Saturday, December 29, 2007

More CT electricity options

If you're trying to save money, you may want to click through to this chart of CT electricity options over at the CT energy blog. I try to follow the energy stuff fairly closely and even I was surprised by how many options CT consumers now have... probably as a result of the 1996 deregulation.

Actually, I wasn't that surprised by the residential aspect. Due to Luther Turmelle's reporting at the NHR I had known about the half dozen residential options (excluding clean energy options). But (if I counted correctly) businesses now have 26 options.

On a somewhat related note, the clean energy folks seem to be learning the fine art of marketing. I received a letter from them in which they announced a partnership with Jiminy Peak Ski Resort in MA. Basically, Jiminy Peak now has a windmill to produce much of their electricity... and they're also giving $100 discounts to season ticket buyers. I like the idea.

Tim White
Town Council, Energy Commission liaison

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Everyone that owns a home can take advantage of SOLAR energy. We spend so much money on "HOT TUBS", "HOME THEATERS", and many other "HOME IMPROVEMENTS" that we don't need but will not invest in "SOLAR PANELS" that can provide each family with free hot water etc. The cost are not that far out of reach and the pay back is short.Please look into this option, it WORKS.

Anonymous said...

Additionally, there are at least two very different ways to take advantage of the sun's power.

1) photovoltaics or PVs - they harness the power and generate electricity

2) water heaters - the water runs up to your roof and gets heated by the sun before being used in your house.

Both often involve the installation of panels (typically 5' x 5' or bigger) on your roof.

I believe the water heater type was quite popular in the 70s (though I know at least one Cheshire family that uses them today) and the PV type is making headway now... it's hasn't yet gotten far because the payback on PVs in CT is probably in the 10 yr payback range... even after taking advantage of state & federal tax benefits.