Few would debate that we are in very uncertain times. Energy costs are a key factor in this uncertainly.  The world has run on carbon energy since man learned how to make fire.  Wood, peat, coal, oil, and gas, ethanol, and pellets are all carbon. Carbon is dirty and much of it is coming to an end.  As we take ever more desperate and complex measures, costs and risk rise.  While some carbon based energy, such as ethanol and pellets, are considered "renewable," they must still be burned to create energy and that pollutes the air.  With increasingly violent weather patterns resulting from global warming, the burning of carbons to create energy becomes less desirable.  Expensive measures must be taken to clean up the smoke. In an effort to escape the negative costs and consequences of carbon, we started building nuclear power plants.  We never did figure out how to dispose of the byproducts of that process.  Nuclear plants around the United States are aging and many have been … [Read more...]

ENERGY SECURITY AND PRICE STABILITY   The availability and price of energy is a huge concern for homeowners and businesses in our area.  The first line of defense against price spikes or shortages is conservation and efficiency.  If you need less, then you are less at risk.  Geothermal heat pumps run at an average efficiency of 400%.  This means 75% of the heat they provide is pulled from the ground.  It is not subject to price fluctuations, and it will always be there. The next area of concern is the differences between fuels in terms of price, source and regulation.  Geo systems run on electricity.  Electricity is produced in many ways.  Coal and oil fired plants are being retired and natural gas generation is on the rise.  We still have nuclear plants.  We get a considerable amount of power from hydro, both local and from Canada.  Renewable sources such as solar PV and wind are also on the rise.  They are also sourced locally and from out west.  Power from renewable … [Read more...]

We just returned from a great week in Costa Rica.  When you run a business that you find exciting, you can take a vacation but you never really stop thinking about your business.  While touring this wonderful country, I kept an eye out as to the choices they made to satisfy their energy needs.  Amazingly, their electricity is generated using almost entirely renewable means (hydro power and geothermal).  While they are blessed with certain resources, it seems to me the number one resource they enjoy is the will to do it.  We also have resources.  They are different resources but they are clearly adequate.  Do we have the will?  If a tiny country of more modest means like Costa Rica can do it, can't we? Pura Vida! … [Read more...]