SCsaysNO

A Look Back on a Successful Struggle

2009-08-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

From today's Florence Morning News, a look back at our coal fight:PEE DEE ENERGY CAMPUS TIMELINEBelow is a timeline of the events surrounding Santee Cooper’s Pee Dee Energy Campus, a 600-megawatt coal-fired generation facility located on a 2,709-acre tract in Kingsburg scheduled to become operational sometime after 2012. * April 21, 2006: Santee Cooper announces plans for a 600 megawatt

Florence Spared a Dirty Coal Plant

2009-08-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

From the Florence Morning News:PINOPOLIS — Santee Cooper said the economy and uncertainty over the cost of possible cap-and-trade legislation are two reasons its board has voted to suspend permitting for a proposed coal-fired power generation facility in Kingsburg.The board of the state-owned utility took its vote Monday, when a committee recommended the suspension of permitting for the $1.25

Victory! Coal Plant Nixed

2009-08-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

From the State:PINOPOLIS — Ending months of private discussions, Santee Cooper’s governing board abandoned plans Monday to build a $2.2 billion coal-fired power plant that had sparked an uproar in South Carolina over the need for the energy complex and its potential environmental impacts.The Santee Cooper board agreed the state’s sluggish economy, the expense of looming federal carbon regulation

Coal-fired power plant shelved

2009-08-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

From today's Post and Courier:Three years' worth of controversy surrounding Santee Cooper's planned Pee Dee coal plant all but died Monday when the public utility's board voted to suspend the project.The decision hinged on three key reasons: The economic recession lightened Santee Cooper's demand and pulled sales down 5 percent from last year; proposed federal regulations call for new, costly

Santee Cooper nixes plan for coal plant

2009-08-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

Santee Cooper nixes plan for coal plantSammy Fretwell - McClatchy NewspapersPINOPOLIS -- Santee Cooper will not pursue construction of a controversial coal-fired power plant that has drawn intense opposition from environmentalists over the amount of mercury and greenhouse gas pollution the facility would release.A committee of the state-owned utility voted this morning to suspend an effort to

End is Near

2009-08-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Utility chief: we may pull the plug on coal-fired plantSantee Cooper’s board chairman said Friday the utility might not need a coal-fired power plant in the Pee Dee region if a handful of South Carolina electric cooperatives buy their power from rival Duke Energy.O.L. Thompson, who heads the 11-member governing board, said the panel is expected to take action Monday on whether to allow a

Coal Plant Plan Toppling

2009-08-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

Exclusive: Energy deal may kill coal plant planSouth Carolina’s electric cooperatives are negotiating to buy power from Duke Energy in a move that could be the death knell for a planned coal-burning power plant near Florence.The plant, proposed by state-owned Santee Cooper, has drawn waves of opposition over its potentially negative environmental impact and $2.2 billion cost. But Santee Cooper

Follow SCsaysNO on Twitter!

2009-08-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

http://twitter.com/scsaysno

Santee Cooper Board Meeting Next Monday

2009-08-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

There will be a Santee Cooper board meeting next Monday, August 24th.It is open to the public. Santee Cooper will discuss a revision to their plan to build the Pee Dee coal plant and will vote on whether or not to raise rates (in part) to pay for it.Please come and find out what Santee Cooper is up to!Follow the Santee Cooper board here.Read the meeting agenda here.

Michigan's Energy Efficiency Opportunity

2009-08-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

Reports by Crains, Bay City Times and Gongwer from yesterday's telepresser on the NRDC report, A Green Energy Alternative for Michigan. Reports compiled by Progress Michigan.. http://www.mlive.com/mudpuppy/index.ssf/2009/08/another_report_says_michigan_g.html http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090811/FREE/908119986 STUDY: ENERGY EFFICIENCY COULD SAVE $3 B. OVER 20 YEARS A new report

Electricity Prices Plummet

2009-08-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

A fascinating article from today's Wall Street Journal. Below I have exerpted some of the more interesting segments. Does Santee Cooper management read the Journal?Slack demand for electricity across the U.S. is leading to some of the sharpest reductions in power prices in recent years, offering a break for consumers and businesses who just a year ago were getting crunched by massive electricity

Harrell: Focus on Alternatives

2009-08-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

From Monday's Post and Courier: (note that coal does NOT appear in Harrell's list of SC-specific alternatives...)Just imagine how our economy and way of life could change if the billions of petrodollars we send to unfriendly oil-controlling countries were instead pumped into our own domestic energy industries. A viable alternative energy — produced by Americans and controlled by Americans — will

Navy Admiral Warns Us to take Climate Change Seriously

2009-08-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

From the pages of the Post and Courier, Retired Vice Admiral of the Navy, Dennis McGinn tells us that "It is vital that America maintain the economic and physical security that has allowed us to become the world's leading nation for good on every front. With vision and bold action now, we will ensure that the 21st Century does not turn out to be more violent than the 20th."How? By addressing

World's Foremost Business Experts Back Efficiency

2009-08-05T13:36:00.001-07:00

From the New York Times:The biggest opportunity to improve the nation's energy situation is a major investment program to make homes and businesses more efficient, according to a study released Wednesday by the consulting firm McKinsey. An investment of $520 billion [21% of what we have spent so far bailing out Wall Street banks, which is $2.5 trillion--P.M.] in improvements like sealing ducts

My Children Don’t Want a Coal Plant on the Great Pee Dee River

2009-08-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

From the Delete Apathy blog: By Mary Edna | Published: July 30, 2009 Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s state owned utility is planning to build a 1320 MW coal fired power plant on the banks of the Great Pee Dee River in southern Florence County. This will be the state’s 13th coal plant and it will emit every year over 10 million tons of CO2, the primary greenhouse gas, 3.5

Press Release from SC Says No

2009-08-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Press Release from SC Says NoNancy Cave & Ben MooreJuly 27, 2009Lack of leadership leaves Santee Cooper promoting increased electric rates to pay for dirty coal.Energy efficiency would lower bills, avoid need for new coal.Myrtle Beach, SC – Santee Cooper ratepayers called on Santee Cooper today to implement an aggressive, broad based energy efficiency plan to reduce electric bills, create more

2009-08-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

Comments to the board of directors

2009-08-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

Statement for Santee Cooper Board Meeting, July 27, 2009Grace GiffordFive Rivers Friends (Quakers) MeetingIn Horry County, helping agencies such as Churches Assisting People, Catholic Charities and North Strand Helping Hand are already getting client requests for help with utility bills. With record unemployment and an economic turnaround still elusive, this situation has been an ongoing

Comments to the board of directors

2009-07-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the comments I made to the board of directors on Monday."I oppose any act upon South Carolina that jeopardizes our state's environmental condition. We have jeopardized our Pee Dee River to the point of no ingestion of the river's fish. Well,...bring us some good fish Santee Cooper. Build us a fresh river. Of course you can't, obviously, but certainly not with a new coal plant. You will

A successful day

2009-07-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

This last Monday, the league and others met in Myrtle Beach with Santee Cooper's board of directors. To all of you who showed, thank you for doing so; we had so many people! Nearly 30. We made a very big step in our battle for a greener South Carolina. People stood up for their state's economic interests and heart's interests. The board is now reevaluating their plans for the rates, which

Another Mini Bond Sale This Fall

2009-07-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

Santee Cooper is having another mini bond sale this fall. Interest rates announced 9/23, orders taken 9/25-10/21.

Coal pollution can lower our IQs

2009-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Air pollution, from either cars, buses, trucks, or factories, such as coal plants, can reduce our IQs. The coal industry as a whole releases 97% of fine particle, or soot, and sulfur dioxide emissions, 92% of smog-forming nitrogen oxide emissions, 100% of mercury emissions, and 86% of carbon dioxide emissions. Like automobiles, how could the industry not be linked to lowering our IQs?Associated

What about an energy-efficiency survey?

2009-07-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

Rate increase by 15%, little investments in renewable energy, and essentially no encouragement of energy-efficiency, that's where Santee Cooper tops the charts. Santee Cooper surveyed its customers covering small basic utility qualities: power quality and reliability, price, billing and payment, corporate citizenship, communications, and lastly, customer service. Note, none of these concern

West Virginia's State Rock

2009-07-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

This may be old news to some, but it's a somewhat comical and simultaneously sad. Imagine if South Carolina's state rock was Coal rather than Rose Quartz.The New York TimesGreen Inc.West Virginia's New State RockKate GalbraithJune 9, 2009Coal has become the official rock of West Virginia.Last week. Gov. Joe Manchin signed a resolution (text) giving the rock its new status, and declaring that the

Santee Cooper's demand down by 10%

2009-07-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

Santee Cooper's demand is down 10 percent. Hm...So if demand is down, we don't actually need the coal plant? This great news for us. This is great news for energy-efficiency and renewable energy. We need to continue to emphasize energy-efficiency as our key fuel; we will convey that we do not need a new coal plant. We need a difference and perhaps if demand further drops, economic measures will

SRS may become mercury repository

2009-07-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Aiken StandardSRS may become mercury repository Mike GellatlyJuly 7, 2009The Savannah River Site is one of seven locations aiming to become the repository for thousands of tons of toxic mercury from commercial and governmental producers.According to a listing in the Federal Register that announced the bids, 7,500 to 10,000 metric tons of mercury from private sources, in addition to large

Avoid coal, create jobs, save money

2009-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

The StateHolman: Avoid coal, create jobs, save moneyBlan HolmanGuest ColumnistA recent editorial admitted that a coal plant should not be built along the Pee Dee River, but warned that avoiding one would require sacrifice (“Everyone must sacrifice on coal plant plan,” Wednesday). But across the nation, investments in healthier, cheaper, job-generating energy sources make it plain that coal is the

Let's follow Georgia

2009-07-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Environmental News ServiceGeorgia Appeals Court Rules Against Coal-Fired Power PlantENSJuly 7, 2009July 7, 2009 (ENS) - The Georgia Court of Appeals today issued an order that will result in further delay of the Longleaf coal-fired power plant proposed for Early County, Georgia. Although the Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling invalidating the plant's air quality permit on several

2009-07-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

The StateThere are alternatives to coal-fired plantJames Williamson July 8, 2009As Santee Cooper, our state-owned utility, hikes rates by 15 percent over the next two years, let us not forget why. Revenues from the rate hike will be used to build the utility’s new polluting coal plant at a cost of about $2 billion. This proposed coal plant poses not only a financial risk to ratepayers, but an

Energy Efficiency Workshop

2009-07-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Energy efficiency WorkshopWednesday July 152 – 5 pm Coastal Science Building*Room 201Coastal Carolina Univ.Conway The SC Says No coalition invites you to an energy efficiency workshopLearn the facts of energy efficiencyEducate others and maybe even yourself on why efficiency is a cheap and easy way to reduce energy demand immediately so we don’t need a new coal plantHone your arguments on why we

Who will regulate carbon?

2009-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

The StateCouick, Timberlake: Who will regulate carbon?Michael Couick and Ann Timberlake July 8, 2009Whatever you may think about the reality of global warming, the political climate in Washington has changed, bringing with it both challenges and opportunities for South Carolina. How we respond to any potential climate legislation coming out of Washington will play a determining role in our state’

Everyone must sacrifice on coal plant...

2009-07-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this Op-ed put out from The State paper. Do you agree or disagree with several of the points listed? Do you think it's the best approach to Santee Cooper's coal?The StateOpinion Everyone must sacrifice on coal plantJuly 8, 2009ENVIRONMENTALISTS rightly complain that a new coal-powered electricity-generating plant in the Pee Dee would spew too many poisons into the air and contribute to

Some exciting news!

2009-07-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

The Letter To the Editor I spoke of earlier in June, previously published in the Florence Morning News (SCNow), has now been published in The State paper. Also to come are other op-eds and letters. We have received good media coverage!

Who really controls DHEC?

2009-07-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

I want to preface Sammy Fretwell's article, "S.C. lawmakers not shy about contacting DHEC," with a timeline of Santee Cooper's involvement with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Let's throw all the cards out on the table to get the best image possible. Here's the Santee Cooper's permit timeline thus far in 2009:Department of Natural Resources sends letter

Become a renewable energy and energy-efficiency sensei

2009-07-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Mother JonesThe Green-Belt MovementGary Moskowitz May/June 2008 Issue White belt: No-brainers: Switch to CFL bulbs. Turn off lights when you leave the room. Set the thermostat to 68° in winter, 78° in summer. Turn down the water heater to 120°. Wash clothes in cold water and air or line dry them. Use rechargeable batteries. Recycle. Compost. Take mass transit. Ride your bike. Carpool. Drive 55.

Santee Cooper Needs to Catch-Up

2009-07-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

So where is Santee Cooper in the renewable and sustainable energy arena? What's your status Santee Cooper? Duke Energy is boosting itself into the renewable market. The utility will have 7 wind-farm projects by next week while Santee Cooper intends to build another coal plant that will further suppress South Carolina's natural resources and extend our dependency on coal. Santee Cooper has the

Interview with Michael Hendryx

2009-07-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

On the radio show Living On Earth: "Calculating Coal's Toll," Steve Curwood interviews Michael Hendryx, professor and researcher from WVU, who recently published a study showing how coal's costs outweigh its benefits. Ken Ward Jr. reported Hendryx study in the Charleston Gazette, "Coal's costs outweigh benefits, WVU study finds," which I posted to the blog "Proven: Coal's costs exceeds its

A reminder

2009-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Weems, chairwoman of the League of Women Voters of Horry County, wrote a great opinion editorial for The Sun News almost two weeks ago. Lately so many of the blog posts have concerned various coal issues from around the country, not that they aren't important, but we need to remember what we are standing against: Santee Cooper's efforts to construct a coal plant in the Pee Dee region.

The word is out

2009-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

The word is out. Earlier this month the blog, "44 toxic coal ash spills to be hidden from the public," informed us that utilities were making an effort to withhold the know-abouts of ash spills and ash storage ponds from the public. Now we know the locations of these hazardous ponds. We are entitled to know this information as citizens of a free nation, who are for the most part consumers of coal

An Impecable Declaration

2009-06-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Coal River Mountain Action: June 23 DeclarationDr. James E. HansenJune 23, 2009Several people asked for more information about the 23 June civil disobedience near Coal RiverMountain. We need Dickens to describe the local situation, but you can glean something from the first attachment (“June 23 Declaration”), a statement I was reading at the time we were arrested. Local pollution effects and

Where to find your renewable-energy job

2009-06-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

The Post and CourierWhere to find renewable-energy jobsSandy ShoreJune 24, 2009Everywhere you turn there is talk of a shift to renewable energy, of building wind farms and solar plants, of making buildings more efficient, of developing biofuels. And of billions of dollars in federal funding to help make it all happen.This should mean a whole lot of new energy jobs. So where are they, and how do I

Santee Cooper ignores everyone

2009-06-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

SCNowSantee Cooper: Two years of missed opportunitiesFrank Knapp Jr. June 21,2009In a guest column that ran in the Charleston Post & Courier on July 6, 2007, I said that Santee Cooper’s proposed coal-fired plant in Florence County was a bad business decision. Building the plant would be a bad, long-term investment. It would create an escalating financial burden to the consumer due to the

Arkansas makes an efficient footprint

2009-06-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Arkansas saw a great victory this last week. Let's do the same here in South Carolina; we need a victory. The article below is important because it illustrates how the Arkansas Court of Appeals boosted energy-efficiency in the face of a proposed coal plant. We can do the same in South Carolina, let's follow Arkansas by saying no to coal.Arkansas Online6 judges reject PSC approval of approval of

Manufactured homes and efficiency

2009-06-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

The StateLindsay: Energy-efficiency starts in the home: the manufactured homeLaura Lindsay June 20, 2009South Carolinians have a real opportunity to reduce our energy consumption.An estimated 355,499 South Carolinians lived in manufactured homes in 1990, and according to the 2007 U.S. Census, this growing demographic accounted for 20 percent of all South Carolinians. Many of those homes were

More mercury?

2009-06-26T06:00:00.001-07:00

The Post and CourierMercury warnings affect 28 waterwaysTony BartelmeJune 24, 2009State health officials are warning people not to eat a single bite of certain kinds of fish in 28 South Carolina waterways because of mercury and other kinds of contamination, a new roster shows.Ten Lowcountry rivers and creeks are on this list, including the Edisto, Black and Ashley rivers. The warnings are similar

Reassure 'em while they're young

2009-06-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

How should children be educated about the truth of coal?Perhaps provide the opinions of advocates and critics, not just one side.What occurred at St. Francis Elementary in Beckley, West Virginia once a week for five weeks, however, was not a two sided presentation. Third graders received presentations from the organization, the Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary. The presentations simply promote

Letter To the Editor: Don't forget why Santee Cooper is increasing rates

2009-06-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

I wrote a letter to the editor and I'm happy to say that the Florence morning newspaper, SCnow, published it on June 21. The letter points out that Santee Cooper will raise its rates to build a new coal plant fueled by coal from mountain top removal. Here's the link, but the letter has expired from the website."Don't forget why Santee Cooper is increasing rates"As Santee Cooper, our state-owned

Proven: Coal's costs exceed its benefits

2009-06-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Coal's costs are higher than its benefits. The article below has the numbers to prove it. The costs are almost 7 times more than its benefits. Although the article addresses the Appalachian region, particularly West Virginia, the study is similarly applicable to South Carolina. Santee Cooper needs to understand the clear indication that the study finds: Coal is not sustainable and is detrimental

Santee Cooper Is Cooping Us in Their Incentives: Consume and Waste

2009-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Santee Cooper's incentives = consume and waste. A higher percentage of consumption and waste and the utility receives more revenue. To reduce and conserve derails such revenue...So "crank the air condition as high as you can, especially during peak hours," is their rhetoric. The utility is not promoting the need for energy efficiency, or even, how to be more efficient during the summer days.

The Guardians of Mother Nature

2009-06-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature is calling for her guardians. Women have a strong ability to steer sustainability and environmentalism. Women pursue their ethical and virtuous characteristics by the virtue, care: the "feminine approach to ethics and moral education" (Nel Noddings). According to the philosopher Nel Noddings, care is the mother voice that needs hearing from all of us. Care is essential to

2009-06-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Most of us forget the size of South Carolina's renewable job market. The renewable job market is continuing to grow at a fast rate. This is a great reminder of how much South Carolina has accomplished over the last decade. We need to remember South Carolina is not inept in renewable employment, despite the many proposals for dirty employment. So this is wonderful news, confirming that South

Back in Nas!

2009-06-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Natural gas is coming back! Nat-gas or Nas died out in the late '70s and now, as coal and oil prices increase, natural gas has attained a fair amount of attention for its cheapness and abundance. The commodity is also more efficient than coal. Sounds like a good deal, but is it really? Make up your mind for yourself, the below article provides some great info on Nas.Calgary HeraldNatural gas to

44 toxic coal ash spills to be hidden from the public

2009-06-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Knowing if there is a toxic coal ash spill down the road from you is imperative...wouldn't you agree? This last year a massive coal ash spill occurred in Tennessee, which the TVA is currently trying wipe up. (There was an article previously blogged, click here to see it). Because we know of Tennessee's spill from this last winter, we are able to investigate and develop renewable technology and

Invasion of the seas

2009-06-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post: GreenEast Coast May Feel Rise in Sea Levels the MostDavid A. FahrentholdJune 8, 2009Sea levels could rise faster along the U.S. East Coast than in any other densely populated part of the world, new research shows, as changes in ice caps and ocean currents push water toward a shoreline inlaid with cities, resort boardwalks and gem-rare habitats.Three studies this year,

Gaining a better understanding of the Smart Grid

2009-06-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Understanding a smart electrical grid, known as the "smart grid," is easy yet made very complicated. The smart grid is a way of essentially customizing your energy use. The smart grid uses methods of efficiency to consume electricity that need more attention in Congress and the media. The article below expounds well into the complexities of the smart grid very thoroughly and helps to illustrate

A increase in green employment in S.C.

2009-06-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's about time we see the numbers for the renewable job market in South Carolina! Utilities like Santee Cooper should heed this report; the utility has such a great ability to increase renewable employment instead of building a new coal plant. Creating jobs for coal is a poor choice. Creating energy efficient jobs on the other hand, spurs economic growth and a new job market. Santee Cooper can

Offshore wind power: a great opportunity

2009-06-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be awesome if South Carolina led the south with green energy...and why aren't we? Their is a rising interest to provide electricity with clean and natural wind turbines off the shores of our state. It would be a great opportunity for green businesses looking for an area that needs more alternatives. So again, why not?The New York TimesGreen Inc. BlogSouth Mulls Offshore Wind Power

A study finds natural resources are essential to economy

2009-06-12T06:00:00.001-07:00

A study conducted by the University of South Carolina has found our state's natural resources capable of providing plentiful economic growth...if we sustain our natural resources by not having yet another coal plant constructed. The Pdf of the University's study, linked at the bottom, shows how natural resources can help our state's economic growth. Charleston Regional Business JournalStudy: S.C.

Clean coal is still dirty

2009-06-11T06:00:00.001-07:00

Dr. Carr's article reveals the truth about the notion of "clean coal." The rhetoric that the commodity is in fact clean is false. "Clean coal" is the coal industry's slogan to keep customers paying, using, and polluting. There just is no such thing as "clean coal" and claims saying so deserve criticism in order to help other healthier alternatives acquire more attention. Dr. Carr does well to

Energy efficiency is number one

2009-06-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Energy efficiency is cheap, clean, healthy, and productive. Energy efficiency includes stronger building codes, better appliance standards, and utility programs that will help consumers adopt energy savings devices and techniques in their homes and businesses. South Carolina's leaders must act now to make our state's energy efficiency a priority. Our state is one of least efficient states in the

A soot analysis further proves the link between health risks and coal

2009-06-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

The soot analysis that Felecity Barringer, writer for the New York Times, reports in her article, Analysis Finds Elevated Risk From Soot Particles in the Air, unfortunately applies greatly to South Carolina. The article conveys the heavy influence coal-powered plants have on the human health. In South Carolina's case, there already exists 12 coal plants which provide more than 70% of South

Florida Moving Forward Profitably

2009-06-10T06:49:00.001-07:00

From Florida, news of that state's efforts to transition to an energy independent future -- and how profitable it will be to the Sunshine state, in terms of jobs and economic development. Note that South Carolina has gone through the same planning process that Florida has gone through, but unlike Florida, South Carolina's legislators and utilities have yet to commit to doing anything substantial

The times are looking bleak for coal

2009-06-10T06:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some paragraphs from the Wall Street Journal's, U.S. Foresees a Thinner Cushion of Coal, by Rebecca Smith. The article does well to apply economic statistics to the costly commodity. Most of the data and statements point to coal's inability to be truly sustainable and the up and coming popular investment in alternatives, particularly gas powered electricity. In addition to putting

An awareness of electricity consumption

2009-06-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

So how can we know how much energy we actually use? Electrical detectors such as "The Energy Detective" can be used to determine just exactly how much energy we use. Imagine if we knew how many kilowatts each bulb and clock used every day and knew the cost per kilowatt in our households. These devices can essentially micro-manage a house's electricity and put the exact cost to electricity ratio

A sum of articles and sites on Santee Cooper's rate hikes

2009-06-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Santee Cooper is forcing you to pick up the tab for a new multi-billion dollar coal plant. Expect your rates to jump at least 15 percent over the next two years. Coal is the worst choice to meet growing demand in South Carolina. We can meet our energy needs more quickly and cheaply by investing in efficiency and alternatives (CCL).Here are some of the articles and data on Santee Cooper's rate

Taking advantage of a less costly alternative

2009-06-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

Tennessee Valley Authority will construct an $820 million gas plant over the next two years. TVA has realized coal's high costs and prices, and rather than renovating its current coal plant, TVA has instead decided to invest in a gas powered plant. The hope is to reduce expenses and pollution. TVA's move is significant because investing in an alternative and not coal is precisely what Santee

More on the rate hikes

2009-06-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

The Coastal Observer as well put out an article regarding Santee Cooper's rate hikes. The Coastal Observer's article has more specific testimonies, making the rate hikes personal and help to convey the great concern for South Carolina's environmental future. Below, the statement made by Molly Gore, spokeswoman for Santee Cooper, is emboldened because her statement that coal is a cheap energy

We want renewable fuels, not coal

2009-06-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

South Carolinians have concerns for what Santee Cooper's rate hikes will be invested in...coal. In November, we will pay Santee Cooper's rate hikes and see precisely where the rates will be allocated: as of now, to further pollute South Carolina with dirty coal. South Carolinians will surely feel the burden of an increased rate by November and as well as the burden of pollution if Santee Cooper

Need for More Power Evaporated?

2009-05-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

A recent article in the Houston chronicle highlights recent trends indicating that demand for power is way down, both due to the economic trouble we are experiencing, as well as a change in consumer behavior. This could mean that the decline in electricity demand is a long-term phenomenon. While the article suggests that this situation urges caution for renewable energy development, in South

The writing on the wall

2009-05-26T06:52:00.001-07:00

From the economist.com -- how literate is Santee Cooper?The writing on the wallMay 7th 2009 | BOULDER, COLORADOFrom The Economist print editionOnly green compromises will allow them to surviveTHE coal-fired power plant that was cancelled in Michigan on May 1st is the 97th to be rejected since 2001, and the ninth this year. The number of planned coal plants across America has plummeted from 150 to

Georgia Co-ops say "NO" to Coal

2009-05-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

News from Georgia (E&E News PM):COAL: 2 utilities withdraw from Ga. project (05/18/2009) Robin Bravender, E&E reporterTwo Georgia utilities have announced that they are pulling out of a planned 854-megawatt coal-fired power project slated for Washington County.GreyStone Power Corp. and Excelsior EMC publicly announced last week that they are backing out of a consortium of 10 electric membership

Energy Efficiency, vol. 4: Leaders Wanted...

2009-05-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

From the online edition of the State comes a editorial from a former South Carolina utility regulator on the role energy efficiency should be playing in the Palmetto State.Congress must act on energy efficiencyBy JAMES B. ATKINSGuest ColumnistIn recent weeks, The State has published two guest columns focused on the true (negative) costs to South Carolina of ignoring climate change in a

Water and Watts: A new issue brief on energy and water in the Southeast

2009-05-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

The World Resources Institute, Southface and the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance recently released a new issue brief about water and energy in the Southeast. Their basic conclusion? Thermoelectric power plants are responsible for nearly two out of every three gallons of freshwater withdrawals in the Southeast. Much of that water returns to the water body it was removed from, but some of

Their two cents

2009-05-11T10:54:00.001-07:00

The Washington Times recently released disturbing news that the clean energy and jobs bill currently before Congress will let some utilities get away with building new coal plants without having to equip the facilities with the technology to capture dangerous pollution.Instead, coal and utility lobbyists want us to pay to clean up their dirty coal. According to the Center for American Progress,

Like Oil and Water: Coal and Climate Don't Mix

2009-05-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Last week, 60 Minutes on CBS aired a segment called "The Dilemma Over Coal Generated Power." The segment features Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers and NASA climate scientist Dr. Jim Hansen discussing the urgent need to address climate change despite our addiction to dirty coal.Rogers today announced that Duke Energy will not renew its membership in the National Association of Manufacturers partly

Canceling Coal: A Capital Idea

2009-05-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

Recently the Architect of the U.S. Capitol announced that the Capitol Power Plant will be converted to run on natural gas instead of coal. The Capitol Power Plant marks yet another example of the trend against coal. Nearby, coal plants are being converted to run on renewable energy like biopower. Biopower and natural gas might not be perfect, but they demonstrate that there are viable

Energy Efficiency, vol. 3: New FERC Chair Leading the Way?

2009-05-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

The new Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or FERC, Jon Wellinghoff, was recently profiled in the New York Times as an energy efficiency evangelist of sorts.If you visit Jon Wellinghoff in his office, he'll likely direct your gaze to the ceiling. When he first joined the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2006, the lights in his office suite were considered a very efficient

Over-reliance on Fossil Fools Spells Trouble for SC

2009-05-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

Below is an excerpt from an opinion piece published in The State. Read the whole thing here.Thu, Apr. 30, 2009Moore, Wislinski, Schretzmann-Jebaily: The real costs of carbonBy STEVE MOORE, BOB WISLINSKI AND CAROLYN SCHRETZMANN-JEBAILYGuest ColumnistsSantee Cooper and SCE&G complained in a recent news article that placing a price on carbon emissions, which Congress is now considering, will cause

Legislators Say No to Coal

2009-05-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday South Carolina legislators spoke out against coal. The issue was covered in a brief AP News story printed in The State. (A more in depth article appeared in the Augusta Chronicle):A bill introduced by Republican Rep. Carl Gullick of Lake Wylie would ban coal-fired plants operated by state utilities from using coal from mountaintop mining. In February, state health officials agreed to

Energy Efficiency, vol. 2: Saving Energy -> National Defense

2009-04-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

From the LA Times an excellent article on how saving energy promotes national security. Read the full article here. Military embraces green energy A Mojave Desert Army base is full of plug-in cars, solar panels and new experiments. Liberal agenda? Nah, it's about saving money, even lives. But the Defense Department could cement a national trend.By Alexandra ZavisApril 26, 2009...The Department of

EPA Pulls Permit for NV Coal Plant

2009-04-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

An excerpt of a story reported by Reuters: EPA withdraws permit for Navajo coal plantTue Apr 28, 2009 10:26pm EDTNEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. environmental regulators said they have withdrawn a permit for a massive coal-fired power plant that had been scheduled to be built on the Navajo Nation to send electricity to populated areas to the West.The Environmental Protection Agency late on Monday

Santee Cooper Raises Rates to Pay for Coal

2009-04-29T04:42:00.000-07:00

On the heels of a report released by the Coastal Conservation League that contends that Santee Cooper's misconceived coal plant proposal would lead to much higher rates for South Carolinians, Santee Cooper now joins every South Carolina utility in announcing its intentions to foist rate increases on their customers over the next year or so.The reason for all of these rate increases are our

Report Shows S-C Failed to Prove Need for Plant

2009-04-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Last week the Coastal Conservation League released a report demonstrating that Santee Cooper has failed to justify its coal plant proposal from an economic perspective. The report contends that if the plant is built, it would expose ratepayers served by Santee Cooper to considerable financial risk (i.e. much higher rates). It also shows that Santee Cooper has not adequately considered

S-C Beginning to see the Light?

2009-04-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

In a remarkable change in tone, Santee Cooper is now saying publicly that they don't want to build the Pee Dee plant. Sounds good, but the catch is that they still don't seem understand that there are cheaper, cleaner and faster-to-deploy alternatives out there (that would create more jobs). The shift is covered in a recent story in the Post and Courier (excerpted below; read the whole story here

EPA: CO2, Coal a Danger to our Health

2009-04-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

A story in today's The State newspaper highlights the risk of proceeding with a new coal plant in South Carolina at a time when everyone else, including federal regulators, are saying "don't do it!"Essentially, the EPA has said that carbon dioxide, which coal plants pump out like no other, is a danger to public health and welfare and a threat to national security, paving the way for tough new

Energy Efficiency, vol. 1

2009-04-15T09:35:00.000-07:00