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Thankful for Energy Savings

Cooking Tom Turkey is going to cost you, but not much.   Here is the deal.  If you live in a state with an active energy industry you will spend less than others.  Using a natural-gas fired stove in North Dakota then you will pay $0.47 to cook a 16-20lb turkey.  In Louisiana you will pay $0.96 to cook that same turkey in an electric oven.  In Massachusetts, the home of the very first Thanksgiving, you will pay $1.71.  The most expensive state is Hawaii at $4.29 for a stuffed 16-20lb turkey using an electric oven.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports electricity prices are increasing.  For families on a budget that’s nothing to gobble at.   Cooking your family’s 16lb turkey for four hours increases your monthly electric bill by roughly 8 kilowatt hours.  Add to the bill increased heating, lighting and other electricity usage (such as watching the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving) you will see an uptick in your energy bills.

Here are a few easy ways to reduce your electrical bill:

Tips from TLC:

  • Keep the oven door shut! Opening the oven door to check your food requires more energy to keep oven temperature constant. Instead of opening the door, turn on the oven light and monitor items through the window.
  • Use your oven to its full capacity. If possible, put several dishes in the oven at once. This cuts down on the amount of time the oven stays on throughout the day.
  • Load the Dishwasher! Some dishes must be hand-washed, of course but when faced with a mountain of holiday dishes, using the dishwasher is usually more energy-efficient. That’s because your hot water heater is one of the largest sources of electricity demand in your home and the dishwasher uses hot water more efficiently.

From TXU Energy:

  • Consider an alternate method of cooking your turkey, or try a Consumer Energy Alliance favorite grilling or frying it outside (if you live in a temperate area).
  • Use your crock pot or microwave for side dishes.
  • If your heat is on, turn the thermostat back to 68 degrees or lower and use the warmth of your kitchen and guests to help heat your home.
  • Be sure to turn off lights and ceiling fans in rooms you’re not using during your holiday gathering. Use an ice chest, cooler or colder area like your garage to store drinks to cut down on wasting electricity when the refrigerator door is open.

From the U.S. Department of Energy:

  • Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
  • Use ceiling fans to circulate warm air. Most ceiling fans can reverse their direction. By reversing your ceiling fan to a clockwise rotation the fan will help move warmer air pooled near the ceiling back into the living space. This can cut your heating costs by as much as 10%!

These are just a few tips that can help limit the cost of your Thanksgiving holiday. We hope you find them useful and that you and your family have a safe and happy holiday filled with great food, warm memories and low electricity bills!

Finish the Waste Confidence Rule

Washington, DC – “…live up to its legal obligations…” That is what Consumer Energy Alliance’s Michael Whatley is urging the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to do in the wake of today’s U.S. Court of Appeals ruling that the DOE can no longer collect money from nuclear plant operators to fund the construction of a facility the federal government is refusing to build.

“CEA is pleased to see utility and electric cooperative customers will no longer be forced to pay into a Nuclear Waste Trust Fund without any hope that the federal government will manage the nuclear waste which utilities are currently storing at facilities around the country. The best path forward is for the Department of Energy to live up to its legal obligations and build a long-term nuclear waste disposal facility.”

Consumer Energy Alliance is currently urging its grassroots supporters to contact the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. which is evaluating the safety and environmental impacts of storage of used nuclear fuel for the period after the plant’s license expires until the federal government picks up the fuel. Quick resolution is necessary for the agency to proceed efficiently with licensing.

CEA supports:

  • Efficient and sound federal regulations on the nuclear industry;
  • Nuclear energy as part of a diverse energy mix;
  • The NRC swiftly resolving its Waste Confidence rule making.

 

Sherrod Brown Outlines Ohio’s Energy Future

In a video message, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown outlines Ohio’s energy future. Brown’s comments were part of CEA-Midwest Powering our Future forum held in Columbus, OH on November 18, 2013.

TRANSCRIPT

BROWN: Hi, I’m Sherrod Brown, United States Senator.

Thank you for inviting me to speak to the Consumer Energy Alliance Midwest Powering Our Future Forum.

Your work shows us how the old theory of jobs versus the environment is simply a false choice.

The investments made by utilities and small businesses, by large manufacturers and communities across the state prove otherwise.

We know that creating jobs and protecting our environment and improving our economy and safeguarding our national security. All that requires us to find new ways to generate clean energy right here in Ohio.

We can and must consider an all of the above approach to meeting our energy needs. That’s why I want to continue working with each of you to promote next generation clean coal, to encourage the widespread use of renewable energy, to develop energy efficiency measures and to continue efforts to ensure that Ohio’s natural gas development is the safest and most responsible in our county.

Energy and economy are inextricably linked. So too are energy and environment. In Ohio our manufacturers are leading the way in reducing energy usage and finding that becoming more energy efficient can actually improve the bottom line.

Utilities, rural co-ops municipal generators all are investing in the next generation of electricity generation that will keep the lights on for decades. Our friends and neighbors are finding that Ohio’s increasingly diversified power sector is keeping utility bills among the lowest in the country.

Ideas and discussions that happen at today’s forum will help determine our policies and our future. Together we can invest in new technology and move toward smart energy solutions.

I look forward to working with you to do just that. Thanks for the opportunity to speak with you today. More importantly, thank you for the work you do in our communities.

 

Consumers Warn Regulations Will Drive up Cost

Energy Consumers joined federal and state elected officials in Columbus, OH on Monday at CEA-Midwest’s Powering Our Future Forum to discuss Environmental Protection Agency regulations that have the potential to reshape electricity generation in the Midwest.

Consumers cautioned new regulations that drive up costs will affect a company’s ability to grow.

“The amount of electricity required during the steel making process is staggering” said Jennifer Diggins of Nucor Corporation. “Affordable energy is essential. For every one cent increase in a kilowatt hour spent on electricity equals $300 million in higher costs.”

Michael Whatley of Consumer Energy Alliance warned federal policies are tied to economic activity. “Energy is the lifeblood of the economy, and policy that takes away affordable power from the economy will weaken it.”

The EPA has released one of two different proposed regulations governing the operation of coal fired power plants.  Coal fired plants provide 78 percent of Ohio’s net electricity generation in 2011 according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  Nuclear energy contributed 11 percent and natural gas added another 8.9 percent.

Republican members of the U.S. House have been critical of the EPA.

U.S. Representative Bob Gibbs (R-Holmes County) stressed a “for a vibrant economy, you have to have affordable, reliable energy…this is what’s made America great. If we let D.C. stifle that growth, we will forgo the opportunity to be energy independent.”

Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown addressed the forum through a video message.  “Your work shows us how the old theory of jobs versus the environment is simply a false choice.”

Patrick Wilson of Babcock & Wilcox, a clean technology company that pioneered the use of small modular reactors for the US Navy’s nuclear fleet, warned regulation inhibits competitiveness. “America is stacking the deck against itself. If the US continues to add impediments to competition – such as a prohibition on the export of coal – the American economy stands lose up to $35 billion.”

EPA officials have indicated regulations will treat existing coal-fired plants differently from plants yet to be built.  It is unclear what new sources of electricity generation will be needed, but consumers stressed the need for multiple energy sources.

“When it comes to energy solutions, there ain’t no silver bullet,” said Dale Arnold of the Ohio Farm Bureau.

As noted by Senator Brown, Ohio’s firms are making investments to improve their environmental stewardship.

“Buckeye has made a $1.2 billion investment to fully scrub coal….Buckeye is all in with coal. We are not retiring any plants,” said Marc Armstrong of Buckeye Power, a rural electric cooperative that supplies electricity to rural areas in Ohio. “Buckeye uses coal because it is the cheapest, most affordable source for generating power, and that is what is important to our customers. Having the federal government shut down coal by fiat is not democracy…and is not the way to make policy.”

Coal operators are committed, but believe spikes in electricity prices will ultimately determine regulations issued by the EPA.

Michael Carey of Murray Energy, the largest privately held coal producer in the world, “we believe in the coal industry. Once customers realize that their bills will skyrocket they will return to the previous source of energy…and that is coal.”

John McManus representing utility American Electric Power pointed towards investments his company is making now to reduce emissions, but warned consumers will see price increases, “AEP is investing $3 to $4 billion in emissions reductions technologies to comply with EPA regulations, which is starting to hit consumers in their pocketbooks. With GHG regulations that cannot be met, we will be forced to close plants, which will affect reliability.”

The forum was organized by Consumer Energy Alliance-Midwest with support from Nucor Corporation and Babcock & Wilcox.

Scenes from the North American Energy Security Dialogues at the Embassy of Canada

The North American Energy Security Dialogues is a two-part series of round-tables hosted in Washington, D.C. and Vancouver, B.C. bringing together American and Canadian natural resource producers, legislators and government officials, stakeholders and the media for an in-depth conversation on North American Energy Security.

Winter is Here: 10 Tips to Save Energy Consumers Money

Houston, TX – Today Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), an organization that advocates for energy consumers, released 10 tips for energy consumers to save money on winter energy bills. More than 90 percent of U.S. homes are expected to have higher bills for heating costs this winter, a recent U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) report shows.

According the federal government, homes using natural gas for heat may see their prices increase by about $679 – 13% higher than a year ago, but still 4% below the average for the previous five winters. Homes relying on electricity for heat (about 38% of U.S homes) will likely pay about 2% more for heat compared with last year.

“Consumers should be spending more for holiday presents not for energy bills,” said David Holt, President of CEA. “With a proper federal energy policy, these harsh winter forecasts that are being predicted for many parts of the country should not also pinch American families by increasing heating costs.”

Holt added: “For a family on a fixed budget increased energy costs are no small matter. The good news is there are steps consumers can take to offset high heating costs. CEA looks forward to working with all its member companies from the energy and consuming sectors to help educate consumers on the actions they can take to save money on winter energy bills.”

High energy prices are driven by high demand, as well as regulatory requirements and bottlenecks to increasing production. Even with new discoveries in oil and natural gas inside the United States, a combination of stifling government regulations, inadequate energy infrastructure and continued economic growth in the U.S. keep energy prices high.

To review CEA’s tips for winterizing a home and saving energy, please visit: http://www.theenergyvoice.com/10-tips-save-money-energy-bills/.

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together consumers, producers and manufacturers to engage in a meaningful dialogue about America’s energy future. Our mission is to help ensure stable prices for consumers and improve energy security. We believe energy development impacts everyone, and thus it is necessary for all consumers to actively engage in the conversation about the importance of energy to the economy and how we develop and diversify our energy resources. CEA promotes a thoughtful dialogue to help produce our abundant energy supply, and balance our energy needs with our nation’s environmental and conservation goals.

10 Tips to Save Money on Winter Energy Bills

  1. Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night.
  2. Cover drafty window Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce cold air from getting in.
  3. Find and seal leaks Seal the air leaks around pipes, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
  4. Add caulk or weather-stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
  5. Check the air filter on your heating system every month. Replace every 3 months or when dirty.
  6. Replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed.
  7. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills.
  8. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). Water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home.
  9. Consider replacing your old gas appliances with an ENERGY STAR water heater or furnace. If your gas water heater is more than 12 years old, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it with a newer Energy Star rated model that is about 15 percent more efficient.
  10. When fireplace is NOT in use make sure the damper is CLOSED.

Winter is Coming. Are you Ready?

It’s hard to believe it but November is here and that means winter is right around the corner.  This time of year often means families across the United States are burdened with additional expenses ranging from holiday shopping and travel to higher electricity bills. With harsh winter forecasts predicted for many parts of the country, it’s likely that many Americans will feel an increased pinch from heating costs this year.  After all, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is predicting that more than 90 percent of homes in the United States will have higher heating costs this winter in comparison to last year.

According to the EIA, homes using natural gas for heat will pay about $679 – 13% higher than a year ago, but still 4% below the average for the previous five winters. Homes relying on electricity for heat, about 38% of the U.S., will likely pay about 2% more for heat compared with last year.

For a family on a fixed budget these increased costs are no small matter.  However, the good news is that there are very simple steps you can take to limit weatherdriven increases in your family’s energy bills. Whether you rely on heating oil, natural gas or electricity to heat your home these energy saving tips are easy to accomplish, don’t require any professional assistance and will help you reduce your family’s energy budget this winter season.

So, as much of the nation prepares for a blustery, chilly and snow-filled winter, be sure to implement these easy fixes before your energy costs go up as the thermometer goes down.

From the U.S. Department of Energy:

  • Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
  • Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
  • When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills.
  • Add caulk or weather-stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
  • Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.
    • Water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.
    • No need to skimp on holiday decorations.  Just be sure to use light-emitting diode — or “LED” — holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home.

The California Energy Commission also offers a few good suggestions:

  • Shorten showers. Simply reducing that lingering time by a few minutes can save hundreds of gallons of hot water per month for a family of four. Showers account for 2/3 of your water heating costs. Cutting your showers in half will reduce your water heating costs by 33 percent.
  • Use appliances efficiently. Do only full loads when using your dishwasher and clothes washer. Use the cold water setting on your clothes washer when you can. Using cold water reduces your washer’s energy use by 75 percent.

Other helpful hints include:

  • Use ceiling fans to circulate warm air.  Most ceiling fans can reverse their direction.  By reversing your ceiling fan to a clockwise rotation the fan will help move warmer pooled near the ceiling back into the living space. This can cut your heating costs by as much as 10%!
  • Keep doors closed to rooms you aren’t using, especially those with an exterior wall.  Doing so will make home heating more efficient and will require less energy to keep heavily used parts of your home comfortable.

These are just a few tips that can help you save money while keeping your family comfortable during this winter season.  To learn about more tips visit the Department of Energy’s home weatherization website and stay tuned to the Energy Voice in the coming weeks and months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Sen. Markey’s Challenge Doesn’t Make Sense

Washington, DC – Today, Consumer Energy Alliance Executive VP Michael Whatley questioned U.S. Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) challenging TransCanada, the operator of the Keystone pipeline system, to stop companies, completely separate from TransCanada, from selling the product they transport.

“Think of TransCanada as a delivery company like UPS or FedEx. Now, think of a U.S. Senator telling a company like UPS or FedEx that they cannot ship products to customers unless those customers promise to not take their purchases to Europe on vacation. It just doesn’t make any sense.

“Adding safe, secure and abundant oil to the U.S. refining system from our number one trading partner will only serve to continue to put downward pressure on gasoline and diesel prices – which have been steadily falling recently in large part due to the oil and gas production revolution that is occurring in North America. It doesn’t make any sense to American drivers who will benefit from even lower gasoline prices that Keystone XL will deliver – and it does not make any sense to the American construction workers waiting to build the pipeline.”

 

Kevin Doyle: Nuclear must stay a part of the mix

CEA-Florida’s Kevin Doyle writes on the opinion page at Tallahassee.com why Florida should consider Nuclear energy as a source for electricity.

Tallahassee.com: 

Due in part to our beautiful beaches, growing economy and tax-friendly policies, Florida has been, and will continue to be, a destination for individuals from across the United States and the world. Over the past three decades, our state’s population has grown, on average, by 300,000 residents per year. In fact, the 2010 census noted that Florida boasts the third-largest growth rate in the nation.

Many analysts believe our state’s growth will continue. In fact, the University of Florida recently projected that Florida’s population could reach 29 million by 2040.

With Florida’s estimated population and economic growth, the state consumers will need increasing amounts of energy. In fact, the Florida Reliability Coordinating Council expects the state’s electricity demand will rise by more than 10 gigawatts, or roughly 20 percent, through 2035.

If our state is going to meet this increased demand, a growing nuclear sector must be part of our state’s energy portfolio. After all, nuclear energy is clean and abundant and, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute, it’s one of the most cost-efficient sourcees of base load electricity, averaging about 2.3 cents per kilowatt hour from 2010 to 2012.

It’s good news then that Florida Power and Light (FPL) is continuing to seek state and federal approvals for two new nuclear reactors at its existing Turkey Point facility near Homestead.

According to FPL’s website, the project will produce approximately 2,000 megawatts (2 gigawatts) of electricity. That’s enough to serve approximately 750,000 South Florida homes and meet 20 percent of the state’s expected increase in power needs. In other words, one project could meet a rather large chunk of our state’s future power needs.

At the same time, it’s estimated the project will save consumers approximately $75 billion in fossil fuel costs over the project’s 40-year lifetime.

What’s more, nuclear power and the Turkey Point project in particular will provide a significant benefit to Florida’s environment. Due to the fact that nuclear energy emits no carbon, the project would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 265 million tons in comparison with other high-capacity energy sources.

Of course, it’s also worth noting the project would provide a much-needed economic lift to Florida. Construction of the new reactors are expected to generate $6 billion in benefits to the economy, including 3,600 construction jobs and 800 high-paying, permanent jobs at the facility.

Our state is already a clean energy leader as roughly 72 percent of our electricity is generated from low, or zero, emissions sources. To advance this trend, while continuing to meet our state’s electricity needs affordably, increased generating capacity from nuclear energy is an absolute necessity.

For all of these reasons, the Consumer Energy Alliance encourages Floridians and our state’s elected leaders to support policies that promote this needed energy source’s continued growth while safeguarding Florida’s special environment. During this exciting time in the state’s history, supporting an all-of-the-above approach — including expanded nuclear capacity — will prove itself as a successful path for the future, allowing energy supplies to be more secure and more affordable for our citizens.

Kevin Doyle is executive director of the Consumer Energy Alliance-Florida, the state affiliate of a national nonprofit, nonpartisan Consumer Energy Alliance 

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