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Top 5 Stories in Energy This Week

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Electric meters for apartment building

1Truly Smart Electricity Meters Ready for the Market (via IoT Hub)

Residential electricity meters connected to the Internet of Things are finally being installed on a widespread basis. Later this year, utility companies in Australia and New Zealand will be deploying smart metering systems to households across their respective countries, and American utility operators are closely following these developments as they consider similar measures. New smart meters completely eliminate the need to visit homes and businesses to get electricity consumption readings; furthermore, they add the ability to connect and disconnect services remotely while at the same time providing detailed statistics and troubleshooting options.

Oil barrels

2Crude Oil Prices Continue Their 2017 Rally (via Oil Price)

The OPEC strategy to manipulate crude oil production and supply for the purpose of raising prices is finally paying off as crude oil inventories in the U.S. have been significantly reduced in recent months. The American Petroleum Institute estimates that oil reserves have fallen by five million barrels higher than expected. Global refineries have reduced their output by more than 10,000 barrels per day, and oil industry leaders in Russia and Saudi Arabia are pleased to see prices climb as high as $60 per barrel of Brent crude. Americans will likely see higher gasoline and heating oil prices over the next few weeks as a result.

3Imported Solar Energy Panels May Be Hit With Tariffs (via The Hill)

The U.S. International Trade Commission has unanimously recommended to President Donald Trump the imposition of import tariffs on solar panel manufactured abroad. American manufacturers of solar power cells have seen increased competition from imported panels, and the ITC believes that import tariffs would protect the domestic industry. The ITC members issued their unanimous vote after reviewing statements prepared by solar panel manufacturing firms that have gone bankrupt in recent years. President Trump has considerable powers to adjust tariffs and follow the ITC suggestions. High tariffs could slow down the adoption of solar energy by American electricity providers, and the costs would ultimately be passed onto consumers.

Senior citizens enjoying breakfast

5Affordable Housing Projects in California to Use Solar Power (via Green Matters)

High energy prices and an alarming lack of affordable housing are two issues that officials in the Golden State have been struggling to deal with in the 21st century; for this reason, The Multifamily Affordable Housing Solar Roofs Program aims to bring some relief to this socioeconomic problem. With investments estimated at $100,000 per apartment building, this initiative aims to reduce the payments that working-class tenants must make each month to keep their utilities on.

Tractor mowing green field

6Enbridge Touts Environmental Record in Line 3 Tours (via UPI)

TransCanada said an open season that ended in late October has attracted sufficient demand from shippers to justify building the Keystone XL pipeline. The company could make a final investment decision by December, but the project still needs approval from the state of Nebraska, which is expected to issue its decision by the end of the month.

Get Ready for an Appalachian Gas Bonanza

Pipeline welder

With over 15,000 workers on a $4.2 billion project, another state-of-the-art pipeline is nearing completion.  Experts are predicting this enhanced capacity will set the stage for new gas projects which will pump up the region’s energy economy.

Sometimes dubbed the Saudi Arabia of natural gas, the Marcellus is thought to hold a century’s worth of reserves. But after an initial boost of investment and optimism by drilling companies, activity started to stall, mostly because there weren’t enough pipelines to deliver the gas to large markets. Companies kept drilling wells but left many of them uncompleted, waiting for the day when pipelines would be finished.

Read More – Bloomberg

Consumer Energy Alliance Launches Energy Education Campaign in West Virginia

West Virginia Landscape

CHARLESTON, WV – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today announced the start of a statewide campaign designed to educate West Virginia lawmakers, families and businesses about the unending benefits of energy and the central role it plays in their everyday lives and budgets.

CEA’s “Campaign for America’s Energy” will highlight the importance affordable, reliable energy plays in the lives of families and businesses nationally, and the consequences that result from bad policy decisions. CEA will continue to hold the energy industry in West Virginia and throughout its neighboring states to a higher safety standard, and recognize the need for continued innovation to advance environmental goals.

The launch of this national movement, aimed at changing the energy discussion, will give elected officials across the nation the opportunity to adopt new policies that support energy production and delivery. CEA also aims to bring greater awareness to how rejecting or delaying energy production and infrastructure hurts lower-income households and those on fixed incomes, like retirees.

The effort will comprise a full-scale awareness program that includes new educational websites, media, community and stakeholder outreach, targeted digital advocacy efforts, and grassroots events and activities.

The campaign comes at a time when, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, West Virginians spend nearly $3,960 annually per person on energy – nearly 10 percent of the state’s median household income. These expenses often saddle households and small businesses who can least afford them, including those in Ohio, Wetzel and Doddridge counties, and in Charleston and Parkersburg, for instance.

“We are at a crossroads where elected leaders throughout the state have a unique chance to support a balanced, responsible energy policy that satisfies the needs of all West Virginians,” Greg Kozera of Shale Crescent said. “CEA’s Campaign for America’s Energy will actively engage policymakers so they realize the opportunity West Virginia’s energy resources provide and how our energy needs can be met while also protecting the environment.”

“West Virginians shouldn’t have to choose between heating or cooling their homes, buying a meal, or filling a medical prescription, yet for too many, that’s precisely what’s happening – and energy costs are a big reason why,” said Chris Ventura, executive director of CEA-Midwest. “Yes, we agree: We must push energy companies to innovate, reduce emissions, and improve performance. Protecting and improving the environment is a must-do. But so is lowering the cost of energy, and we can only do this if Democrats and Republicans work together to push balanced legislation.”

CEA, an advocacy organization representing many different types of consumers like families, manufacturers, agriculture, transporters, distributors, energy producers, renewables and various other industries in West Virginia and across the U.S., focuses on helping ensure stable prices, energy security, and balanced energy policy for those consumers across the country. The organization pushes energy companies to innovate and improve performance while supporting energy independence and a diversification of our energy resources, including renewables like solar and wind.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.consumerenergyalliance.org/campaign-for-americas-energy/West-Virginia.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:

Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

Consumer Energy Alliance Launches Energy Education Campaign in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Farm

HARRISBURG, PA – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today announced the start of a statewide campaign designed to educate Pennsylvania policymakers, families and businesses about the benefits of energy and the central role it plays in their everyday lives and budget.

CEA’s “Campaign for America’s Energy” will highlight the importance of affordable, reliable energy in the lives of families and businesses and the consequences that result from bad policy decisions. CEA will continue to hold the energy industry in Pennsylvania and throughout its neighboring states to a high safety standard while recognizing the need for continued innovation to advance environmental goals.

The launch of this movement, aimed at changing, balancing and improving the energy discussion so that those directly impacted – American families and businesses – have a greater voice in the dialogue. The effort will encourage elected officials and those in the Keystone State to adopt policies that support energy production and delivery as well as sound environmental stewardship. Specifically in Pennsylvania, the Campaign will focus on key energy issues, including the proposed severance tax, workforce development, domestic and international exports, and how to expand energy infrastructure in a thoughtful way, from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia.

 

CEA also aims to bring greater awareness to how rejecting or delaying energy production and infrastructure projects hurts lower-income households and those on fixed incomes. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Pennsylvanians spend over $3,500 annually on energy.  For a low-income Pennsylvanian living at the poverty line, that translates to over 29 percent of their individual income. These expenses often saddle households who can least afford them, especially like the almost 18 percent of Keystone State residents who are seniors.

“Political rhetoric has clouded the importance of Pennsylvania’s energy production and delivery to the state’s families and small businesses,” said Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr. “Our diverse energy portfolio, along with policies that will improve infrastructure, play a critical role in the accessibility to affordable energy throughout the Commonwealth.  That’s why it’s important that CEA’s Campaign for America’s Energy helps to remind our elected leaders of the opportunity Pennsylvania’s energy resources provide and to understand how energy needs can be met while we also protecting our environment.”

“Pennsylvanians shouldn’t have to choose between heating their homes, buying a meal, or filling a medical prescription, yet for too many, that’s precisely what’s happening – and energy costs are a big reason why,” said Mike Butler, Executive Director, CEA-Mid-Atlantic. “Yes, we agree: We must push energy companies to innovate, reduce emissions and improve performance. Protecting and improving the environment is a must-do. But so is lowering the cost of energy, and we can only do this if Democrats and Republicans work together to push more balanced legislation.”

CEA, an advocacy organization representing families, manufacturers, agriculture, transporters, distributors, energy producers, renewables and various other industries in Pennsylvania and across the U.S., focuses on helping ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. The organization pushes energy companies to innovate and improve performance while supporting energy independence and a diversification of our energy resources, including renewables like solar and wind.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.consumerenergyalliance.org/campaign-for-americas-energy/Pennsylvania.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

 

Consumer Energy Alliance Kicks Off Energy Education Campaign in Ohio

Midwest Rural Community

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today announced the start of a statewide campaign designed to educate Ohio policymakers, families, and businesses about the benefits of energy and the central role it plays in their everyday lives and budgets.

CEA’s “Campaign for America’s Energy” will highlight the importance of affordable, reliable energy in the lives of families and businesses, and the consequences that result from bad policy decisions. It will continue to hold the energy industry in Ohio and throughout its neighboring states to a high safety standard while recognizing the need for continued innovation to advance the state’s environmental goals.

The launch of this national movement, aimed at changing the energy discussion so that those directly impacted – American families and businesses – have a greater voice in the dialogue. The effort will encourage elected officials and those in the Buckeye State to adopt policies that support energy production and delivery as well as sound environmental stewardship.

The campaign also aims to bring greater awareness to how rejecting or delaying energy production and infrastructure projects hurts lower-income households and those living on fixed incomes. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Ohioans spend over $3,600 annually on energy.  For a low-income Ohioan living at the poverty line, that translates to nearly 30 percent of their individual income. These expenses often saddle households and those who can least afford them, like the roughly 16 percent of Ohio residents who are seniors.

“While some Ohioans mistakenly believe they must choose between a healthy environment or accessing energy, the truth is, no choice is necessary. We can have both,” said Guy Coviello, Vice President of Government Affairs at Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We all want a cleaner environment and affordable energy, regardless of our political affiliation. That’s why it’s important that CEA’s Campaign for America’s Energy helps to remind our elected leaders of the opportunity Ohio’s energy resources provide and to understand how energy needs can be met while we also protecting our environment.”

“It’s time to talk candidly about energy. Ohioans shouldn’t have to choose between heating their home, buying a meal, or filling a medical prescription, yet for too many, that’s precisely what’s happening – and energy costs are a big reason why,” said Chris Ventura, Executive Director, CEA-Midwest. “Yes, we agree: We must push energy companies to innovate, reduce emissions and improve performance. Protecting and improving the environment is a must-do. But so is lowering the cost of energy, and we can only do this if Democrats and Republicans work together to push balanced legislation.”

CEA, an advocacy organization representing families, manufacturers, agriculture, transporters, distributors, energy producers, renewables and various other industries in Ohio and across the U.S., focuses on helping ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. The organization pushes energy companies to innovate and improve performance while supporting energy independence and a diversification of our energy resources, including renewables like solar and wind.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.consumerenergyalliance.org/Campaign-for-Americas-Energy/Ohio.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

Consumer Energy Alliance Kicks off Energy Education Campaign in Florida

Fort Lauderdale Florida beach

Tallahassee, FL – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today announced the start of a statewide campaign designed to educate Florida lawmakers, families and businesses about the unending benefits of energy and the central role it plays in their everyday lives and budgets.

CEA’s “Campaign for America’s Energy” will highlight the important role that affordable, reliable energy plays in the lives of families and businesses, and the consequences that result from bad policy decisions. CEA will continue to hold the energy industry in Florida and throughout its neighboring states to a high safety standard, recognizing the need for continued innovation to advance environmental goals.

The launch of this movement, aimed at changing, balancing, and improving the energy discussion so that those directly impacted – American families and business – have a greater voice in the dialogue. The effort will give elected officials the opportunity to adopt new policies that support energy production and delivery. CEA also aims to bring greater awareness to how rejecting or delaying energy production and infrastructure projects hurt lower-income households and those on fixed incomes, like retirees.

The campaign comes at a time when, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Floridians spend nearly $2,800 annually on energy.  For a low-income person living at the poverty line, that translates to 23 percent of their individual income. These expenses often saddle households and small businesses who can least afford them, including those near the coast and in regions bordering the Panhandle coastal areas like Pensacola and many portions of Central Florida, for instance.

“Elected leaders across the state have the chance to implement and manage a sensible energy policy that provides solutions to meeting our energy needs and keeping costs down,” Brewster Bevis, Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs for the Associated Industries of Florida, said. “That’s why it’s important that CEA’s Campaign for America’s Energy helps to remind our elected leaders of that opportunity and to understand how energy needs can be met while we also protecting our environment.”

“Floridians shouldn’t have to choose between air-conditioning, buying a meal, or filling a medical prescription, yet for too many, that’s precisely what’s happening – and energy costs are a big reason why,” said Kevin Doyle, Executive Director, CEA-Florida. “Yes, we agree: We must push energy companies to innovate, reduce emissions and improve performance. Protecting and improving the environment is a must-do. But so is lowering the cost of energy, and we can only do this if Democrats and Republicans work together to push balanced legislation.”

CEA, an advocacy organization representing many different types of consumers like families, manufacturers, agriculture, transporters, distributors, energy producers, renewables and various other industries in Florida and across the U.S., focuses on helping ensure stable prices, energy security, and balanced energy policy for those consumers across the country. The organization pushes energy companies to innovate and improve performance while supporting energy independence and a diversification of our energy resources, including renewables like solar and wind.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.consumerenergyalliance.org/campaign-for-americas-energy/Florida.

###

About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

Line 3 Could Be One of Minnesota’s Largest Construction Projects in Recent History

Pipeline Construction Worker

The new Line 3 would be one of the state’s largest construction projects in recent history. And it is expected to take at least a year to build the Minnesota portion — a long length of time for individual construction jobs.

“Something like this does not come along very often,” Claremboux said of the Line 3 project, which would replace the current Line 3. “It extends out to where a guy can actually bank a bit of money.”

That is, if the controversial replacement Line 3 gets built. The regulatory process is in its final stretch, and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is scheduled to decide on the pipeline in April.

Read More – Star Tribune

Consumer Energy Alliance Announces National Energy Education Campaign

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) announced today a nationwide campaign focused on educating families, businesses and state and local lawmakers about the benefits of energy and the critical role it plays in everyday lives and budgets. “Campaign for America’s Energy” will focus on continuing to hold the energy industry to a higher safety standard while bringing greater awareness to public officials, leaders, and communities about how rejecting or delaying energy production, delivery, and diversity hurts lower-income households and those on fixed incomes.

The launch of this national movement, aimed at balancing and depoliticizing the energy discussion, will give families and elected officials a balanced perspective to help advance policies that support energy production and delivery, as well as environmental standards. The effort will comprise a full-scale awareness program that includes new educational websites, media, community and stakeholder outreach, targeted digital advocacy efforts, and grassroots events and activities.

CEA’s campaign comes at a critical time when Americans, on average, spend more than $3,500 annually on energy-related costs. For a low-income consumer living at the poverty line, that could mean up to 29 percent of their individual income. According to the Census Bureau, more than 40 million Americans live in poverty, and 13.5 million are out of work or searching for full-time jobs.

“Energy should be a non-partisan issue because it is something that both impacts and sustains everyone. Protecting the environment is also a non-partisan issue because everyone wants a cleaner environment,” said David Holt, president of CEA. “Through new advancements in technology and innovation, everyone wins, because we can make energy more affordable and provide a healthy model for energy production that protects our environment and improves our communities.”

Holt added: “Americans shouldn’t have to choose between heating and cooling their homes, buying their next meal or filling their next medical prescription, yet too many are having to do just that. We agree that the environment is vital to our future, and we’ll continue to hold industry to higher standards. Pushing energy companies to innovate, reduce emissions and improve performance are all must-dos. But we must also diversify our resources, improve energy security, and lower prices – and we’re calling on Democrats and Republicans to join us in support of both issues.”

CEA, a national advocacy organization representing varied types of consumers like families, manufacturers, agriculture, transporters, distributors, energy producers, renewables and a variety of other industries, focuses on helping ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. The organization pushes energy companies to innovate and improve performance while supporting energy independence and a diversification of our energy resources, including renewables like solar and wind.

For more information, visit ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org. An example of a state campaign site can be found here.

About Consumer Energy Alliance

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

 

Media Contact:
Consumer Energy Alliance
Emily Haggstrom, 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org

Let’s Talk Candidly About Energy

Mountain Sunrise

Consumer Energy Alliance President David Holt appeared in RealClear Energy news to describe CEA’s all-of-the-above solution for meeting the energy needs of every American.

Did you know that oil and natural gas pipelines ― despite the claims of protesters ― are 4.5 times safer than moving the same volume across the same distance by other means? Or that over 99.999 percent of what’s moved through pipelines safely reaches its destination? Or that natural gas generators can be ramped up and down quickly, which supports the integration of wind and solar into the electric grid? Or that we use natural gas for more than 55 percent of our electricity?

We all want a cleaner environment and access to affordable energy, regardless of our political affiliation. Nobody wants to pay more for consumer goods ― such as clothes, food and electronics ― because of high energy costs.

Read More – RealClearEnergy

Top 5 Stories in Energy This Week

energy
Electric Transmission Line Repair

1Energy Contractor Rebuilding Puerto Rico’s Electric Grid Questioned by U.S. Congress (via USA Today)

A small electricity and utility contractor, which until very recently only had two full-time staff members, has been granted a $300 million contract to start working on reconstructing the battered electrical grid of Puerto Rico, is being questioned by the United States Congress. Whitefish, a Montana-based company with no discernible track record, did not go through the bidding process. The company happens to be based in the hometown of Ryan Zinke, the current Secretary of Interior; moreover, Zinke’s son briefly worked for the company earlier this year. Preliminary reports indicate that Whitefish became active during Hurricane Irma and was reaching out to contractors when Hurricane Maria devastated the energy infrastructure of Puerto Rico.

Gas station fuel pump octane

2An Uptick in Gasoline and Heating Oil Prices (via Street Insider)

As the U.S. continues to inject greater strength to its strategic and general oil reserves, the value of crude oil slipped but futures contracts on heating oil and gasoline rose in value, suggesting that consumers may see higher prices later this year. Demand for both fuels has been greater than most analysts anticipated, and traders are taking advantage of the situation. In some regions of the U.S., lower temperatures are expected this winter, and the Thanksgiving holiday is expected to generate significant vehicle traffic as American families gather together.

Residential Solar Installation

3Tesla Solar Roof Panel Designs Make Headlines (via The Architect’s Newspaper)

Just a few months after Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that its company was taking deposits on new residential solar panel installations, the tech entrepreneur held a press conference whereupon he unveiled four panel designs that will look good on just about any roof. The highly aesthetic designs resembled traditional roof tiles; in reality, they are Tesla solar shingles that look a lot better than the current paradigm of dark gray solar panels. This is certainly good news for homeowners who are very conscious about the curb appeal of their properties; appraisers are already taking into consideration Tesla solar panels as features that boost home values.

Household Electric Bill

4Electricity Hogs in American Households (via KSFY)

October is National Energy Awareness Month. Local utilities such as Touchstone in South Dakota, brought attention to energy waste in our households. As expected, HVAC systems were at the top with 47 percent, followed by water heaters with 17 percent. Washer and drier combinations along with lighting were minor culprits; electric ovens, however, were determined to be less efficient than their gas counterparts.

Woman Charging an Electric Car

5Electric Cars are a Big Hit on Wall Street But Not on American Highways (via Reuters)

Drivers in the U.S. are not quite ready to embrace electric cars, but they are willing to pay higher prices for small trucks and SUVs. Wall Street investors, on the other hand, are paying greater attention to shares of companies dedicated to manufacturing electric vehicles. According to a recent Reuters report, traders and value investors are drawn to EV automakers even though companies such as Ford and General Motors are enjoying considerable success in terms of selling larger passenger cars, trucks and SUVs; nonetheless, these companies are also boosting their EV research and production for the purpose of appearing more attractive to investors.

 

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