The city of Anaheim, where I live, has its own utility company which is great for the residents because the rates are much lower than those supplied by commercial utilities in California. South Orange County gets its power from San Diego Gas and Electric, one of the utilities deregulated in the 1990's and the rates are much higher than what we pay here in Anaheim. As a result, Anaheim residents were somewhat shielded from the soaring prices of the Enron-powered California energy crisis of 2001. In December, Anaheim started purchasing renewable geothermal energy from Raser Technologies, an "environmentally-focused" company in Provo, Utah. According to the Orange County Register, Anaheim has contracted with Raser to deliver eleven megawatts of power, enough to supply thousands of homes. Of course, like all renewables, geothermal power can't produce as much electricity as a coal-fired or nuclear plant, but it doesn't pollute the skies or produce toxic waste either. But at least it's American made.
It's good to know that my city is looking toward the future and trying to find more renewable sources of energy for its residents. Click here for more information on geothermal energy.
Note: I had hoped to be able to report that the California Legislature has passed a budget, but as of this writing the deal still has not passed the state senate, even though lawmakers worked late into the night on Saturday.
My Town Monday is the brilliant brain child of writer/blogger Travis Erwin. Thanks, Travis! Go to his blog to read his latest post and find links to the other participants.
Linda
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13 comments:
Our heating bills can run as high as $500 a month. We need some of that power here.
Wind energy seems to be the power source of the future in my area. Lord knows we have enough if it.
Our old house is a bear to heat. We're looking at using wood and solar to help.
A good post to look at the future with. Thanks, Linda.
I think that is wonderful. More areas need to be getting into alternative power sources and soon.
That is high, Patti, but you live in a very cold area of the world. Our electric bill for the last two months was only $76, but we had an exceptionally warm January, with some daytime temps in the 80's. The low rarely drops below 40 here.
Travis, yes, wind power would be very good in your area. There are a bunch of wind farms in our deserts, too. It's weird to see them, so futuristic looking.
You're in a cold area, too, Debra.
Barbara and Reb, I hope we're all going to see more green energy solutions in future. It's about time.
Great post, Linda! Since I don't get a paper newspaper anymore, I miss a lot. I didn't know we were getting geothermal energy. I'm glad we're moving ahead to use alternative energy resources.
I hope this is the first of many plants to harness nature for power. Soon, going green might not be a choice but a matter of fact. I do hope so.
~Debbie
Linda and Travis, I am impressed with the geothermal power in Anaheim!
-Kathleen
And still no budget....
I wish we had your rates!
Barrie, it's terrible in San Diego! We maintain my mil's house in San Clemente and the utility bills are so much higher there, I can't believe it's in the same county. And still no budget. Aargh!
How cool! We have So. Cal. Edison and got reamed in December with a bill that was double what it was in Nov.
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