Facebook Instagram Linkedin RSS Twitter Youtube

Game Consoles: Unexpected Energy Vampires

Group of Friends Playing Video Games

Not all game consoles are created equal when it comes to energy use, according to a report from the Natural Resources Defense Council. The report found that out of the Nintendo Wii U, Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox, “the Sony PS4 and Microsoft Xbox One consume two to three times more annual energy than the most recent models of their predecessors.”

Overall, game consoles represent a major drain on household electricity bills, with NRDC estimating that the Wii, PlayStation 4 and Xbox will use roughly 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity once American households upgrade to new systems. And this massive use of resources can’t be blamed on overzealous gamers: game consoles also drive up the bills in standby mode, as they continuously draw in energy when not in use. This one feature will be responsible for $400 million in annual electricity bills, or the average output of a large 750-megawatt power plant!

But what can you do as a consumer to prevent game consoles from bumping up electricity bills each month? One suggestion from the report for Xbox users is to switch from connected standby to “Energy Saving” mode, although they note that the current user interface doesn’t make this option very intuitive.

The report ultimately concludes that most power-saving changes will have to come from the companies that produce the consoles, and quickly, before the new energy-draining models completely replace their older counterparts. NRDC recommends that companies like Sony and Microsoft make an effort to optimize efficiency through “software updates, modifications to setup screens, or minor hardware changes.” Improvements like these could make all the difference for consumers, saving over $250 million annually in electricity bills.

Letter to Port of Seattle: Keep Supporting Arctic Energy Development

Arctic offshore drilling rig

Thanks again for upholding the decision to allow a Shell subsidiary to dock their oil-drilling rigs and hosting vessels at your port, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) told the Port of Seattle Commission in a recently sent letter.

And for the sake of U.S. Arctic exploration and the future of economic ties between Alaska and Seattle, please don’t let anti-development activists change your mind.

“We thank the commissioners for their actions to maintain the current lease and ask that they continue on that path, despite the reckless attempts by activists and the Seattle city council to derail our state’s most critical industry,” Anne Seneca, president of Consumer Energy Alliance-Alaska, said.

The letter, sent on June 2, had the support of 13 organizations and 19 lawmakers in Alaska. It added that the economic health of Alaska is reliant on the development of the state’s vast array of energy resources. That’s because about 90 percent of the state’s revenue stems from the oil and gas industry, which constitutes about half of Alaska’s economy and about a third of state jobs.

“It should therefore be no surprise that Alaskans overwhelmingly support energy development, including offshore in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas,” the letter said. Arctic waters off the coast of Alaska have an estimated 23.6 billion barrels of oil, enough to provide every licensed driver in the West Coast states with nearly 14,000 gallons of gas.

And it’s not only Alaska and the West Coast that benefit from the development of Arctic resources, the letter says, adding that these resources also “help feed, clothe and house hundreds of millions of Americans all across the nation.” Recent polls in a number of states, including Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana, back this claim, as do polls in key primary states in next year’s presidential election.

“The response of elected and public officials at all levels, including state and local, will play a crucial role in determining whether Alaska, the Seattle region, and the nation at large are able to realize the benefits associated with our abundant energy resources and historically close ties between Alaska and the Puget Sound region,” the letter said.

These are the reasons why anti-development organizations and other opposition groups who have been working to derail the U.S.’s Arctic energy exploration program should vacate the Port of Seattle and stop filing frivolous lawsuits intended to delay Shell from drilling in the Arctic waters off the coast of Alaska as early as this summer.

“We don’t like our economy being held hostage by activists from another state,” Seneca, said, according to United Press International.

In fact, rescinding the current lease with Foss Maritime could threaten the future of the Port’s prosperity as well as the broader economy between the two states, the letter argued.

“Significantly, the situation at hand is about far more than just energy, with the Port of Seattle having played a critical role in closely linking the economies of Alaska and Washington State,” the letter said. “In that regard, many other economic powerhouse sectors in the Alaska region that depend on operational certainty and predictability in the Pacific Northwest, such as the tourism and seafood industries, are also closely monitoring the ongoing developments and wondering whether their activities at the port might be next on the target list if anti-development groups are successful in this instance.”

Colorado Mine Closure Could Leave 200 Workers Out of Luck

Larimer Street in Denver Colorado

A controversial court decision in Colorado threatens to put more than 200 mine employees out of work and could result in a loss of more than $200 million worth of investment for the regional economy and $12 million in local, state and federal tax revenue. On May 8th, Colorado Federal District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson ruled that permits issued by the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) for Colowyo Mine in the northwest part of the state were invalid. The judgment came after a national environmental group argued that the agency did not provide adequate public notice or address environmental impacts of the mine.

The Colowyo Mine has not violated any environmental law or regulations and operates under the terms of the plan under which it was approved. Despite this, the court ruled that the Colowyo Mine must close its doors in 120 days if the OSM does not correct the errors it committed permitting process. This will leave the mine employees and their families, all of whom have worked to provide affordable and reliable electricity to their community, without a way to make a living.

What’s more, the closure of Colowyo will have repercussions beyond the regional economy. Colowyo and its parent company Tri-State are part of 44 member electric cooperative and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. This means that the rural shareholders of these cooperatives, who often face higher electricity rates to begin with, will bear the burden of the economic impact of a Colowyo closure.

Tri-State has promised to work with OSM to comply with the judge’s orders and review all legal options, including appeal. National leaders like Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet, Governor John Hickenlooper, and Representative Scott Tipton recognize the economic significance of the mine and have voiced their strong opposition to its closure.

Mining operations employ more than 80,000 workers across the U.S. and coal still accounts for 39 percent of the nation’s electricity generation. Coal continues to be an important part of America’s energy portfolio and it is essential that lawmakers advocate for policies that allow mines like Colowyo to continue to operate safely and productively.

Alaskan Organizations, Legislators, Individuals Submit Letter to Seattle Port Commissioners

Anchorage Alaska

Anchorage– Consumer Energy Alliance- Alaska (CEA- Alaska) along with 13 other statewide organizations, 19 Alaska state legislators, and numerous individuals today submitted a letter to Port of Seattle Commissioners asking for their continued support for hosting vessels and equipment that will assist with upcoming summer exploration activity in the Chukchi Sea.

The staging of vessels in the Port of Seattle is critical to the expansion of energy exploration  and the success of the Alaskan economy. Energy resources contribute nearly 90% of Alaska’s state revenue and create one third of Alaska jobs.

The letter’s signers argue that allowing activists to sway Commissioners into rescinding the current lease with Foss Maritime would threaten the future of the Port’s prosperity as well as the broader economy between the two states.

“Significantly, the situation at hand is about far more than just energy, with the Port of Seattle having played a critical role in closely linking the economies of Alaska and Washington State. In that regard, many other economic powerhouse sectors in the Alaska region that depend on operational certainty and predictability in the Pacific Northwest, such as the tourism and seafood industries, are also closely monitoring the ongoing developments and wondering whether their activities at the port might be next on the target list if anti-development groups are successful in this instance,” reads part of the letter.

“We don’t like our economy being held hostage by activists from another state,” said Anne Seneca, President of CEA- Alaska. “We thank the Commissioners for their actions to maintain the current lease and ask that they continue on that path, despite the reckless attempts by activists and the Seattle city council to derail our state’s most critical industry.”

Activists have been working to derail the U.S.’s arctic energy exploration program. Polls show strong support for offshore energy production, both in Alaska and in key primary states. The program also has support from President Obama himself.

Americans Stress Need for Sensible Arctic Energy Rules

Anchorage Alaska

For the fourth time this year, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) has helped Americans support an all-of-the-above energy policy that includes a robust offshore energy program. In its latest effort, CEA has gathered over 87,000 grassroots comments conveying the need for sensible regulations on Arctic energy exploration and warning that the U.S. Department of Interior’s (DOI) regulations as currently proposed could discourage investment and limit the efficiency, safety and success of exploration programs.

In comments to DOI officials, noting the importance of avoiding redundancies, promoting performance-based standards, and providing for measures based on the practicalities of drilling in the Arctic that are adaptable to emerging practices and technologies, Americans stress that the “sound application of science and technology and intelligent, reasonable regulation can ensure that we protect the Arctic environment while developing the necessary energy resources to fuel our economy well into the future.” The comments further note that some of the provisions in the draft rule do not meet that standard and may even increase safety and environmental risks.

“With this group of comments, we know that Americans support Arctic energy production and understand the need for sensible regulations that will protect the environment while also allowing for maximum development of the resource base,” said David Holt, president of CEA.

Recent polling by CEA in states across the country also points to Americans’ support for Arctic offshore energy development, with majorities of voters in three states supporting the process.

“Arctic energy exploration, and energy issues in general will be a key part of the upcoming presidential campaign. We are happy to see voters taking part in the regulatory process in the Arctic as well,” continued Holt.

CEA has submitted more than 340,000 grassroots comments on several other offshore energy issues in the past year, including the draft 2017-2022 offshore oil and gas leasing plan and Atlantic seismic testing.

CEA- Alaska Gathering Signatures for Statewide Letter to Seattle Port Commissioners

Trans Alaska Pipeline in Winter

CEA- Alaska is currently gathering signatures from citizens of Alaska to add to its statewide letter asking the Commissioners of the Port of Seattle for their support in maintaining the lease for Arctic drilling vessels at Port facilities.

You can add your name to the letter here.

 

5 Ways to Save Gas This Summer

Woman Fueling Car

The summer driving season is upon us, but there is a bright spot for consumers planning that upcoming summer driving vacation who want to save gas! According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), regular gasoline retail prices are forecast to average $2.45/gallon (gal) compared with $3.59/gal last summer during the 2015 April-through-September summer driving season.

Gas prices are lower because of lower crude oil prices, which account for about two-thirds of the price U.S. drivers pay for a gallon of gasoline.

Based on EIA’s gasoline price forecast, the average U.S. household is expected to spend about $700 less on gas in 2015 compared with 2014, as annual motor fuel expenditures are on track to fall to their lowest level in 11 years. According to the EIA, actual spending can vary based on driving-related factors (number of vehicles, annual distance driven, grade of gas), some of which depend on demographic considerations (location, income, size of household). Typically households with more people tend to spend more on gas in a year.

Regardless of gas prices this summer, consumer can always look to conserve fuel and money by following these tips:

  • Drive sensibly – Observe the speed limit, eliminate aggressive acceleration and braking, reduce the time that you idle your vehicle, and plan ahead to avoid unnecessary traffic congestion.
  • Keep your car in good repair – Tune-ups, oil changes, and filter replacement will help you get more miles for each gallon of gas.
  • Check your tires – Low tire pressure can significantly impact fuel economy. Government website SaferCar.gov recommends that drivers check their tire pressure at least once per month. 
  • Unload that stuff – All that extra stuff in your trunk or backseat makes your car heavier and reduces your mileage. Put your car on a diet and get rid of the extra stuff.
  •  Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle – When it’s time to trade up for a new vehicle, look into choosing a vehicle that is certified with the best miles-per-gallon rating in order to maximize your fuel efficiency and save gas.

With these tips in mind, you can save hundreds of dollars in gasoline expenses this summer. Now get driving!

Letter: CEA- Alaska Asks Port of Seattle to Support Alaska Energy Production

Port Infrastructure

CEA- Alaska is asking for support of the state’s Arctic energy exploration in a letter to the Commissioners of the Port of Seattle. The port has been embroiled in controversy since anti-energy groups started efforts to rescind an agreement to lease space at the port for equipment used to support Arctic energy exploration. The current lease with the port would provide for a staging and resupply area for the vessels needed to support energy exploration in Alaska’s Chukchi Sea.

Without the use of the port, Arctic energy exploration could be severely hampered, which would damage the expected economic growth and job creation the activity is expected to generate according to the groups letter.

“…it is estimated that economic activity from the development of the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas would create an annual average of 54,700 jobs nationwide, with government revenue estimated to be nearly $193 billion over the next 50 years. Some of that revenue could help build reliable village infrastructure, reinforce subsistence hunting, and provide crucial support for local infrastructure such as running water, schools, hospitals, and medical facilities. As history has shown, the ability of rural Alaskan villages to maintain their cultural traditions and continuity over time is directly related to the availability of jobs and sound infrastructure in their communities, which in turn is highly influenced by the presence or absence of energy activity.

“Unfortunately, a band of extremist voices have organized in the Seattle area as part of a last-ditch effort to stop domestic energy exploration offshore Alaska, which happens to be supported by an overwhelming majority of Alaskans. By derailing a signed lease with the Port of Seattle that would otherwise allow the staging of exploration equipment at Terminal 5, these groups hope to usurp a fair process in order to further their anti-development agenda.”

 

The letter also points out the damaging precident created by reneging on the terms of the agreed-upon lease, where maritime companies and other industries could shy away from future operations in the area for fear of similar problems with their own lease agreements.

“If these groups are successful with their scheme… companies across maritime sectors will think twice about making investments in the United States.”

Read the entire text of the letter here.

CEA Poll Shows South Carolina Voters Support Arctic Energy Development

Arctic shipping and recreational boats

85 Percent Say Energy Policy Will Play a Key Role in 2016 Election

Key Takeaways:

  • Voters in South Carolina favor Arctic energy production by 38 points.
  • Energy will be very important to voter’s decisions on candidates. 
  • Lindsay Graham leads the Republican pack, but only just. 

 

P1130624As echoed in recent poll results from Iowa and New Hampshire, voters in South Carolina overwhelmingly support offshore energy development in the Arctic. The polling of South Carolina voters also showed energy policy will be an important issue when casting their votes in the 2016 Presidential election.

In the latest poll by Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), South Carolina voters were found to support Arctic offshore energy production by a significant 38 point margin, with 63% of voters in support and only 25% in opposition. As the primary season approaches, these results show that Presidential candidates will need to take a strong stance on the issue of Arctic offshore energy exploration.

Overall, the vast majority of South Carolina voters (more than 85%) said energy issues will be an important factor when making decisions in the 2016 presidential election. The significance of energy issues for South Carolinians shows candidates must make energy policy a key part of campaign efforts in this early primary state. Consumer Energy Alliance found similar sentiments in key states prior to the 2014 elections.

OCS Newsletter Ice“As we have seen in the past, a strong position on energy policy, and Arctic energy production in particular, will be critical for 2016 Presidential candidates as they begin touring early primary states like South Carolina,” said David Holt, President of Consumer Energy Alliance. “Evidenced in CEA’s research, support for a comprehensive domestic energy policy that uses all of America’s energy resources will be key component to a candidate’s success. Furthermore, these polls show a trend that will likely be seen across the country in the general election – that energy policy will be top of mind when voters cast their ballots.”

“Energy is booming in the United States and we are on the cusp of an Energy Revolution,” added Holt. “To continue our energy dominance, and subsequent economic growth, voters clearly recognize the need for a diverse energy program that includes Arctic development. This result supports a recent study by the National Petroleum Council that concluded the U.S. should pursue Arctic development to help maintain our energy self-sufficiency.”

The results out of South Carolina also showed that Hillary Clinton is favored among Democratic primary participants. While Lindsay Graham enjoys a narrow lead among all Republican voters (14%) and women Republicans (19%), no GOP candidate has a clear advantage in the South Carolina primary.

 

 

 

Poll: Key Primary Voters Support Arctic Drilling, Say Energy is Important Issue in 2016 Race

Arctic shipping and recreational boats

Continuing the trend of energy policy as a key issue in nationwide elections, voters in Iowa and New Hampshire showed overwhelming support for U.S. energy leadership in Arctic offshore energy production.  The results show offshore energy policy is an important focus even for both Iowa and New Hampshire voters, just as Presidential candidates start canvassing the states.

A new poll by Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) shows Iowa voters support Arctic offshore energy production by a 20 point margin (52% support – 32% oppose). New Hampshire voters also support Arctic offshore energy production by a 19 point margin (54% support – 35% oppose). As the administrative process moves forward on offshore exploration in the Arctic, candidates will need to stake out a position on the issue in the upcoming primary season.

Importantly for candidates, more than 80 percent of both Iowa and New Hampshire voters say energy issues will be a key factor in how they make decisions in the 2016 presidential election. In Iowa, 34 percent say energy issues will be “very important” to their decision (Total important 84% – not important 13%). In New Hampshire, 37 percent say energy issues will be “very important” to their decision (Total important 86% – not important 13%). Consumer Energy Alliance found similar sentiments in key states prior to the 2014 elections.

 

 

The results show voters are keenly aware of energy issues and the importance of those issues in a candidates policy platform. It also shows the direct connection that energy policy decisions have on the pocketbooks of average Americans. While lofty goals and heady policy prescriptions may be in the cards for some candidates, voters want to ensure stable and low prices for all forms of energy.

“Candidates for 2016 races will have to have a strong position on energy related issues in general and on Arctic exploration specifically,” said David Holt, President of Consumer Energy Alliance. “CEA’s research shows that support for a robust domestic energy policy that use all of America’s energy resources is key to a candidate’s chances of victory.  CEA’s poll shows that it will be difficult for any Presidential candidate to travel to Iowa or New Hampshire without a strong position on U.S. Arctic energy production.”

“The United States is in the initial stages of an Energy Revolution,” added Holt.  “Voters are pretty clear.  We should keep our economy moving forward through a robust energy program that includes Arctic development. This result also provides additional support to the recently released National Petroleum Council study that concluded the U.S. should pursue Arctic development to help maintain our energy self-sufficiency.”

The data show that Hillary Clinton is favored among Democratic caucus participants in both Iowa and New Hampshire. While no Republican candidate for President is yet a favorite in Iowa, Jeb Bush and Scott Walker are the current leaders in New Hampshire.

 

 

1...232233234...338Page 233 of 338

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

© Consumer Energy Alliance