QUICK NEWS, June 19: Things To Do About Climate Change; Why Customer Choice

Things To Do About Climate Change 9 ways to make a difference on climate change

June 18, 2018 (Omaha World-Herald)

“Carbon dioxide is the climate’s worst enemy…By using less of it, we can curb our own contribution to climate change while also saving money…[9 ways to do that are: 1.Power your home with renewable energy…2. Weatherize your house…3. Invest in energy-efficient appliances…[4. Reduce water waste] because it takes a lot of energy to pump, heat and treat your water…5. Eat the food you buy. About 10 percent of U.S. energy use goes into growing, processing, packaging and shipping food…[6.] LED light bulbs use up to 80 percent less energy than conventional incandescents. They’re also cheaper in the long run…[7. Don’t leave fully charged devices plugged into outlets…8. Consider driving a fuel-efficient vehicle…[9. If all Americans kept their tires properly inflated, we could save 1.2 billion gallons of gas each year…A simple tune-up can boost miles per gallon anywhere from 4 percent to 40 percent, and a new air filter can get you a 10 percent boost.” Another good set of solutions (click here for more)

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Why Customer Choice Community choice to determine California’s energy future

Nick Chaset, June 13, 2018 (San Francisco Chronicle)

“…[T]he California Public Utilities Commission found the customer choice movement could lead to serious challenges] for California’s electricity system…[Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs)} are public agencies that contract for cleaner, low-cost electric supply delivered to you by utilities…The CPUC report asks important questions…[but] CCAs are a critical part of the solution for California’s challenges…[S ince their formation in 2007, CCAs have gained the ability to power 300,000 homes with 100 percent renewable energy…By the end of 2018, CCAs will be operating in 18 counties…

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…[CCAs] serve high-poverty communities at the same rate as the investor-owned utilities…Every operating CCA in California is governed by a board of local elected officials…Many have set stringent climate-action goals…The local governance model helps to ensure that our procurement, rates and programs are designed to meet the specific demands of each community, instead of relying on the one-size-fits-all approach of the investor-owned utility model…[All CCAs are overseen by state agencies and] must submit plans to the commission to ensure that they meet reliability and emissions reductions goals for all of California…Consumers deserve more choice through innovative community programs, renewable options and local control…” click here for more

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