Gathered around a mock roof in the middle of a workshop at the Louisiana Technical College Jefferson campus this week, 13 potential solar panel installers analyzed a quartet of photovoltaic panels mounted in a continuous row. The group had spent the past two days in class learning the basics of solar technology installation, and they seemed ready to put their skills to use. Read the rest of this entry »
Hawaii has become the first state to require solar water heaters in new homes. Gov. Linda Lingle, a Republican, has signed into law a bill requiring the energy-saving systems in homes starting in 2010. The new law prohibits issuing building permits for single-family homes that do not have solar water heaters. Some exceptions will be allowed, like for houses in forested areas.
An energy conservation proposal that three weeks ago sparked heated confrontations between two New Orleans City Council members and between Councilwoman Shelley Midura and Entergy New Orleans officials was endorsed by a council committee Wednesday at a meeting that featured more agreement than controversy.
Here’s a shocker: Electricity bills are heading up. Way up. Read the rest of this entry »
Utilities across the USA are raising power prices up to 29%, mostly to pay for soaring fuel costs, but also to build new plants and refurbish an aging power grid.