Sunday, March 18, 2007
DIY Green energy systems
Ever look at a big wind turbine and think to yourself "What's the big deal? Any idiot could build one of those"? Well now is your chance to prove it. YourGreenDream.com has ideas and step-by-step procedures for building your own wind turbine, PV solar system, energy efficient LED systems and other cool stuff.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Al Gore's Tree Farm
Just for kicks, I did a little back-of-the-envelope calculation to see how many trees Al Gore would have to plant to offset his electric bill. Here are the results:
Each and every year, Al will have to plant 7656 trees over a plot of about 13 acres. These trees will swallow his massive 114 tons of carbon dioxide over the course of 100 years. But that's not all. This only covers his electricity consumption for one single home. It will not cover his home heating useage, extensive travel, manufacturing of his books & movies etc. His real footprint is much, much larger. He'd better get out the overalls and start digging!
Assumptions:
66-91 trees per metric tonne CO2 (Edinburgh Center for Carbon Management)
191,000 kilowatt hours used in 2006 (algore.com)
1.341 pound CO2 per KWh (EIA -- 1999, but close enough)
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
CT Energy Bills 2007
I figured I'd do a quick search to see what's on the legislative agenda for this year. Not too shabby. A lot of these are probably already dead, but I'll have to sort through to see what's still in the running.
***(Update 3/18/07) I noticed that a lot of the links below are screwy, though they weren't when I first posted this. Anyhow, you should get in the habit of doing your own energy legislation searches directly from the CT General Assembly website. They even have a bill-tracking feature so you can stay on top of the game by simply entering your favorite bills.
***(Update 3/18/07) I noticed that a lot of the links below are screwy, though they weren't when I first posted this. Anyhow, you should get in the habit of doing your own energy legislation searches directly from the CT General Assembly website. They even have a bill-tracking feature so you can stay on top of the game by simply entering your favorite bills.
| HB-5928.HTM | AN ACT ENCOURAGING ENERGY CONSERVATION AND REDUCING ENERGY COSTS. |
| HB-7309.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING PAY AS YOU SAVE AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY RECOMMENDATIONS. |
| HB-7310.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING OFF-PEAK ENERGY STORAGE. |
| HB-7098.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING CONNECTICUT'S ENERGY FUTURE. |
| SB-1377.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY. |
| SB-1375.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COMMISSION AND THE STUDY AND DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INVESTMENTS. |
| SB-1374.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRICITY PROCUREMENT AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY. |
| HB-5934.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ALTERNATIVE ENERGY, AND CONSERVATION, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR AND WIND POWER. |
| HB-7253.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INVESTMENT. |
| HB-7097.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING CONNECTICUT'S ENERGY POLICY. |
| HB-6209.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE RENEWABLE INVESTMENT FUND. |
| HB-6602.HTM | AN ACT EXPANDING TRASH-TO-ENERGY FACILITIES. |
| HB-5930.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING LONG-TERM CAPACITY AND ENERGY CONTRACTS. |
| SB-0865.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING AN ENERGY INDEPENDENCE ECONOMIC PLAN. |
| SB-0864.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING STUDENT PREFERENCES FOR ENERGY. |
| HB-6203.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY EFFICIENT VEHICLES. |
| HB-5935.HTM | AN ACT ALLOWING LONG-TERM ENERGY AND CAPACITY CONTRACTS. |
| HB-5017.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING AN EXEMPTION FROM THE SALES TAX FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY ENERGY TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT. |
| SB-0770.HTM | AN ACT RESTORING FUNDS TO THE RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT FUND. |
| SB-0521.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING A MUNICIPAL OPTION TO ABATE PROPERTY TAXES ON PROPERTY USED IN SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION. |
| SB-0520.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY EFFICIENT VEHICLES. |
| SB-0519.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING A SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR PROCESSES CONVERTING SOLAR ENERGY. |
| SB-0359.HTM | AN ACT ESTABLISHING A DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY. |
| HB-6613.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING STATE ENERGY PLANNING. |
| HB-6612.HTM | AN ACT CREATING A HOME ENERGY EFFICIENT SAVINGS MONTH. |
| HB-6607.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING LONG-TERM ENERGY AND CAPACITY CONTRACTS. |
| HB-6606.HTM | AN ACT ENCOURAGING ENERGY EFFICIENT STREET AND SECURITY LIGHTING. |
| HB-6205.HTM | AN ACT CREATING A SOLAR REQUIREMENT WITHIN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARDS. |
| HB-5936.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY EFFICIENT SCHOOLS AND STATE-FUNDED BUILDINGS. |
| HB-6407.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES IN THE STATE BUILDING CODE. |
| HB-5361.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING USE OF THE SURPLUS FOR AN ENERGY TAX CREDIT. |
| SB-0518.HTM | AN ACT EXEMPTING THE PURCHASE OF ANY EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES IN RELATION TO A PROJECT FUNDED BY THE CONNECTICUT CLEAN ENERGY FUND |
| HB-6785.HTM | AN ACT EXPANDING THE CLEAN ENERGY FUND'S SOLAR REBATE PROGRAM. |
| HB-5589.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING GRANTS TO NONPROFITS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY SYSTEMS. |
| HB-5295.HTM | AN ACT INCREASING CLEAN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION. |
| HB-5018.HTM | AN ACT CREATING A DISTRIBUTIVE ENERGY GENERATION PROGRAM. |
| HB-6787.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRIC CONSUMPTION REDUCTION NOTICES. |
| HB-5016.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCLUSION OF THE COST OF RELOCATION IN ELECTRIC UTILITY RATES. |
| HB-5927.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING CELLULAR TOWERS IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES. |
| SB-1422.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE INSTITUTE FOR ENERGY RESOURCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT. |
| HB-7332.HTM | AN ACT EXTENDING SOLAR ENERGY TAX CREDITS. |
| HB-7232.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LOW INCOME HEATING ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. |
| HB-7307.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING SUSTAINABLE BIOMASS. |
| HB-7081.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING CONNECTICUT'S ENERGY VISION. |
| HB-7080.HTM | AN ACT CREATING A STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY. |
| SB-1332.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ON-SITE FUEL STORAGE. |
| SB-1331.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANIES. |
| HB-7223.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING BUSINESS AND ENERGY INDEPENDENCE DISTRICTS. |
| SB-0771.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY PROCUREMENT AND EFFICIENCY. |
| SB-0135.HTM | AN ACT EXEMPTING FUELS SOLD TO NONPROFIT HOSPITALS FROM THE GROSS EARNINGS TAX. |
| HB-6748.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY EFFICIENT SCHOOL AND MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS. |
| HB-6208.HTM | AN ACT MODIFYING THE STATE'S ENERGY PROCUREMENT PROCESS. |
| HB-5921.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY EFFICIENT VEHICLES. |
| HB-5236.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING AN ENERGY USE TAX. |
| SB-0105.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY RELIEF FOR CONNECTICUT RATEPAYERS. |
| HB-6187.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING STATE ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR ENERGY COSTS. |
| HB-5133.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING AN EXTENSION OF THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR SOLAR ENERGY ELECTRICITY GENERATING SYSTEMS. |
| HB-5014.HTM | AN ACT CLASSIFYING BIODIESEL FUEL AS A CLASS I RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE. |
| HB-7311.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING GEOTHERMAL HEAT SYSTEMS. |
| HB-7308.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING RESOURCE RECOVERY OUTPUT PURCHASE REQUIREMENTS AND INDIRECT COSTS AND REMEDIES FOR PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANIES. |
| SB-1330.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE. |
| SB-1329.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING BIODIESEL. |
| SB-1328.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITY CONTROL. |
| SB-1373.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRIC RATE RELIEF. |
| SB-1207.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING SMALL-SCALE HYDROPOWER. |
| SB-1206.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING NATURAL GAS CUSTOMER CHOICE. |
| HB-7252.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONNECTICUT SITING COUNCIL. |
| HB-7183.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING WATER RESOURCE PLANNING. |
| HB-7251.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING UTILITY AUDITS. |
| HB-6218.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE COST OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS. |
| SB-1376.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING PAYMENT OF THE COSTS OF THE RELOCATION OF CERTAIN UTILITY FACILITIES. |
| SB-1327.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING UTILITY BILL PAYMENT OPTIONS. |
| HB-7254.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ALTERNATIVE MOTOR VEHICLE FUELS. |
| SB-1263.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONSOLIDATION OF ENERGY CONSERVATION LOAN PROGRAM STATUTES. |
| SB-1209.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING UTILITY MARKOUT TRAINING. |
| HB-6781.HTM | AN ACT TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE CONSERVATION AND LOAD MANAGEMENT FUND. |
| HB-5933.HTM | AN ACT RESTORING FUNDING TO THE CONSERVATION AND LOAD MANAGEMENT FUND. |
| SB-0980.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING A MUNICIPAL OPTION TO ABATE PROPERTY TAXES ON HYBRID AND ALTERNATIVE FUEL PASSENGER VEHICLES. |
| SB-0104.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING UTILITY BILL CONTRIBUTIONS. |
| SB-0018.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ALTERNATIVE FUEL SOURCES. |
| HB-6728.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AND THE LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT DESIGN CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS. |
| HB-6614.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING DISTRIBUTED RESOURCES. |
| HB-6414.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY EFFICIENCY. |
| HB-5924.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING SOLAR THERMAL INSTALLATIONS. |
| HB-5472.HTM | AN ACT PROVIDING FUNDS FOR THE STUDY OF HYDROELECTRIC POWER IN WINDHAM. |
| HB-5470.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALES TAX EXEMPTION ON RESIDENTIAL WEATHERIZATION PRODUCTS. |
| HB-6765.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING WATER METERS IN RENTAL UNITS. |
| SB-0618.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS. |
| SB-0985.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE. |
| HB-7377.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING GREEN BUILDINGS. |
| SB-0181.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE GASOLINE TAX. |
| SB-1381.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING APPROPRIATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENTS OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND AGRICULTURE. |
| HB-6206.HTM | AN ACT REDUCING THE UTILITY COMPANIES TAX. |
| HB-7082.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING AN ELECTRIC CONSERVATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM. |
| SB-1137.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING PRICE GOUGING. |
| HB-6207.HTM | AN ACT REGULATING SHARED WASTEWATER FACILITIES. |
| HB-6778.HTM | AN ACT PROTECTING PRIVATE PROPERTY ALONG UTILITIES' RIGHTS-OF-WAY. |
| HB-5468.HTM | AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN EXCESS PROFITS REFUND TO ELECTRIC UTILITY RATEPAYERS. |
| HB-5316.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR FUEL EFFICIENT MOTOR VEHICLES. |
| HB-5297.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPALITIES AND GOVERNMENT-ACCESS TELEVISION. |
| SB-1162.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING PASSIVE SOLAR TECHNIQUES IN PLANNING AND ZONING REGULATIONS. |
| HB-5940.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING AWARDS FOR CUSTOMER-SIDE DISTRIBUTED RESOURCES. |
| HB-5024.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING PREPAID HOME HEATING OIL CONTRACTS. |
| HB-5942.HTM | AN ACT EXEMPTING PV AND SOLAR THERMAL HARDWARE SERVICES FROM THE SALES TAX. |
| HB-5941.HTM | AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TAX CREDIT FOR THE RESIDENTIAL USE OF BIOHEAT. |
| HB-5932.HTM | AN ACT ESTABLISHING TAX CREDITS FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION IN CONNECTICUT. |
| HB-5593.HTM | AN ACT DEFINING BIODIESEL QUALITY STANDARDS AND INCLUDING BIODIESEL IN THE DEFINITION OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS. |
| HB-5591.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING AN EXEMPTION FROM THE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS GROSS EARNINGS TAX FOR BIODIESEL FUEL. |
| HB-5590.HTM | AN ACT EXEMPTING BIODIESEL FUEL FROM THE MOTOR VEHICLE FUELS TAX. |
| HB-6810.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING RATEPAYER RELIEF AND LOCATIONAL LOAD REDUCTION SUPPORT. |
| HB-5296.HTM | AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC ELECTRICITY PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY. |
| SB-0925.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING RECENT ELECTRIC RATE INCREASES. |
| SB-0863.HTM | AN ACT FACILITATING LONG-TERM PLANNING FOR UTILITIES. |
| SB-0512.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY. |
| SB-0024.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING INCENTIVES FOR ALTERNATIVE FUEL OR FLEX FUEL VEHICLES. |
| SB-0017.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ONLINE OPERATION FUEL CONTRIBUTIONS. |
| HB-7013.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES. |
| HB-6784.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING INTERCONNECTION STANDARDS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC AND ON-SITE GENERATION. |
| HB-6783.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING FUEL CELL MAINTENANCE. |
| HB-6782.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING LONG-TERM PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM CONTRACTS. |
| HB-6779.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING UNDERGROUND UTILITY LINES. |
| HB-6611.HTM | AN ACT PROMOTING FOSSIL FUEL CONSERVATION. |
| HB-6610.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE SOUTH END ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN PLANTSVILLE. |
| HB-6609.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING UTILITY SUBSTATIONS AND TRANSMISSION FACILITIES. |
| HB-6605.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING UTILITY SERVICE TERMINATION. |
| HB-6603.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC UTILITY SHUT-OFF NOTICES. |
| HB-6601.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING TAXATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES. |
| HB-6600.HTM | AN ACT REDUCING ELECTRICITY PRICES. |
| HB-6093.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING SPEED LIMITS ON LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAYS. |
| HB-5939.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING A LOCAL OPTION TO PROVIDE A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR PV AND SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS. |
| HB-5938.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING CABLE TELEVISION CONSUMER PROTECTION. |
| HB-5937.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR THE PURCHASE OF COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS. |
| HB-5929.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING DECENTRALIZED POWER SYSTEMS. |
| HB-5471.HTM | AN ACT PROVIDING FUNDING FOR MUNICIPAL ALTERNATIVE POWER GENERATION PROJECTS. |
| HB-5469.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING SENIOR CITIZENS' UTILITY BILLS. |
| HB-6847.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING A SUSPENSION OF THE UTILITY COMPANIES TAX. |
| HB-6608.HTM | AN ACT CREATING RATE RELIEF FOR CONNECTICUT'S RATEPAYERS. |
| HB-5926.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING TAX CREDITS FOR BIOHEAT. |
| HB-5925.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR REPLACEMENT OF HOME HEATING SYSTEMS. |
| HB-5592.HTM | AN ACT EXEMPTING SCHOOL AND MUNICIPAL DIESEL FUEL USE FROM THE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS GROSS EARNINGS TAX. |
| HB-5467.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING A SUSPENSION OF THE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS GROSS EARNINGS TAX. |
| HB-5359.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING A REDUCTION IN THE UTILITIES COMPANIES TAX. |
| HB-5126.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE RATE OF THE GROSS RECEIPTS TAX ON PETROLEUM PRODUCTS. |
| HB-5020.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING RESIDENTIAL WINDMILLS. |
| SB-1021.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE GROSS RECEIPTS TAX ON GASOLINE ADDITIVES. |
| SB-0979.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING A TAX ON TRANSMISSION SERVICES. |
| HB-6550.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING INEFFICIENT INCANDESCENT LAMPS. |
| HB-6848.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING A STATE POWER GENERATING AGENCY. |
| HB-5847.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING HEATING SYSTEM REPLACEMENT FOR MANSFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL. |
| HB-5588.HTM | AN ACT EXEMPTING PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR INSTALLATIONS FROM THE SALES TAX. |
| SB-0240.HTM | AN ACT PROHIBITING GASOLINE ZONE PRICING. |
| HB-5360.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING CONSERVATION AND LOAD MANAGEMENT. |
| HB-5294.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRIC AGGREGATION. |
| SB-0025.HTM | AN ACT REQUIRING STATE-OWNED VEHICLES TO RUN ON ALTERNATIVE FUEL. |
| HB-5217.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR RESIDENTIAL WEATHERIZATION PRODUCTS. |
| HB-5023.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING WINDMILLS. |
| HB-5022.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING NEW POWER PLANTS. |
| HB-5021.HTM | AN ACT CONCERNING THE ELECTRICITY INDUSTRY. |
| HB-5019.HTM | AN ACT ESTABLISHING A DISTRIBUTED GENERATION TASK FORCE. |
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Wake up and smell the electricity
Thanks again to Tim White for keeping an eye on legislative action (or inaction) regarding CT electric market regulation. Here's a good summary of the state of affairs published in the Record Journal. Seems that the legislation has finally woken up and is all primed up to act, but -- now here's the shocker -- they can't agree on what action to take!
For more on this topic, read here and here.
Connecticut to cap CO2 emissions
According to this morning's Hartford Courant, Governor Jodi Rell plans to introduce legislation that will cap CO2 emissions from power plants. CO2, a basic product of carbon-based fuel combustion, is considered to be the largest human contribution to the greenhouse effect. Coal combustion, which makes up 12% of our state's electric generation, stands to be hit the hardest from this legislation as coal CO2 emissions are the highest per MW of all traditional fuels. Proceeds from carbon permits, which are to be auctioned, will fund "consumer benefits programs". Industry response in 10...9...8......
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Fuel cell central
This NY Times article is implying that we Connecticutioners may not be doing enough to support fuel cell technology:
"WHILE Connecticut may have the largest concentration of fuel cell-related companies in the nation, sentiment is growing that it could be in danger of losing its edge to other states that now consider fuel cells a lucrative endeavor in alternative energy."
Fuel cells have many advantages for supplying clean, reliable power in remote or environmentally sensitive locations. As a back-up supply, they can come on to full power so fast that computers don't even reboot, which could save millions of dollars in a data center or even lives in a hospital. But they also pose some challenges that make them tough poor contenders for many of the largest potential markets. For example, water, a basic byproduct of the fuel cell reaction, freezes in sub-zero climates and expands within the stack's fragile porous carbon plates. Also, capital costs for stationary fuel cell power is currently around $4500-$5000 per kilowatt, compared with about $500 for traditional power generators. Replacing the 455MW New Haven Harbor station would cost about $2 billion (yes, billion with a "b").
Fuel cell companies rely largely on government grants and venture capital to support continued development (though Proton Energy does have at least one profitable product line). Some feel that with enough support fuel cells could become competitive in more markets and possibly even large-scale power generation or transportation, which would have a huge impact on our state if we maintain our dominance. However, in my opinion we are still a long way from seeing fuel cells dominating any large markets and significantly affecting the way we power our vehicles, generate power or fuel Connecticut's economy.
Should we continue to invest in this technology? Absolutely. Should we expect the world to change overnight? Sorry, but no. There are major technological hurdles in the way and these companies have been working on closing that cost gap for decades. Still, we could see fuel cells popping into more niche markets and it's anyone's guess what role they will play over the next 30 years or so.
For a really good thorough and extensive look at fuel cell technology, download this 5MB pdf from the NETL reference shelf.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Utility Days & Energy Expos
Thanks to Cheshire Councilman Tim White for this article in the Republican American regarding "utility days" and "energy expos". These are events organized and promoted by the power & gas utilities in order to help you fight rising energy costs. They are funded through a state-mandated extra charge on your utility bills.
"Utility Days, which are being held in partnership with Connecticut Statewide Legal Services, will provide financially-challenged customers with an opportunity to sign-up for CL&P and Yankee Gas energy assistance programs and services. At Energy Expos, the companies will distribute information on residential and commercial energy-efficiency programs; and will give customers the option to purchase energy-efficient lighting products. Complimentary energy-efficient light bulbs will be distributed, while supplies last, at all locations. The events are designed to bring energy awareness to Connecticut residents through informational and educational displays, giveaways and conservation materials."Click here for a list of dates and locations.
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