Reginald's Comments

Great perspective! The oil spill was merely a projection of our long-term dependence on crude oil. It is sad that the very substance that powers our economy destroys it as well. Let's hope this spill is enough of a wake-up call for people to want a change in the energy sources we use.

It's a shame that some HOA try to prevent solar installation purely for aesthetic reasons. While I can understand that some may find the panels unattractive, the benefits of solar panels overwhelmingly outweigh the costs. For starters, solar panels help reduce our carbon footprint on the world. Also, solar panels help homeowners save money in the long run on utility bills. In addition to becoming energy efficient, homeowners will also increase the valuation of their homes. In the 1998 study by ICF Consulting ("Evidence of Rational Market Valuations for Home Energy Efficiency," www.icfi.com/Markets/Community_Development/doc_files/apj1098.pdf), the home selling price was shown to increase by $20.73 for every $1 decrease in annual fuel bills. With this in mind, it's a wonder why all HOA don't support the transition to solar.

For more information on home solar, check out MyEnergySolution.com

This is an important point. The consumers need to be aware of how the smart meter is helping them and the environment for it to fulfill its original purpose. The smart meter in itself is not enough to make significant changes in energy consumption. That part is up to people.

Had the same question. Found this article helpful:
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/technology_and_impacts/energy_technologies/how-biomass-energy-works.html

These devices are awesome! The more people know about the energy they are using the more opportunities they have to save.

Interesting take on the possible positive outcomes of the oil spill. Fortunately some politicians are already responding to their constituents' desires. In Louisiana, Senator Nick Gautreaux and Franklin Foil support a bill that will utilize renewable energy. Hopefully other politicians will follow this trend.

In response to StephenLacey, while I agree that it may be easier to do nothing, the consequences of doing nothing may be too severe for politicians to risk. For example, the Australian prime minister was recently ousted presumably because he shelved a popular greenhouse gas emissions trading system measure.

Great ideas to lower energy use! Here are some more: double pane windows, switch to a programmable thermostat, buy ENERGYSTAR products whenever possible, use power off strips to power off electronics,lower your water heater temperature to 120-125°F, and turn off lights when not in use. (http://www.myenergysolution.com/home-energy-basics/top10list.html)

And kudos to the president for jumping back on renewable-energy bandwagon. In fact, he is going to make a trip to the senate to help pass energy legislation this Wednesday. I wish him all the best!