I was waiting for Sammy to give the official word about the Utah plant closure since September! I've found that the most shocking graph to show people who don't follow energy news is the real time supply graph from CAISO and pointing out how much of the day is already 100% carbon free solar, wind, nuclear, and battery. I think many people assume it is still 2020 and we rely entirely on natural gas after 4pm.
That is great news! I wish they would count the 2.2 million rooftop and other small-scale solar systems. And I also wish there were more VPP programs to participate in — maybe then we'd get a battery to go with our rooftop solar. Someday ...
I don't have any bright ideas to replace "cooking with gas," but can we say "fossil gas" instead of "natural gas"? I know you understand the importance of language! So let's start with that.
I'll be honest with you, I go back and forth on "fossil gas" vs. "natural gas." On the one hand I think emphasizing fossil is good, on the other hand I'm not convinced that "natural" is really doing it any favors — I actually worry a bit that "fossil gas" gets confusing because some people might not know what it is/might confuse it with gasoline. I find myself going back and forth! Always try to make a point to describe consequences of burning it in close proximity.
Yeah, it's too bad it's been so successfully branded as "natural gas." Maybe we need to explain what we mean when we refer to "fossil gas"? I know, that's clunky.
I was waiting for Sammy to give the official word about the Utah plant closure since September! I've found that the most shocking graph to show people who don't follow energy news is the real time supply graph from CAISO and pointing out how much of the day is already 100% carbon free solar, wind, nuclear, and battery. I think many people assume it is still 2020 and we rely entirely on natural gas after 4pm.
Glad I was able to give you the follow-up! And yes, the CAISO data is amazing.
Sammy, I read yesterday that some states are starting to allow balcony solar panels. This is great news! I hope you'll write about it.
I've read about this too! It's a very cool trend. Hope to get there eventually.
That is great news! I wish they would count the 2.2 million rooftop and other small-scale solar systems. And I also wish there were more VPP programs to participate in — maybe then we'd get a battery to go with our rooftop solar. Someday ...
I don't have any bright ideas to replace "cooking with gas," but can we say "fossil gas" instead of "natural gas"? I know you understand the importance of language! So let's start with that.
Thanks for reading Rosana! Agreed on VPPs...
I'll be honest with you, I go back and forth on "fossil gas" vs. "natural gas." On the one hand I think emphasizing fossil is good, on the other hand I'm not convinced that "natural" is really doing it any favors — I actually worry a bit that "fossil gas" gets confusing because some people might not know what it is/might confuse it with gasoline. I find myself going back and forth! Always try to make a point to describe consequences of burning it in close proximity.
Yeah, it's too bad it's been so successfully branded as "natural gas." Maybe we need to explain what we mean when we refer to "fossil gas"? I know, that's clunky.
Yeah, I hate to say but not sure it's worth the trouble at this point. (My opinion, not definitive or certain.)
Several electricians advised me to stick with affordable and clean natural gas: "Haven't you see 'Clean Natural Gas' on those trucks all around?"
Oy.
I just returned from Kentucky, where the Friends of Coal sponsor a major holiday lights display that attracts many visitors. https://www.khpfoundation.org/southern-lights/ We saw few electric vehicles or charging stations. It’s Mitch McConnell country, but Andy Beshear is governor. Kentucky has given up most tobacco farming, once a major crop. Policy and regulation changed the economic landscape. Coal can be next. https://www.wkms.org/agriculture/2024-10-22/crop-cashed-out-less-than-1-000-ky-farms-are-still-growing-tobacco-20-years-after-major-reform
Appreciate the links — really interesting! Hope you’re right.