Blog Action Day

So it's finally blog action day.


Solar or Wind at My House

I've been really interested lately in what renewable energy technologies I can implement at my house.

I've discovered that currently, solar panels and wind turbines are only really viable where you have strong government support. New Jersey apparently offers the best support. I live in Georgia. We don't seem to get much assistance at all. Living in such a red state, I guess I shouldn't have expected much.

I'm going to contact my state and local representatives today to see about getting legislation passed to reduce the cost of renewable energy technology.

I'm not much in favor of subsidies, but until there is a critical mass, it's just not going to be supportable.


CFLs

I was reading yesterday about how many governments are looking at phasing out conventional light bulbs. I thought that was terrific. I'm caught in the dilemma that I have a bunch of conventional bulbs around my house. I seem to have at least one pack stashed away in every closet in my house. I'm too cheap to throw them away. As they burn out, I'm replacing them with CFLs.


Skeptical

Here is what Georgia Power has posted on their website about green energy:

Why does Green Energy cost more?
Although renewable sources like sunlight and wind are free, the technology used to capture the energy they produce is still more expensive than traditional power generation methods. Additionally, the renewable sources have relatively low availability. For example, the wind does not always blow and the sun does not always shine. Increased demand for Green Energy may lead to expanded power production capacity and eventually to lower costs.

"Increased demand for Green Energy may lead to expanded power production..."?

They charge an extra $4.50 per 100 kwh. I'm sorry. If I'm giving them more money, I was something a little more concrete about what they are going to do to source more green power.