March 01, 2010

When you think of the southeast United States, you don't usually think of renewables. NC GreenPower is working to change that, specifically in North Carolina.

NC GreenPower focuses on engaging the consumer and even supporting economic development in the renewables arena. Despite its renewables focus, NC GreenPower's approach could serve as a model for organizations tasked with engaging consumers in smart grid efforts and developing a more robust workforce to support smarter technologies. The group also shows that consumer engagement with energy doesn't always have to come from a utility.

February 17, 2010 
 
Defense contractors aren't exactly shooting for the stars. But they are aiming for a greater share of the ever-changing energy business. Their scientific and technical expertise coupled with their well capitalized businesses is giving them an inside track into the world of intelligent utilities, green energy and emissions reductions.

Most of those spacecraft and weapons makers have long had their fingers into energy-related businesses, although they reason that that market is now ready to expand. And while those contractors certainly have the money and brains to make a go of it, they are mindful that a lack of commitment has caused some past forays to remain dormant.

Marc Gunther: This is Marc Gunther for GreenBiz.com. I'm here today with Dan Yates. Dan is the founder and CEO of OPower. OPower is a company that helps people conserve energy, and we'll talk about that in a moment, but first a little about Dan. He's just 32, but he previously started and sold an educational software company, then spent about a year traveling with his girlfriend, now his wife, from the Arctic Circle in Alaska to the tip of South America. It was that adventure that led Dan to start OPower. Dan, first tell us why you started the company, and then please describe OPower. Tell us what you do.

Dan Yates: Thanks, Marc. Yeah. I started with my good friend and co-founder Alex Lasky, who is president of OPower. We started it very specifically to have a large scaled impact on emissions. I, in light of my background in information services, having started up a previous internet start-up, and Alex, with his background in politics and policy, surveyed the landscape looking at a bunch of different opportunities.

March 10, 2010

Both the European Union and Russia are planning for more nuclear energy. It's part of their effort to reduce carbon emission levels. With the two powerhouses dependent on each other to accomplish their respective goals, they have agreed to enter into a "nuclear partnership agreement" to assist in nuclear trade and safety-oriented transactions.

Russian nuclear technology is now considered to be advanced. As such, it has become a leading global supplier of nuclear fuels as well as materials and equipment to Europe. With the exception of a few European nations such as Austria, Germany and Sweden that have expressed opposition to more internal nuclear development, the continent as a whole is working to expand the technology. Member states are free to pursue their own policy, although they are obligated to abide by international carbon treaties.

May 11, 2009

During last year's Christmas season, the Tennessee Valley Authority delivered the bad news to its East Tennessee neighbors that one of its dikes had burst and released 5.4 million cubic yards of coal fly ash into the surrounding areas. While no one died, water tests indicated elevated levels of deadly pollutants that had killed hundreds of fish.

TVA, the nation's largest wholesale provider of electricity, is still battling the disaster and it is projected that it will spend at least $850 million cleaning it up. But now Congress and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are also examining the issue to determine if coal ash should be federally regulated under hazardous waste laws or if those rules should continue to be left to the states.

January 20, 2010

The utility culture is mixed. And with varied viewpoints, each is pushing Congress to enact their brand of climate legislation.

But a central message that runs through the assorted arguments is that any final laws should keep cost under control. As such, most utility groups favor giving away most of the initial allocations that would allow them to exceed carbon emission limits while at the same time, passing along any revenue gains from the sale of those credits to consumers.

Michigan GREEN (Group for a Renewable Energy Efficient Nation) and Dell, Inc. announce a tree planting event to complement the recent sale of 4,000 Dell computers to the state of Michigan.  Students from Alto, Bushnell, Cherry Creek, and Murray Lake Elementary Schools will vie for the honor of planting 1,000 red and white oak and sugar maple saplings at the Wittenbach/Wege Agriscience and Environmental Education Center  and the adjacent Wege Natural Area in Lowell.

Below are a few letters received at EnergyBiz Insider on topics that appeared in the past few weeks. They capture the essence of how many readers say they feel.

________________________________________

March 03, 2010

"Public awareness is always the first step in winning a political battle in the United States," said Theodore Roosevelt in his gubernatorial efforts to promote conservation to the largely indifferent citizenry of New York State.

To move smart grid initiatives forward in the Northeast United States, keeping the public aware of what a more intelligent utility can mean to their lives is critical. The benefits of a smarter, more robust grid and the consequences of not having one must be clearly communicated to garner broad public support.

Below is the link to a poignant magazine article by the wife of one of Michigan GREEN's founding members, Marilyn Van Tiem.

JUST LOVE Article
December/January 2010
Reminisce Magazine

October 20, 2009

Cooler temperatures, gray skies and even the raindrops could not dampen the high spirits and enthusiasm of the 100 Lowell elementary students.  The essays and drawings were wonderful.  The smiling faces of students, school faculty, community members, and parents added to the wonder of the day.

The Mining Journal
Editorial article - Opinion
POSTED: January 10, 2009

The Mining Journal wants to add its voice to the nearly unanimous chorus of support from area school districts for legislative changes that could boost alternative energy use at schools.

Many area school districts have signed off on a petition, circulated by the non-profit Michigan Group for a Renewable Energy Efficient Nation, which urges Gov. Jennifer Granholm to make changes to a Senate bill in order to lower barriers to setting up renewable energy systems at schools.

Plymouth, MI (September 18, 2007)

Green Street Fair, Inc. was founded to help educate and inform people of all ages about the benefits of green, organic, and eco-friendly products and services. To promote global interest and personal well-being, the Green Street Fair, will blend companies, artisans, entertainers, workshops and speakers together in a friendly and family-oriented outdoor environment.