Energy - Rochester, NY area 

RochesterEnvironment.com

The prospect of Climate Change for our area looms large and the extent of change will most probably be influenced by where we get our energy in the future.

Find out about energy and how it relates to Rochester. Also, discover alternative energy sources that are environmentally friendly.  Rochester, because of its many schools of higher education, is becoming an innovative leader in developing many kinds of renewable energy sources.    

Page Contents: Energy NewsLinks  | Energy Discussions  | Wind Power | Tips & Help on Conserving Energy | Energy Information | Official Energy sites | Green Energy News | Alternative Energy Information | Taking Action on Energy | BP Oil Spill |

 

EnergyForced Energy Choices Are natural gas and nuclear power going to be our energy future? They probably will be, but not because they are our best energy solutions. Despite all the controversy about how we should power our existence as our population grows and our planet warms up, at the end of the day we’ll be scared into bad energy solutions. Our best energy solutions are conservation and renewable energy sources like wind and solar. They could compete for our baseload energy needs if our government subsidized, stimulated, and greased the political wheels for battery storage research like our government does for nuclear, oil, and gas production. If we approached our future energy needs according to the most prudent solutions for our precarious future—climate change, pollution, and health concerns—we could have a bright future for everyone. more...

 

 

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Energy Discussions

Discussions on Energy issues concerning the Rochester, NY area.  Click on the article and join in one of the discussions below at my blog Environmental Thoughts.

  •  Is our government forcing Renewable energy on us?  One of the arguments launched against renewable energy (solar, wind, biofuels, geothermal) is that unless they were heavily subsidized by our government, they wouldn’t have a chance.  The inference, I suppose, is that we wouldn’t be talking about these delusional energy options at all if some socialistic scheme weren’t keeping them alive and shoving them down the public’s throat.  Actually, big oil is getting the big bucks from the government.  “$45 billion over 10 years” is light years away from what any renewable source of energy could, in its wildest dreams, get from our government.  In my opinion, if the government wanted its best tax dollar for the buck on energy, it would be best spent our money on increasing battery energy storage capabilities.  Small batteries with exceptional energy storage capacity could truly revolutionize energy option around the world.  Imagine, you wouldn’t have to be connected to the grid, or you could back-up the grid, you could power your vehicle, your home, or whatever with whatever energy source you could invent because you would be able to store that energy efficiently.  Water, solar, wind, geothermal, bicycle, or anything that could produce energy could be stored in a battery.  But, we’ve ball-and-chained ourselves to the fossil fuel industries and the proponents of this greenhouse-gas-emitting energy source are forcing off us the bridge into the dark waters below because they’re making so much money—from our money.  more...
  • Rochester’s hands across the sand A recent demonstration at Charlotte Beach against the BP Oil Spill was well covered by the local media, as far they went that is.  (July 3, 2010) Rochester News, Restaurants, more by Top Local Experts
  • Rochester’s energy solutions, connecting the dots At the risk of pushing everyone’s buttons, you’d think the disastrous BP oil spill, the din over drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Gas Shale, a couple of recent nuclear power issues, and the energy bill stalled in Congress, would galvanize the local press and the public to seriously consider wind power for some of our energy needs. (Check here for the above stories: Rochester Environmental News ). But the New York State Power Authority’s Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project (GLOW) isn’t getting much attention. more...
  • If Your Grid Is Dirty If you are getting your power from a dirty electric grid, you are using dirty power. In other words, if your electric lamp is plugged into a system that is powered somewhere along your power line with a power generator that pollutes or emits greenhouse gases into our atmosphere (or otherwise harms our environment), your lamp is using dirty power. (Presently, we New Yorkers get 18% of our power from coal; 17% from hydroelectric, 1% wind, 1% biomass, 1% solar, 1% solid waste, 12% oil, 29% nuclear, and 22% natural gas.) more...
  • Gassing the News A good example of how dysfunctional our present media is on our environment, specifically on natural gas drilling, can be made by a point-by-point comparison of National Public Radio’s (NPR) three-part series on natural gas and recent coverage by ProPublica on the same subject: more...
  • Energy A Moral Iissue: As we turn on our lights, run our air conditioners, and charge our gadgets we do so mostly by burning coal. Coal pollutes and adds dramatically to manmade global warming. So, when we decide not to conserve electricity or not to allow a renewable energy source near our home, we condemn many to the hazards of mountain top removal. That wind turbine won’t be in our backyard, but that blasted mountain top which tailing will pollute that wants and disfigure the lands will be in somebody else’s backyard. Morally, though, we all live in the coal fields because we use the power of coal and won’t allow a better power source to run our lives. more...
  • Sacrificing Beauty In their efforts to preserve the aesthetics of their community under the looming threat of renewable energy, the folks over at Cleveland’s city council may be ‘throwing the baby out with the bathwater.’ In their haste to get in front of the potential problems a new energy infrastructure might entail, they maybe be crippling our ability to keep our way of life. OK, that’s a bit strong, but let me go on. Ostensibly, Cleveland city council wants to make sure that their new wind farms don’t become a ‘visual nuisance’ or ‘unsafe.’ They think, and I quote the reporter: “…civic beauty should not be sacrificed on the altar of sustainability.” (April 15, 2009) Cleveland proposes ordinance to regulate aesthetics and safety of wind turbines - Arts - Cleveland.com In truth, they may be merely trying to stop a form of energy they just don’t like. more...
  • Our Generation’s Responsibility Tragically, our media has not brought to the forefront the importance of the new rage in gas drilling in New York State. And, the public doesn’t seem to care where they get their fossil fuels, just as long as fuel prices remain low. That’s too bad because this issue—natural gas drilling in the wide-spread Marcellus Shale—could have a big impact on our air, land, and water quality. more...
  • Could we be the new Green Leaders? Could our region be leading the way to clean up Brownfields and creating sites for renewable Energy? Green Shoots from Brown Fields: Scientific American Uncle Sam looks to eliminate the biggest hurdle to expanding renewable energy--the need for suitable sites to place commercial-scale wind and solar farms--by reusing hundreds of old mines, landfills and industrial sites When the Bethlehem Steel mill in Lackawanna, N.Y., finally shut its doors for good eight years ago, it took away thousands of jobs and left behind a polluted and unsightly mess. Science News, Articles and Information | Scientific American more...

 

Drilling for Natural Gas in the Marcellus Gas Shale: Everything you wanted to know: pressconnects.com | Binghamton Marcellus Shale | Press & Sun-Bulletin

Tips and Help on Conserving Energy

There are several expert and dedicated websites for finding out how to save money and save the planet through energy conservation.

  • Get money to save energy: From the White House, find out about the Homestar Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program that will create jobs and save homeowners energy costs.  Fact Sheet: Homestar Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program | The White House "Fact Sheet: Homestar Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program WASHINGTON--In his State of the Union address, the President called on Congress to pass a program of incentives for homeowners who make energy efficiency investments in their homes. Today, while touring a training facility at Savannah Technical College, the President outlined more details of a new “HOMESTAR” program that would help create jobs by encouraging American families to invest in energy saving home improvements. Consistent with the President’s call for a HOMESTAR program, the Senate Democratic leadership included a proposal of this kind as part of their Jobs Agenda released on February 4, 2010. The President looks forward to continuing to work with Members of Congress, business, environmental and labor leaders to enact a HOMESTAR program into law. "
  • NYS Public Service Commission: Power to Choose. v.0.11 "This directory contains contact information on energy services companies (ESCOs) that have met the Commission's and utility requirements to provide energy supply, electricity or natural gas, and other services in New York. "
  • Official Google Blog: Power to the people "Imagine how hard it would be to stick to a budget in a store with no prices. Well, that's pretty much how we buy electricity today. Your utility company sends you a bill at the end of the month with very few details. Most people don't know how much electricity their appliances use, where in the house they are wasting electricity, or how much the bill might go up during different seasons. But in a world where everyone had a detailed understanding of their home energy use, we could find all sorts of ways to save energy and lower electricity bills. In fact, studies show that access to home energy information results in savings between 5-15% on monthly electricity bills. It may not sound like much, but if half of America's households cut their energy demand by 10 percent, it would be the equivalent of taking eight million cars off the road. "
  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) | Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance HEAP may help you pay for Electricity, Propane, Natural Gas, Wood, Oil, Kerosene, Coal, or any other heating fuel. HEAP is a federally funded program that issues heating benefits to supplement a household’s annual energy cost. HEAP also offers an emergency benefit for households in a heat or heat related energy emergency. Additionally, HEAP offers a furnace repair and/or replacement benefit for households with inoperable heating equipment
  • AskPSC -  The Public Service Commission is responsible for the intake and resolution of consumer complaints involving New York's utilities (energy, telephone, cable and water) and competitive energy service companies operating in New York State.
  • PROJECT-HOUSE.US Project H.O.U.S.E. is designed to be a comprehensive resource for anyone who is looking for information, motivation, organizations, etc. in regard to reducing our carbon footprint, saving money & energy, and sustaining a liveable planet. Please click on all the tabs to fully access the information and resources available to you on this site.
  • Rochester Green Living Our goal is to help lower the environmental impact of the homes and lives of those living in the greater Rochester area. To reach that goal we provide workshops in sustainability, promote local green events, provide a free local resource in sustainable information, and create connections to other green organizations throughout New York. We hope we will be the first stop on your journey to a deeper understanding of sustainability.
  • Energy Conservation Five Ways the Consumer Can Reduce Electricity Consumption, Reduce Electricity Bills and Reduce Harmful Air Emissions from Power Plants. --from HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO
  • Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association The Renewable Energy Association is a non-profit organization that educates, advocates, promotes, and publicly demonstrates renewable energy technologies. National interest in safe sustainable energy technologies is growing daily. With utility restructuring occurring all over the country, the opportunity for customer choice of greener energy consumption has never been greater. Will your choice mean greener energy? The Renewable Energy Association invites you to explore that possibility and learn about the world of renewable energy.
  • From Rochester Gas & Electric check out: RGE: NewWind Energy: Yes! Sign Me Up for NewWind Energy® Today! A small charge of $5 added to your monthly electricity bill covers the expense of 200 kilowatt-hours of wind energy being delivered to the New York power grid. Rest assured RG&E will continue to deliver your electricity safely and reliably. Nonresidential customers can call 1.877.RGE.WIND (1.877.743.9463) for ordering information.
  • Fuel Economy | US EPA Beginning with 2008 models, all fuel economy estimates based on new test methods, which EPA finalized in December 2006. The new methods better account for actual driving conditions that can lower fuel economy, such as high speed, aggressive driving, use of air conditioning, and cold temperature operation. The new estimates will give drivers a more accurate estimate of the fuel economy they are likely to achieve on the road. Because of the new methods, the estimates for most 2008 models will be lower than their 2007 counterparts. To aid consumers shopping for new cars, EPA has also redesigned the fuel economy window sticker posted on all new cars and light trucks to be easier to read and understand. --from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Take the Green Ribbon Pledge to conserve energy for a secure future. Join the people who have taken the pledge to conserve energy for a secure future! There are hundreds of things you can do every day to reduce energy consumption. And cutting down energy use is the most important thing you can do to secure our future from the negative effects of unreliable, unstable and environmentally damaging energy sources.
  • Ask PSC Welcome to the NYS Public Service Commission's consumer information website. Contact us at Ask A Question below or visit the NYS Department of Public Service. Ask PSC: Utility services:  
  • CLEAN AIR AND ENERGY PROJECT Fighting Global Warming and Reducing Energy Costs Past energy policy choices have saddled New Yorkers with a whole host of problems.  Power plants are the state’s largest source of industrial air pollution, causing global warming, mercury contamination and unhealthy air quality.  Volatile energy markets and skyrocketing costs are hammering consumers --from NYPIRG
  • Alliance to Save Energy - A coalition of business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide. Lots of helpful tips, and true believers can sign up to have the "e-FFICIENCY NEWS" delivered to their e-mail boxes.
  • Northeast Sustainable Energy Association The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) is the nations's leading regional membership organization focused on promoting the understanding, development, and adoption of energy conservation and non-polluting, renewable energy technologies. We work to bring clean electricity, green transportation, and healthy, efficient buildings into everyday use in order to improve the environment, protect human health, and nurture local economies. For more than a quarter century, NESEA has facilitated and enhanced a network of professionals, practitioners, and other citizens in pursuit of responsible energy use. Our programs and activities focus on the northeastern United States (from Washington, DC to Maine).
  • How clean is the electricity I use? - Power Profiler | Clean Energy | US EPA "How clean is the electricity I use? - Power Profiler In the United States, electricity is generated in many different ways, with a wide variation in environmental impact. Electricity generation from the combustion of fossil fuels contributes toward unhealthy air quality, acid rain, and global climate change. Many electricity customers can choose their provider of electricity or can purchase green power from their utility. In fact, you might now have the option of choosing cleaner, more environmentally friendly sources of energy. Power Profiler will: Determine your power grid region based on your ZIP code and electric utility Compare the fuel mix and air emissions rates of the electricity in your region to the national average Determine the air emissions impacts of electricity use in your home or business " -from US Environmental Protection Agency

 

Energy Information for the Rochester, NY area

Our area has energy options such as nuclear energy and natural gas and there are websites that offer information sources for them.

  • RIT - The Sustainability Institute "The Sustainability Institute (TSI) at Rochester Institute of Technology is an exciting and wholly unique initiative. TSI will play a major role in enabling the transformation of global industrial enterprises into sustainable systems by undertaking comprehensive interdisciplinary initiatives in education, research, and technology transfer. Programs within the SI will take a holistic approach toward optimizing production and consumption systems by simultaneously addressing material flow, energy utilization, societal needs, ecological impacts, technology and policy factors, and the economics of sustainable business enterprises. Graduates of TSI will be prepared to effect meaningful change on a global scale."
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension's  Natural Gas Development Resource Center "The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Natural Gas Development Resource Center brings together information from a variety of sources, including academic research, industry analysis, local government officials and citizens. Our goal is to provide a space for dialogue and learning that will lead to informed decision making by all concerned parties."
  • NRC: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency established by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to regulate civilian use of nuclear materials. NRC is headed by a five-member Commission. The NRC's mission is to regulate the Nation's civilian use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety, to promote the common defense and security, and to protect the environment.
  • US Nuclear Power Plant Addresses and WWW Sites This list identifies the owners and/or operating companies and Mapquest locations for US power plants. Maps are linked from plant names. Websites are linked from the company names.

Official Energy Resources for our area

Governmental role in our Energy equation is represented by various institutions.

  • NYSERDA - New York State Energy Research and Development Authority The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 by the New York State Legislature. NYSERDA administers the New York Energy $martSM program, which is designed to support certain public benefit programs during the transition to a more competitive electricity market. Some 2,700 projects in more than 30 programs are funded by a charge on the electricity transmitted and distributed by the State's investor-owned utilities. The New York Energy $martSM program provides energy efficiency services, including those directed at the low-income sector, research and development, and environmental protection activities.
  • New York Power Authority: We're the country's largest state-owned, nonprofit power organization, producing some of the cheapest electricity in North America. Our 17 generating facilities and over 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines produce the power to help sustain more than 400,000 jobs statewide. We are a national leader in promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable-fuel and clean-energy technologies.
  • Get Energy tips and news and policy from the US Department of Energy: Department of Energy - Homepage "The Department of Energy's overarching mission is to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States; to promote scientific and technological innovation in support of that mission; and to ensure the environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex. The Department's strategic goals to achieve the mission are designed to deliver results along five strategic themes: Energy Security:  Promoting America’s energy security through reliable, clean, and affordable energy Nuclear Security:  Ensuring America’s nuclear security Scientific Discovery and Innovation:  Strengthening U.S. scientific discovery, economic competitiveness, and improving quality of life through innovations in science and technology   Environmental Responsibility:  Protecting the environment by providing a responsible resolution to the environmental legacy of nuclear weapons production Management Excellence:  Enabling the mission through sound management Within these themes there are sixteen strategic goals which are designed to help DOE successfully achieve its mission and vision. "

 

Energy SmartNew York Energy $mart(SM) NYSERDA's residential programs are programs that work - programs that help homeowners and renters reduce their energy costs; programs that help multifamily building owners provide energy-efficient apartments for their tenants; programs that reduce the impact homes have on the environment; and programs that provide training to contractors on how to provide quality energy efficiency services to their neighbors. Working with a select group of contractors, builders, multifamily partners, retailers, and manufacturers, we have created a statewide network of partners who offer energy efficiency solutions that can help reduce your energy usage and costs. Find the program that can help you become more energy efficient: Owners of Existing Homes Buyers of New Homes Low and Moderate Income Homeowners and Renters Renters Owners and Managers of Existing Multifamily Buildings Developers and Owners of Multifamily Buildings Teachers & Students Shoppers interested in Energy Efficient Products

Green Energy News

Find out what's happening on new developments in green energy from websites specifically focused on this area

  • Green Energy News The first issue of the weekly Energies newsletter was published in 1996. Green Energy News incorporated the following year. The publication was developed to offer news and commentary in regards to clean, efficient and/or renewable energy in relation to business, technology, issues and policy. Green Energy News is geared to a wide audience ranging from consumers to industry professionals to the educational community to government officials.

BP Oil Spill

Stay informed on the BP Gulf Oil Spill: Here are four major online sources for finding out exactly what is going on with the greatest environmental disaster in our times and what might be the consequences.

 

 

Alternative Energy Information

Learn about the alternative energy ideas that may be coming to the Rochester, NY area

  • American Solar Energy Society: The Solar Nonprofit Advancing Education, Research, Advocacy, News, and Insight Since 1954 Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation's leading association of solar professionals & advocates. Our mission is to inspire an era of energy innovation and speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy. We advance education, research and policy. Leading for more than 50 years ASES leads national efforts to increase the use of solar energy, energy efficiency and other sustainable technologies in the U.S. We publish the award-winning SOLAR TODAY magazine, organize and present the ASES National Solar Conference and lead the ASES National Solar Tour – the largest grassroots solar event in the world.
  • BCSE - The Business Council for Sustainable Energy was created in 1992 by the business leaders from the energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural gas, independent power and electric utility industries and is also committed to economic growth through sustainable energy development.
  • Welcome to the Renewable Fuels Association  As the national trade association for the U.S. ethanol industry, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has been working as the "Voice of the Ethanol Industry" since 1981 to secure a strong marketplace for ethanol. Ethanol is sold nationwide as a high-octane fuel that delivers improved vehicle performance while reducing emissions and improving air quality. By reducing foreign oil imports, ethanol creates American jobs and provides value-added markets to bolster agriculture and rural America. In the midst of record growth, the ethanol industry will continue to play a larger role in meeting our nation's energy needs.
  • Genesee Region Clean Communities Genesee Region Clean Communities is a U. S. Department of Energy sponsored program designed to encourage the use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and their underlying support systems throughout the Greater Rochester area. Our organization is built on the premise that we can change our communities for the better through cooperation and voluntary partnerships, working to reduce our reliance on imported oil and improve air quality. Through GRCC, we develop public/private partnerships to promote alternative fuels and vehicles, fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, and idle reduction
  • NYSEIA - The only statewide non-profit membership and trade association dedicated solely to advancing solar energy use in New York State. The only statewide non-profit membership and trade association dedicated solely to advancing the solar energy industry in New York State

 

Energy StarENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2009 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 30 million cars — all while saving nearly $17 billion on their utility bills.

 

 

Taking Action for Rochester-area energy solutions

Groups in the Rochester area who mission is advocacy for alternative and better energy conservation

  • Dealing with Light Trespass Problems in New York State - SELENE of NY Light pollution is rapidly degrading the sky's quiet majesty and our nighttime environment. Excessive and misdirected outdoor illumination wastes precious energy, resources, and dollars; it increases power plant-generated air pollution, causes glare that blinds drivers and pedestrians, intrudes onto our property, and invades our privacy. SELENE's mission is to advocate for better lighting practices in NY State and to ensure the passage of the The Healthy, Safe, and Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Act