The assumption that cutting carbon will increase the costs of energy simply doesn’t hold true. Read more >
Will Cutting Carbon Emissions Increase MY Energy Bill? It doesn’t have to.
Joseph Daniel, Senior Energy Analyst
November 27, 2018 9:33 AM EDT
The 671 MW Monticello Nuclear Generating Station is located along the Mississippi River 40 miles northwest of the Twin Cities and provides about 10 percent of Xcel’s electricity in the Upper Midwest. Photo: Source: Nuclear Regulatory Commission/Flickr
Carbon Pricing is Key to Economic Viability of Xcel’s Nuclear Power Plants in Minnesota
Steve Clemmer, director of energy research, Clean Energy
November 8, 2018 12:01 AM EDT
A new UCS report released today found that more than one-third of U.S. nuclear plants–representing 22 percent of total US nuclear capacity–are uneconomic or slated to retire over the next decade under current market conditions. The UCS study, The Nuclear Power Dilemma, shows that the economic viability of the nation’s nuclear plants is threatened by low natural gas prices, the declining cost of renewable energy, investments in energy efficiency, and the costs of upgrading aging plants to ensure safe operation.
The Most Energy-Efficient States: 2018 Rankings
John Rogers, senior energy analyst, Clean Energy
October 4, 2018 4:41 PM EDT
Energy efficiency is a powerful option for saving money, improving comfort, cutting pollution, making us more resilient, and creating jobs… and a whole lot easier if the state you live in has good programs and policies in place. So which states do? Fortunately, the latest annual ranking of state energy efficiency efforts is here, and lays it all out for us. Read more >
Photo: Norbert Stoop
Your Home vs. Winter: Let these “Game of Thrones” Quotes Be Your Guide
John Rogers, senior energy analyst, Clean Energy
February 2, 2018 1:12 PM EDT
For fans of HBO’s A Game of Thrones, the phrase “Winter is Coming” may evoke a myriad of feelings—anticipation, dread, (déjà vu),…
For those of us in many parts of the US, winter can mean cold days, colder nights, and the higher utility bills to go along with them. So how do we prepare… or deal with the fact that winter is here?
Fortunately, a few choice Game of Thrones quotes—and our book Cooler Smarter: Practical Steps for Low-Carbon Living—can get us where we need to be.
Why You Shouldn’t Feel Bad About Recycling Old Appliances
John Rogers, senior energy analyst, Clean Energy
December 6, 2017 2:16 PM EDT
Let’s face it: Deep down inside you, or maybe much closer to the surface, you’ve been wanting a new refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, or dryer. You’ve had your eye on that sweet little white/black/stainless beauty of a machine, and you’ve seen the holiday sales (pick a holiday, any holiday) come and go, with their “Save $200!… Free delivery!… Act now!” enticements… And yet you’ve stayed on the sidelines.
If what’s been holding you back is concern about what happens to old appliances, landfills and all, I’ve got great news for you: Chances are good that you’re better off if you upgrade, because energy efficiency progress means you can save plenty of money—and that all of us are also better off because that progress means your upgrade also cuts emissions, even when you take the bigger picture into account.
