Cost of energy from solar and oil is dropping. Cost of coal-related electricity generation is headed up. 2015 should be an interesting ride. Here is an interesting article from Scientific American: “Road tripping used to feel like it broke the bank, with gasoline prices in many places hovering above $3.50 per gallon or higher. Today,…
Category: Electricity
How will the new Congress handle energy issues?
The 114th Congress convenes January 6, 2015 at noon Eastern. A recent posting from Utility Dive offers some predictions on how they will handle energy issues: “Crucial energy-related decisions with 2016 deadlines will face the new Republican-dominated Congress beginning in January.” Read More Kent McDonaldKent works at RealPage and helps apartment firms reduce operating costs related…
U.S. Reports Significant Rise in Electricity Costs
EIA is showing that residential electric costs rose by an average of 3.2% over the past few months. More worrisome according to the article is that a number of coal-fired generation facilities have been mothballed recently, and if this upcoming winter is as cold as last year, prices will rise further—and may overwhelm the grid….
Wireless charging for electric vehicles hits the road
Forget building costly charging stations for residents; forget the charging cable: breakthroughs in inductive charging for electric vehicles (evs) means drivers just park over a pad in the road to get more juice With no need to plug in to charge, it’s a breakthrough that should speed up the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EV)…
What the acquisition of NEST by Google could mean for apartment owners
Google’s recent acquisition of intelligent thermostat and fire alarm-maker Nest could be a major disruption to the status quo in apartment automation. For decades, the dream of a “smart apartment” has been just that: a dream. The concept of an interconnected, intelligent apartment and common areas has been relegated to science fiction. Owners have not…
Hoarding light bulbs?
According to a recent article in USA Today, cheaper light bulbs are set to phase out during 2014 as consumers and businesses are forced to move to the more efficient (and more expensive) CFL or LED designs. Multifamily firms should consider if it makes sense for them to stock up on the old bulbs before they…
Comparing Your Consumption to Your Neighbor
Last week an executive in our company walked into my office with his electric bill. His bill included a chart showing how his energy consumption compared to his neighbors. The next thing he said was, “ I guess I need to go get those LED light bulbs.” Instant proof that social pressures are more compelling…
Sustainable Outdoor Amenities
Chris Lee recently published an interesting article on outdoor amenities. It has some good tips for creating additional amenities that promote a sense of community in a cost-effective way. Check it out: http://www.propertymanagementinsider.com/3-tips-for-creating-outdoor-living-spaces.html But speaking of cost effectiveness, beyond the upfront capital dollars that Chris has in mind, should property owners also consider the operating…
Smart Meter deployments continue to rise
Smart Meters are an important part of the Smart Grid. Many utilities offer incentives to install Smart Meters. For information on incentives available in your area, browse the database cataloged at www.DsireUsa.org. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), a division of the US Department of Energy (DOE): Electric meters with enhanced communication capabilities—an essential…
Good or bad? Nuclear power expected to hold steady
Nuclear power in the United States is not likely to be built at new sites due to safety concerns. Older power plants will be retired, but a few existing plants have plans to add capacity via new reactors. Other technology innovations have resulted in increased output. The net effect is likely that the USA will…