July 26, 2010

Don't confuse the BP oil spill with the future of natural gas. The fuel is expected to be a global contender when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants through 2050.

That's the conclusion of an MIT study group, which says that natural gas will erode coal's market share over time and particularly after domestic and international carbon controls are put in place. After 2050, however, the study -- managed by the MIT Energy Initiative -- says that carbon-free fuel sources that include both renewables and nuclear power will assume the central leadership roles.

July 23, 2010

Retail electricity competition has taken a drubbing. But information now out is suggesting that the concept is alive and well, and likely to gain momentum: More customers switched in the first quarter of this year from incumbent utilities to alternative suppliers that purport to deliver lower costs and better services.

Proponents of restructuring say that excessive regulation will lead to inefficiencies that work to the detriment of consumers and new innovation. Critics of retail deregulation are countering that it has always been a pipedream because electricity cannot be inventoried, necessitating that the industry always be under strict oversight.

July 21, 2010

When the World Bank approved a $3.75 billion loan to build a highly efficient coal plant in South Africa, it provoked outrage among many in the developed world who responded that those resources should go to cleaner energy forms. Supporters have said, however, that the facility is needed to bring electric power to the underserved.

In reality, coal remains the world's most dominant fuel source -- and one that is consumed by both rich and poor countries alike. That's why the pressure to clean it is building. If burning it can become increasingly clean and efficient, it will remain viable in world markets while modern plants will get funded and constructed.

by MTI Energy Management / Lighting Specialists, Inc.

Michigan utilities are entering into the last year of a three year utility rebate program that offers rebates to commercial customers that make energy efficient improvements to their buildings.

Be aware that the response to this program has been overwhelming. DTE exhausted 2010 funding for the program in May of this year. New applications were placed on a waiting list with no guarantee of receiving rebates. DTE will begin taking new applications sometime in October 2010 for the last year of the program which is set to end in 2011.  Response will surely be high. Rebate applications will be processed on a first come first served basis.

To verify eligibility a qualified Michigan contractor should be consulted before making changes. Do it yourself improvements may not qualify for rebate under the program. Check with a contractor or your utility representative before moving ahead.

July 19, 2010

As the recession is coming to an apparent end, the utility industry is beginning to realign. While a number of deals are transpiring, they are less indicative of a broader trend and more about companies building their competitive future positions.

Energy demand will continue to lag its prerecession levels. So, many companies are faced with the choice of hanging on to assets that are not fully productive or selling plants to those who view them as part of their wider expansion plans. Others, meanwhile, are merging so as to gain size, scale and diversity.