visit http://nlsc.wordpress.com/

CT reduces solar rebate

2008-11-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

As federal tax incentives for solar installations lose their $2k cap, the CT Clean Energy Fund is lowering its subsidy. CCEF says this reduction in benefit is a response to the increased federal aid and is meant to maintain the same percentage of out-of-pocket expense for the applicant. New rebates are shown below.

Read the memo from CCEF (small pdf)

UI seeks to raise rates

2008-10-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

UI wants to raise distribution rates -- apparently we are not using enough electricity. The new rates, they say, will cover $62.5 million in revenues that were previously approved by the DPUC but not collected due to reduced consumption, increased bad debts, and increased expenses to ensure reliability. The increase to the distribution portion of your bill would be about 34% over two years for typical residential customers. An average user would see roughly a 8% increase to their total bill. More details on the rates below.

A public meeting was held in New Haven last night. Though UI's announcement regarding this meeting was dated Oct 6th, I didn't receive mine until yesterday. There will be a public meeting Dec 10 at Bridgeport City Hall and another in New Haven on Dec 16th at the Hall of Records, 200 Orange St.

Public, officials rip UI rate hike New Haven Register

Ratepayers blast 20% UI hike New Haven Independent

Rate increases (click for larger image):

***UPDATE 11/3/08: rate request numbers have changed. I'll update later tonight, but nothing dramatically different***

Most residential customers use "R" rates.

SCG customers to get rebate

2008-10-15T04:51:00.000-07:00

Look for a rebate soon on your gas bill. SCG has over-earned $15 million and must return the money to ratepayers. Story here.

"World's Fair of Energy Conservation" to be held in Hartford

2008-10-06T03:33:00.000-07:00

Governor Rell's One Thing campaign is throwing a party. Well, actually an Expo. Come to Hartford Oct 10-12 to see this "dazzling" display. (more details here)

Conceived as a "World's Fair of Energy Conservation," and part of Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell's OneThing campaign, the OneThing Expo will be an engaging exploration of energy topics and an unforgettable celebration of conservation. The story will be told in bright detail by hundreds of individuals and organizations across the state - and the country - representing a myriad of industries and topics, including agriculture, recreation, transportation, building technology, the arts and education, alternative energy, consumer products and much more. More than 250 exhibitors and thousands of visitors from Maine to Maryland are expected to take part.

Tickets are $8 adults, $4 seniors, 12 & under free

Personally, I think most of us could do more than just one thing but I suppose that's just a catchy marketing phrase. It is easy to remember, like "a stitch in time saves nine" or "shut off the lights when you leave a room".

Spanish wind giant buys northeast NG company

2008-09-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

Energy East owns CNG and SCG. Now Iberdola owns them.

Iberdola, incidentally, is the world's largest renewable energy operator. How that will affect me is unclear, but it doesn't sound like such a bad thing, does it?

P.S. According to Wikipedia, Iberdola's headquarter building in Bilbao was designed by New Haven's Cesar Pelli Architects.

P.P.S. I used to sweep the floors at Cesar Pelli Architects when I was a teenager. I remember them as nice people who work very late.

More fuel cell installations coming to CT

2008-09-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

CT Clean Energy Fund has approved five new projects.

A 3.4 MW fuel cell/energy recovery generator project by FuelCell Energy in Bloomfield, Conn.
A 14.3 MW fuel cell/organic rankine cycle project by Bridgeport Fuel Cell Park, LLC in Bridgeport, Conn.
A 3.2 MW fuel cell/energy recovery generator project by FuelCell Energy in Trumbull, Conn.
A 3.2 MW fuel cell/energy recovery generator project by FuelCell Energy in Glastonbury, Conn.
A 3.2 MW fuel cell/ unfired gas turbine project by EPG Fuel Cell, LLC in Danbury, Conn.

Support Public Transportation

2008-09-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

I know I've been slack lately, just busy busy busy with the baby. I'll try to generate more content soon (I have a few things brewing), but for now I will just pass along items of interest.

Regarding the posting below, please don't ever just take someone else's word for it, read the legislation yourself before supporting it.

Hello everyone,

Tri-State Transportation Campaign urges you to contact both Senator Dodd and Senator Lieberman and urge them to co-sponsor or publicly support Senate Bill 3380, The Saving Energy through Public Transportation Act. This bill would bring approximately $20 million in operating funds from the federal government to Connecticut and could be used to stave off possible fare hikes on several of Connecticut's mass transit systems, including Metro-North and the Greater Bridgeport Transit system.

Adequate operating funding is integral to the overall and long term health of Connecticut's mass transit network. However, due to high energy costs and unexpected ridership numbers, these transit systems are finding their annual operating budgets are being depleted at faster than projected rates while the agencies ask the riders, often those that can afford it least, to pick up the tab.

So please take the time to reach out to Senators Dodd and Lieberman at the contact information below.

U.S. Senator Chris Dodd
448 Russell Building | Washington D.C., 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2823 | Fax: (202) 224-1083
30 Lewis St Suite 101 | Hartford, CT 06103
Tel: (860) 258-6940/(800) 334-5341 —CT only
Fax: (860) 258-6958

http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/3128

U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman
Washington, DC Office
706 Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4041
(202) 224-9750 Fax

Connecticut Office

One Constitution Plaza
7th Floor
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 549-8463 Voice
(800) 225-5605 In CT
(866) 317-2242 Fax

http://lieberman.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm?regarding=issue
Thanks in advance for your support and please let others know about this issue!

Best,
Ryan

Senior Planner/Connecticut Coordinator
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
350 West 31st Street, Suite 802
New York, NY 10001
www.tstc.org
NYC Office: 212-268-7474
CT Cell: 860-796-6988
LI Cell: 631-742-7528

Event: Oil, War and the Future of American Foreign Policy

2008-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

"Oil, War and the Future of American Foreign Policy"

NEW HAVEN, CT -- Michael T. Klare, renowned security and energy expert, will speak at a forum on the geopolitics behind today's energy wars in the Middle East, Russia and Georgia, and innovative policy changes at the national and international level that can make a difference.

The forum, "Oil, War and the Future of American Politics," will be held from 3-5:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Educational Center for the Arts, 55 Audubon St., corner of Audubon and Orange Streets. Klare is the author of a new book, "Rising Powers, Shrinking Planet: The New Geopolitics of Energy."

Preceding the talk will be a screening of the documentary film, "Blood and Oil: The Dangers and Consequences of America's Dependence on Foreign Petroleum," based on Klare's book.

The event is a benefit for Squeaky Wheel Productions, nonprofit distributor of Between The Lines Radio Newsmagazine; and co-sponsors the Greater New Haven Peace Council and the New Haven/Leon, Nicaragua Sister City Project. Suggested donation is $15, $5 for students. Seating is limited, advance reservations recommended. For more information, visit www.squeakywheel.net or www.btlonline.org call 1-(203) 268-8446.

We're "great"

2008-08-20T14:14:00.001-07:00

CT Energy Blog was recently given an 8.2/10 ranking from blogged.com based on "Frequency of Updates, Relevance of Content, Site Design and Writing Style". I have to say I've felt like a slacker over the last couple months for barely managing weekly updates with two-sentence blurbs. I wonder how close they monitor the blogs. Mebbe me can rite bad an seee if score chenge...

Energy Policy Database

2008-08-12T08:30:00.001-07:00

Here is a useful summary of Connecticut legislation regarding energy efficiency and emissions. For example, a tax incentive for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is outlined in House Bill 7432.

Cheshire biodiesel plant for sale

2008-08-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

This almost-finished 5 million gal/yr biodiesel plant got caught up in the F&S bankrupcy ordeal and it is now up for sale. The price? "Whatever anyone will pay for it". Story here.

According to Cheshire Town Council member Tim White, some unresolved disputes may complicate the purchase. Auction date is August 12th. According to this receiver's notice, there has been a "high volume of interest" in the facility.

Rebates available: get $$$$ back for upgrading your boiler or furnace

2008-08-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

The following is a press release for CT Senator Bob Duff. He refers to Stamford & Darien residents, though the rebates are available to all CT residents who meet the criteria. It may even apply retroactively to installations completed last year.

August 5, 2008

Duff: New Hotline Allows Residents to Take Advantage of Furnace Rebates

Call 1-866-940-4676 to request rebate application materials

State Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) is urging all Norwalk and Darien residents considering replacing their home furnaces before this winter’s heating season to take advantage of a new state rebate program created by the General Assembly in 2007.

Under the program, Connecticut families with household incomes up to approximately $100,000 can receive a $500 rebate toward the purchase of a new, energy efficient furnace or boiler for their home. Families earning up to $200,000 may also be eligible for smaller rebates.

“Most homeowners don’t consider replacing their furnace unless it breaks down,” said Senator Duff. “But the reality is that replacing an inefficient furnace can help save hundreds of dollars on energy costs, especially during the winter heating season. This program is designed to make it easier for middle-income families to replace their old furnace or boiler with one that meets a higher efficiency standard.”

Senator Duff added, “With projected prices for heating oil this winter expected to be around $5 per gallon, it’s important that we do all we can to be prevent what could be a crisis for many Connecticut families. I’d expect the demand for this rebate program to be very high over the next few months, and I urge all of my qualifying constituents to take advantage of this opportunity very quickly.”

Forms and instructions for applying for the rebates will be available from the state Office of Policy and Management within two weeks. However, interested residents can begin immediately calling toll-free 1-800-940-4676 to request the forms, which will be mailed to home addresses.

The rebates are available for qualifying furnaces and boilers installed any time after July 1, 2007. Yesterday, the State Bond Commission approved $5 million to fund the program, which is expected to help about 100,000 middle-income Connecticut families this year.

State of Energy

2008-08-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

The CT Office of Policy and Management produces a bi-monthly energy information newsletter. Check out the latest here.

CL&P dips a little too deep

2008-07-10T10:17:00.001-07:00

Connecticut Light and Power has been accused of over-billing the city of Bristol $380,000. Oopsie.

Live Solar Action

2008-07-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Lee Company has installed a 308 KW Solar system in its Westbrook, CT facility. The coolest thing about this installation...you can watch real-time data!

States boost efficiency spending

2008-06-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

Connecticut has approved a budget increase for energy efficiency programs administered by the former electric utilities -- UI and CL&P. This is intended to allow for continued services like free energy audits and efficiency rebates.

For more info on free energy audits:
click here UI customers
click here CL&P customers

(hooray)

Many eggs, one basket

2008-06-23T04:07:00.000-07:00

This op ed piece in the Norwich Bulletin calls on CT to fund only fuel cell-related clean energy projects. The goal, they say, is to support a long-term effort to develop cheaper alternatives to ever-growing fossil fuel costs. They really need to do some research and a little math before expressing their views.

The stated goal is to reduce "demand for electricity from fossil fuel-burning generators — and lower electric costs eventually." The vast majority of fuel cells run on fossil fuels. Others run on hydrogen that has been produced primarily using fossil fuels and nuke power (same grid that you and I use).

Fuel cells are relatively expensive -- even more expensive than the wind project example they use to bolster their point. Fuel cells typically come in at $4500/kw installed cost. The wind project is $200,000/50kW = $4000/kw. With zero fuel costs for the life of the turbine. While there have been many projections that fuel cell costs will come down, this number has not changed in many years.

The editorial derides the wind and solar installations for only providing power to a small facility. Unfortunately for their case, fuel cell installations are not much larger -- on the order of single-digit megawatts, compared to hundreds of megawatts for a traditional fossil fuel plant. Fortunately for us, small-scale distributed generation, like these projects, can go a long way towards reducing costs by stabilizing the regional grid and reducing congestion charges.

"There simply isn’t enough wind in Connecticut to produce enough electricity to make a dent in the state’s electric needs." Who says we need a single solution to supply the state's entire energy needs? That really seems impractical. In the end, we will have a mix of technologies like we do now (nuclear, oil, coal, hydroelectric, etc...).

There is no silver bullet. We should absolutely continue to support fuel cell development, but for large-scale power generation it is way too early to put all our eggs in one basket -- particularly a basket that has been under development for over 100 years and has yet to produce a single commercially viable product.

Shortening the work week to reduce energy costs

2008-06-23T04:05:00.000-07:00

Some municipalities are toying with the idea of a four-day work week, reducing building energy costs as well as commuting fuel.

High electric rates linked to deregulation

2008-06-12T04:57:00.000-07:00

Another study, this one from UConn, shows that electric rates in states with "deregulated" markets are higher than those with "regulated" markets.

“Connecticut has not had the best, the most enlightened leadership in terms of electric deregulation,” said Quarterly co-editor Arthur Wright. “Too little attention was paid to the design of the (power) auctions used to establish so-called competitive prices..."

Real estate developer may purchase fuel cell company

2008-06-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

I leave my post for a few weeks (yikes, over a month) and look what happens! The parent company of CT's Proton Energy Systems is filing for bankruptcy and selling off to a real estate developer. Proton has had its ups and downs over the last decade or so, but survived the major bubble burst of the fuel cell craze and has been chugging along ever since. They have carved out an interesting niche in the hydrogen market -- let's hope the (potential) new owners can keep things moving.

Sorry I have been absent for so long. Having one of these tends to drain any spare time you thought you had.

Fight The Hike in Hamden

2008-04-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

Grass-roots organization Fight The Hike has organized a meeting in Hamden to discuss three pending bills (5783, 5815, and 5819) geared towards re-regulating CT's electricity market and providing relief to the ratepayers. Click here for more information.

Thule HQ goes solar

2008-04-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

Roof rack manufacturer Thule is installing a roof rack of their own -- a 318 KW solar system on top of their Seymour, CT Headquarters. The system will provide about 26% of the facility's power and will be funded by $1.3 million from the CCEF. $4,000/KW is not so bad for a solar installation -- usually $5-10k -- but it's not really clear if this is the entirety of the funding.

New York says "No Thanks" to Broadwater

2008-04-10T07:47:00.001-07:00

In a long-awaited decision, Albany has chosen to deny the first of several permits the LNG project requires from various New York State agencies. They "...found the project inconsistent with six of 13 criteria under New York's coastal zone management plan".

Good news for the opposition, but the war is likely to wage on in Federal courts. CT has no jurisdiction over the proposal as the facility would lie entirely on the NY side of Long Island Sound.

CT Sec of State Susan Bysiewicz put out this press release regarding the decision.

Broadwater approved by FERC

2008-03-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

The Broadwater LNG terminal floated past one of it's last remaining regulatory roadblocks yesterday. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission welcomed the project with open arms and rebuffed Connecticut officials who opposed it. Blumenthal threatened to sue. Approvals from the US Coast Guard and several NY state departments are pending. Let's hope the new NY governor has his mind on his job.

FERC press release
CT Governor Jodi Rell press release
NH Register article
Richard Blumenthal press release
New Haven Independent

Two takes on CT's fuel cell investment strategy

2008-03-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed the contrast between these two opinion pieces regarding investments of public funds into fuel cell technology. The first is a letter signed by three CT state representatives. They enthusiastically endorse a $200 million investment into a technology that could have a "huge impact" on our state's economy.

"The state already has 20 percent of the world's fuel cell producing work force."

Wow, 20 percent out of the whole world! Sounds impressive, but according to this piece in the Hartford Courant, this amount to only 1,200 jobs. That's less than 0.1% (one tenth of one percent) of jobs in the state.

My opinion -- buy technologies that make sense. Will forty million-dollar fuel cell bus recuperate the investment in fuel savings? Will they have a significant impact on emissions? The technology will take off when it can compete on these levels. Already there are niche markets where fuel cells make sense and more are developing as the technology improves.

Greenwich considers biodiesel

2008-03-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

The city of Greenwich is considering phasing in biodiesel to fuel city vehicles.

Whole Foods fuel cell

2008-03-17T06:53:00.001-07:00

Whole Foods' new store in Glastonbury will be equipped with a 200KW fuel cell, compliments of our mandatory donations to the CCEF.

Broadwater still brewing

2008-03-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

Good editorial in the New London Day opposing the Broadwater LNG plant. With a new Governor coming into office in New York, things are still very much in the air with this project.

Residents understand the cost of energy. They pay for it every day. And most of them work hard to be able to make those payments.
They get it. But what Mr. Hritcko doesn't seem to understand is that protecting Long Island Sound is important to them. They believe the risk to the Sound, which they consider one of Connecticut's greatest assets, to be too great. They see an environmental disaster in the making.

Broadwater's take here.

Raising the age, lowering the consumption

2008-03-07T05:56:00.000-08:00

Governor Jodi Rell says she's not interested in raising the driving age from 16 to 17. Aside from the safety issues, she (and the legislation) should consider this effect on energy consumption. According to the 2000 census, about 2% of the driving-age population is 16. A 2% reduction in fuel consumption would be a significant achievement. Actually, it might be higher as a 16-year-old might spend more time on the road than an 80-year-old. I would encourage the legislation to investigate this more thoroughly.

Sunny Windsor Locks

2008-01-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

There are many ways to generate electricity using the sun's energy. One common technique involves the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels -- these are a series of flat cells that use the sun's energy to directly generate electricity. Another technique is to heat up a working fluid to drive a turbine generator, using mechanical energy to spin magnets and create electricity. With both of these common applications, the problem of storing energy until it is needed adds significantly to the cost and complexity of the systems.

Hamilton Sundstrand has partnered with US Renewables Group in California to create an innovative plan for solar energy storage. They will heat molten salt to 1000F and use it to generate steam for a steam turbine. HS claims that the molten salt retains more heat over time than water or other commonly used fluids, thereby reducing energy loss and increasing overall efficiency.

Trying to stay warm?

2008-01-02T10:42:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! Time to bundle up and stay warm without running up fuel costs. By far, the cheapest way to stay comfortable is to simply dress warmly. Keep your heat just low enough so that your fingers don't turn blue (that's about where I start to hear it from the wife). As my friend likes to say, it's always 98.6 if you're properly dressed!

Here is a good resource with creative ways to lower heating bills without spending a fortune.

Check out this one showing how to install a simple acrylic interior storm window, including a payback analysis (less than one year for the example shown).

Enormous fuel cell power plant coming to Milford

2007-12-27T06:34:00.000-08:00

Enormous by fuel cell standards, anyways. This 9 megawatt plant is estimated to cost $35 million ($3900/kW) and will be fueled by natural gas. The plant's efficiency is expected to be 60%, about the same as a modern combined cycle natural gas plant (~$600/kW).

While this is considered a huge fuel cell installation, it will provide a relatively small amount of electricity -- about 2% of the capacity of the mid-sized 455MW New Haven Harbor Station power plant.

Another choice for commercial electric customers

2007-12-16T19:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the party, Gexa. What is that name, Texan or something?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that CT customers now have more choices for electricity providers than we have ever had since deregulation. Anyone care to disagree? Check out the list here. I wouldn't really call any of these options "cheap", but at least we have competition. Now get out there and compete!

Oh yeah, don't forget to sign up for our clean options here or here.

Buy electricity ... on Ebay???

2007-12-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

Put in your bid now for 1,000 KW-h of electricity. Current bid is (as of press time) $167, or 16.7 cents per kilowatt-hour. Please not that the UI standard offer is now 12.5. This covers only generation, not distribution, transmission, taxes or any of the other dozen charges on your bill.

Note that they are not selling a "megawatt", as advertised, but a "megawatt-hour". Megawatt is a measure of power and megawatt-hour is energy.

Fueling our Grid

2007-12-07T07:08:00.000-08:00

Click the image to enlarge

	CT	NE
Nuke	47%	29%
NG	30%	41%
Coal	13%	14%
Oil	4%	5%
Renewables	2%	5%
Other (MSW)	2%	1%
Hydro	1%	6%

Someone was wondering what fuels are used to produce electricity in our region. Here is the most recent summary based on year-to-date data from the EIA. Actually, power coming on to our grid also comes from sources in NY, Canada and other regions not included in these numbers, but this gives the general idea.

New choice for electric provider

2007-12-06T07:02:00.000-08:00

A Milford, CT company, "Public Power & Utility", is now offering competitive rates to residential and commercial electric customers. They are charging 10.5 cents/KWh compared to UI's current rate of 12.4. Click here to read more about it and click here for a complete list of providers.

Agro school goes solar

2007-12-06T06:27:00.000-08:00

Common Ground High School, an agricultural-themed magnet school in New Haven, has launched a new solar energy curriculum. The curriculum will include educating teachers from all over the Connecticut. In conjunction with this, they have had a 2KW PV solar system installed on the premises. Click here to read more.

Energy investment priorities

2007-12-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

I typically try to keep things local here, but I thought this was a pretty interesting graph. Really puts our national priorities into perspective.

CT welcomes first retail biodiesel pump

2007-11-29T04:28:00.000-08:00

Step right up and get yer biodiesel!

Biomass plant

2007-11-25T22:12:00.000-08:00

Tamarack Energy has proposed a 30 Megawatt wood-fueled biomass power power plant in Watertown. That's a lot of wood - 310,000 tons per year. Read more about their biomass technology here.

Fight the Hike gets cred from New Haven Board of Aldermen

2007-11-20T05:44:00.000-08:00

Fight The Hike, a grass-roots community group dedicated to rolling back recent UI rate hikes, got an endorsement yesterday from the New Haven Board of Aldermen. Read here for more. The board endorsed their call to reduce electricity rates while also investing in more renewable energy.

At the same meeting, apparently in an effort to keep those electric bills from dropping too low, the Board seemed poised to re-commit funding for the city's free electric trolley system.

Upcoming events

2007-11-13T05:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the short notice on some of these:

Wed, November 14th @ 6:30 PM
Alchemy Cafe in Hartford

Sierra Club CLEAN ENERGY House Parties across the nation
In an effort to push the Federal energy bill across the finish line the Sierra Club is organizing two national call-in days to Congress--November 9 and 15. They are asking us to host house parties the night before one of the call-in days, on either November 8 or 14. Ask ten friends and neighbors to drop by, watch the "Kilowatt Ours" DVD and make cell-phone calls asking other friends and neighbors to commit to contacting their elected representatives the next day. You'll be provided with the free DVD Kilowatt Ours \ when you sign up to help.
http://www.partylaunch.com/flip/index.cfm

Sat, November 17th @ 7PM
Unitarian Society of Hartford 50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford (1/10 mile north from intersection of Rts. 44 & 189)

People's Action for Clean Energy Annual Meeting
"Solutions to an Inconvenient Truth II"
Come meet solar energy installers and environmental exhibitors, and listen to a presentation "Heading Toward Zero Energy Buildings" by renowned solar builder Steven Strong.
Admission is free to the public. Donations are welcome.
Pizza and exhibits between 5 and 7PM, Event 7PM
(860) 693-4813 or www.pace-cleanenergy.org

Sat, November 17th 10AM-4PM
Cornwall Consolidated School Rt 128 and Cream Hill Road

Cornwall Energy Fair
Come for a panel discussion, vendors and exhibitors, an auto show and film festival

Panel Discussion (10:30am-Noon):

Global and Connecticut Warming -Roger Smith, Connecticut Climate Coalition

Home Energy Efficiency -Rebecca Meye Rep., NE Utilities

Green Sustainable Building - Jon Harkness, EBM Services

House Tour (1-4 pm):

Solar and Geothermal Solutions

Kids Program (10:30am-Noon):

Calculate your Ecological Footprint

Film Fest (1-4 pm):

Inconvenient Truth- Al Gore

Al Gore Interview with Charlie Rose

Too Hot Not to Handle-interviews with scientist/innovators

The Warming of Connecticut- Jennifer Boyd

Direct Energy

2007-11-13T05:04:00.000-08:00

Another electricity supplier is available to Connecticut residents. Read Luther Turmelle's story in the New Haven Register.

Competition drives UP electricity prices

2007-11-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

The New York Times has revealed a new study which shows that electricity prices in states with deregulated markets have risen "much more" than those without competitive energy markets. The same data was referenced in a separate study by the Electric Power Supply Association to indicate a 15% price increase (which they labeled "slight") in deregulated states over regulated states. I think to truly compare the effects of deregulation, one would have to somehow take into account other factors such as regional fuel prices, congestion effects and then compare these effects to all states included in the study. That said, I still think the results shown are probably valid.

Bundle up! Home weatherization assistance available

2007-11-04T05:08:00.000-08:00

CL&P, CNG and Yankee Gas are offering to send energy experts out to the homes of qualifying customers to ensure that they are operating efficiently. Free services include:

Find and professionally seal drafts, cracks and leaks in your windows and doors
Add insulation to your walls and attic, if needed
Determine if you qualify for energy-efficient appliance and heating system upgrades
Provide and install energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs and table lamps
Install water conservation equipment, such as faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads, if needed
Provide additional efficiency measures, as needed

Qualification for the program is based on income and the percentage of that income spent on energy (click here for specifics). The program is called WRAP (Weatherization Residential Assistance Partnership) and is paid for by the state-mandated "conservation charge" on your electricity bill.

Cold weather is creeping up quickly, so even if you do not qualify for the WRAP program, there may be other options available to you. Browse through the following programs and see if they apply to you.

CT Energy Efficiency Fund
CNG
Yankee Gas
SCG
UI

Oil accident

2007-11-03T05:31:00.000-07:00

Doesn't truck transport just seem like an outdated way to haul energy around? Someday we're going to shock our grandchildren with stories of how we used public highways as a distribution network for deadly, toxic substances. I looked unsuccessfully for some data to compare deaths per BTU due to oil accidents vs. natural gas.

Just my deep, dark thought for the day.

UI & NRG may be peaking together

2007-10-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

NRG and UI are teaming up to put some more power into the grid in the form of "peaking plants." UI, which had to sell off all its power plants as a result of energy de-regulation, is now allowed to get back into the generation business thanks to the latest energy legislation.

Activists from New Haven may want dust off the old picket signs and sandwich boards and brace for a battle. Word is that this dynamic duo has their eyes on existing sites and the English Station seems like an ideal piece of property for this purpose. It's got all the necessary infrastructure, it's tied to the grid, and technically it's never been de-commissioned. An organized effort from activists, environmental groups and city officials managed to stave off Quinnipiac Energy's efforts to get this plant restarted a few years ago, but with $700 million burning a hole in their pocket, this team may not go down so easy. (click here to read the DEP's final decision in pdf format)

Still in question is the environmental cleanup that Quinnipiac Energy was paid to perform on the site. No signs of progress, though most of the money (over a million dollars) has already been spent. Click here to a previous posing regarding this issue.

Town Hall Meeting ... A Conversation on Energy

2007-10-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

***UPDATE: Click here to read my coverage of this event in the New Haven Independent****

Quinnipiac University and ConocoPhillips are holding a "Town Hall Meeting" in New Haven this Tuesday and I would strongly encourage anyone else interested in energy matters to attend. It is not every day that we get an opportunity to speak directly with experts from industry, academia and government all at once.

A press release is below and you can find more information a here. Don't forget to register by Monday, 10/22. See you there.

ConocoPhillips believes it's up to today's energy leaders to set the stage for tomorrow's energy solutions, from alternatives like renewable fuels to traditional sources like oil and gas. That's why we're hosting a town hall meeting in New Haven, Connecticut to discuss energy solutions that are reliable, available and environmentally friendly, and we want to hear from you.

Join us for a Town Hall Meeting ... A Conversation on Energy will be hosted by ConocoPhillips and Quinnipiac University and moderated by Mark A. Thompson, dean of the School of Business, Quinnipiac University. Featured panelists for the Conversation on Energy New Haven include:

Sig Cornelius, senior vice president, Planning, Strategy & Corporate Affairs, ConocoPhillips
Sabrina Watkins, manager, Environmental Technology, ConocoPhillips
Eric Brown, associate counsel, Connecticut Business & Industry Association
Lise Dondy, president, Connecticut Clean Energy Fund
Amey Marrella, deputy commissioner, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

6:30pm Registration
7:00pm - 8:30pm Town Hall Meeting

Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale
155 Temple Street (map)

Validated parking provided at Temple Street Parking Garage only. Please show parking ticket at registration table for validation.

Refreshments will be served.

Seating is limited so register to secure your seat by calling toll free to 1-888-877-5917 or logging on to

http://conocophillips.allianceoutreach.com/conversationonenergy/welcome.html.

Registration closes at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 22.

New Haven one step closer to wind turbines

2007-10-18T04:48:00.000-07:00

CCEF has approved New Haven's plan for a pilot wind energy program. Now it's up to New Haven's board of aldermen to get things started.

Opposition to big Biodiesel plant in Suffield

2007-10-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

There's trouble brewing at a proposed biodiesel manufacturing plant in Suffield. CT Biodiesel is moving to open a 50 million gallon per year plant, which would easily be the largest in CT. However, neighbors don't seem to want a plant in their quiet rural community. While biodiesel itself is very safe and non-toxic, methanol is highly volatile and doesn't have the greatest safety record. Methanol will be used as an catalyzing agent and storing 286,000 gallons on site makes some people uneasy.

Read more about it here:

Residents Cool To Biodiesel Plant Plan
Hartford Courant

Big turnout for meeting on biodiesel plant in Suffield
Journal Inquirer

Biodiesel Plant Doesn't Excite Suffield Residents
Channel 3 Eyewitness News (see video)

Midwest coal plants warsh up

2007-10-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

October 9, 2007 -- Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced a landmark settlement requiring one of the nation's largest power plant operators to install $4.6 billion worth of pollution controls and invest $60 million in environmental projects - significantly reducing harmful pollution.

Biofuels bad for chimps?

2007-10-09T05:28:00.000-07:00

This opinion piece in the Waterbury Republican American notes that rain forests are being leveled to grow crops for boifuels. This may be true and certainly a concern. Can't we just avoid feedstocks from these sources? We've managed to build a standard for dolphin-safe tuna, why not monkey-safe biofuels?

Chris Shays embarassed by his own opposition to Broadwater LNG terminal.

2007-10-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Christopher Shays remains opposed to the Broadwater LNG plant, but is being careful not to align himself too closely with certain justifications for the opposition. I suppose it's a little confusing, but really I think he's saying that he wants to make sure that people are opposed for the right reasons.

What's a Watt?

2007-10-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

Teachers go to energy school, thanks to a program we fund through a small conservation charge on our electric bill.

Uconn beefing up staff for energy programs

2007-09-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

UConn is spending $4 million to hire new faculty for their energy program. They are also looking for a director for the Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center.

Sustainability Forum this Friday

2007-09-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

If you have any interest in supporting renewable or sustainable growth in South Central CT, then this is the forum for you!!

Gateway Community College and

the Regional Growth Partnership

invite you to a

Regional Sustainability Forum

“The Sustainable Economy:

South Central Connecticut’s Green Future”

Friday, September 21, 8:00-10:00am

Gateway Community College

North Haven Campus

88 Bassett Road

The Forum is an opportunity for all those involved in sustainable industries in South Central Connecticut to help formulate a regional strategy for promoting the growth of these industries as part of the region’s new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

Help identify the needs and priorities of sustainable industries
Identify needed public investments and policy changes
Identify opportunities for growth and new business
Network with others involved in sustainable industries

You should attend if you are engaged in:

Renewable Energy
Alternative Transportation
Green Building
Environmental Services
Clean Energy Development

PLUS, the forum will include a panel with State Representative Steven Fontana, Bill Leahy from the Institute for Sustainable Energy and Erik Robie from UTC Power who will share their insights into the current state of Connecticut’s sustainable industries. Dr. David Cooper will also speak about Gateway’s “Center for a Sustainable Future” initiative to train the workforce needed for the new sustainable economy.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Peter Stein at (203) 782-4389 or pstein@rgp-ct.org.

CT gets kudos for efficient homes

2007-09-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

The EPA has commended CT for leading the country in the building of energy efficient homes. Energy Star homes are said to be 20-30 percent more energy efficient than standard homes. Connecticut, with 23% of new homes built to this standard, is second only to Vermont with 24%.

Paint fumes into energy

2007-08-31T04:56:00.000-07:00

Torrington's FuelCell Energy will increase production by the end of this year by more than double. Part of this anticipated demand comes from Ford Motor Company's move to capture fumes from their painting facilities and turn them into energy.

Islander East gas pipeline gets corked

2007-08-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

The Islander East pipeline would carry offshore Canadian Natural Gas across the Sound into Long Island.

"For now -- and hopefully forever -- this decision means that we have conquered an environmental and economic catastrophe," Blumenthal said in a statement.

This gas is very important to people in the Hamptons who need to keep their pool pumps and patio-heaters running.

ConocoPhillips asks CT residents to speak up about energy

2007-08-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

(Update 8/20/07) Due to hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL 10/23/07. Click here for more info.

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ConocoPhillips is holding a series of community meetings across the US. New Haven's will be this coming Tuesday, Aug 21, at 7PM in the Omni Hotel.

From the ConocoPhillips website, "...the company will engage area residents and energy users, and local community and business leaders, to discuss energy solutions that are reliable, available and environmentally friendly. Local citizens are invited to ask questions and offer suggestions, while discussing supply/demand issues and energy alternatives with industry experts. "

New Haven's panel of speakers wilThe panel of speakers will include :

Bob Ridge, ConocoPhillips’ vice president of health, safety and environment
Sabrina Watkins, the energy company’s manager of environmental technology, ConocoPhillips
Eric Brown, associate counsel for the Connecticut Business & Industry Association
John A. Mengacci, undersecretary with the state Office of Policy & Management’s Energy Policy Unit
Robert B. Wall, director of energy market initiatives for the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.

Don't forget to RSVP if you plan to attend. Click here to read some of ConocoPhillips' responses to selected questions from the community.

The Rebound Effect

2007-08-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

Someone recently suggested to me that by conserving energy and boosting efficiency, we are likely to lower prices to the point that we will end up using more energy resources than we do now. This is actually an extreme condition of a well-known phenomena called the "rebound effect". The concept is that if we increase efficiency by 50%, we will not see a 50% reduction in fuel consumption because people will tend to use more (rebound). Jevons Paradox goes further to say that final consumption could actually be higher than initial consumption in some cases.

Here is a table of typical rebound effects for different markets.

The theory that boosting energy efficiency will inevitably end up increasing energy demand is, in my opinion, unrealistic. One reason is that energy markets are much more complicated than simple supply/demand. Some energy markets seem largely unaffected by cost -- people continue to use what they want regardless of the cost. For example, if our cars could get twice as many miles per gallon, would we really drive twice as much as we do now? There aren't enough hours in a day. Conversely, when gas prices doubled recently, did people use half as much fuel? Of course not, we kept buying more and more and just lived without other less necessary things (food, clothing, etc.).

The graphs above show the effect that gasoline prices have on fuel consumption. Doesn't seem to really make any difference what it costs -- we just keep buying more. Cost is normalized to 2006 dollars and all data comes from EIA. I'll post some electricity graphs in a bit, but they show the same story.

Perspective on electricity rates

2007-08-10T06:37:00.001-07:00

USA Today, America's comic-book newspaper, published this report looking at electricity prices in "de-regulated" states compared to "regulated" states. While CT is clearly near the top of the stack (2006 figures), it is not the highest in rates or percentage increase -- a claim I have heard frequently. USA doesn't mention whether taxes or rapayer-funded programs are included in these figures.

New CT Innovations chair

2007-08-10T06:16:00.001-07:00

Edward Bowman, a former Cheshire town councilman, is stepping away from building a biodiesel facility so that he can serve as chairman of Connecticut Innovations. The appointment has garnered some criticism as Mr. Bowman does not appear to have a background in technology innovation. On the other hand, sometimes it takes an outsider to stir things up.

Connecticut Innovations was set up by the state legislature almost two decades ago and for the last decade has been running on returns from its investments, largely in pharmaceutical and biomedical start-ups. In addition to these investments, CI also administers the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, which is fueled by money from our electricity bills.