Utilities include power companies, water companies, trash collection services, and other service providers. They may produce the resources they’re selling themselves. They may also buy electricity, water, and other supplies from third parties and resell them to households and businesses. Utilities are heavily regulated but may have natural monopolies that protect them from competition.
Smart meters are devices that can report on a household’s power usage, and in some cases they can control newer appliances. A smart meter is more complex than the traditional power meter. The power company has to purchase and install the smart meter, which adds a cost to each customer’s bill. Power meters in Northern […]
Buildings consume large amounts of heat every year to ensure that their internal temperature stays at a comfortable level. Air conditioning cools down rooms, while heaters increase the temperature. Ice and water based systems are well known to provide cooling effects and many building designs already incorporate their use. Designing a heating system which can […]
California has several propositions on the ballot. One of these propositions, Proposition 16, requires a two thirds vote before establishing a community power generation project. The proposition is backed by Pacific Gas and Electric, the large utility, since it would prevent cities and counties from setting up competing power generation systems. This proposition would have […]
It’s important to track your energy usage if you’re interested in reducing it. A target such as 20% less electricity is much easier to obtain when you’re aware of how much power appliances in your home use. Even smaller appliances such as toasters and ovens can use more power than you expect, especially if you […]
The Recovery Act is funding projects, including a smart grid which Beacon Power is setting up. The company headquarters is in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, and the company’s technology will operate around the country, including Chicago and California. According to the California Energy Commission, the Beacon Power technology focuses on creating a flywheel storage system for an […]
Recently some Spanish business organizations have questioned the reports of Spanish companies that reported solar power production at night. They thought it might be fraud, although there are ways of generating solar power at night. An article by Business Week reported this story. The business group ASIF demanded an investigation. There actually are ways to […]
Los Angeles is raising rates on water and power. According to the LA Times, the rates are going up 37% over the next four years. This rate increase has several objectives. The City of Los Angeles is operating in the red and water and energy bills are one way to make up the shortfall. Mayor […]