So it looks like the hydro bills are gonna be going up

[glemay]

Hey guys,

So, it looks like the hydro bills are gonna be going up in the future. I'm just wondering to what extent some people will go to in order to lower their hydro bills.

For example, would you be willing to switch out all of your incandescent light bulbs for more efficient compact fluorescent ones? What about installing renewable resource generators such as a wind generator and/or solar panels?

Obviously there would be a significant cost up front, but if it could pay itself off and then start saving you money, would you do it?

What about the environment? Would you be willing to go to these measures to lower your impact on the environment?

I just think this is an interesting topic, started talking about it with some friends. Want to know what you guys think.

Thanks,

Gerry

[bobman1235]

Legit question - why is electricity called hydro?

[BaggedLancer]

He's from Canada.....they are different up there.....

[schwarcw]

The big utility is Ontario Hydro. Although, they produce most of their power from nuclear.

[GV#27]

Legit question - why is electricity called hydro?
Pure guess but maybe something to do with water turbine generators.

[GV#27]

He's from Canada.....they are different up there.....
Yes you bet ya.;)

[glemay]

canada eh, lol

Not sure why it's called hydro... maybe because a good portion of it was made using water, like Niagara Falls or something, not really sure, lol.

[BaggedLancer]

Hydro has to do with water? All this time I thought it was something you smoked.......

[GV#27]

Want to know what you guys think.

Thanks,

GerryI think Hydro One is out to take every last dime they can from us.:mad:


But yes I think conservation will be something we will all have to get serious about now and in the future.

[obieone]

I have a better question: Why, when I lived in MA., did I save money from buying my electricity from out of state? The 'source' I guess it would be called. I mean MA. has 2 nuke plants, with a 3rd right over the border in NH?
And it wasn't just a claim, I actually compared the $ per kw and it was cheaper.???

[bobman1235]

Do you really ahve to ask that, obie?

They don't call it taxachusetts for nothing.

[schwarcw]

I have a better question: Why, when I lived in MA., did I save money from buying my electricity from out of state? The 'source' I guess it would be called. I mean MA. has 2 nuke plants, with a 3rd right over the border in NH?
And it wasn't just a claim, I actually compared the $ per kw and it was cheaper.???

It's called deregulation. Let the market determine the price for electricity, not the state regulators. Regulated utilities usually have big bureaucracies because the state allows them to build it into their rates. They are also guaranteed an agreed upon rate of return. No so in deregulated states. The utilities operate like a real business. If they can produce it for less by reducing their costs, then sell the electricity at the market price or below (to lure customers) they make more money.

[tonyb]

Got some loaded questions there bud.....
What impact on the envirement are we talking?
Change bulbs?- Not likely,floro's give me a headache.

[zingo]

I've been looking at one of those in-basement nuclear generator systems. They claim that you will never pay another electric bill.

[glemay]

As far as impact to the environment, I think I'm mainly reffering to general pollution, such as that from coal buring power plants. I mean, none of them are really good for the environment. Causes acid rains, and the like, poor air quality. The list goes on and on...

Regarding the fluorescents, has anyone seen the new LED lights that are coming out for residential applications? Strange looking units, but suppose to draw next to nothing power wise.

Gerry

[I-SIG]

It's called deregulation. Let the market determine the price for electricity, not the state regulators. Regulated utilities usually have big bureaucracies because the state allows them to build it into their rates. They are also guaranteed an agreed upon rate of return. No so in deregulated states. The utilities operate like a real business. If they can produce it for less by reducing their costs, then sell the electricity at the market price or below (to lure customers) they make more money.

Unfortunately that hasn't turned out to be the case in all but one or two states that have deregulated. Just about every state saw their bills rise, significantly in many cases. One of the key reasons prices have risen is that states have forced vertically integrated utilities that have worked for decades to increase efficiency top to bottom to divest themselves.

I'm no fan of heavy-handed regulation either, i.e. Sarbanes-Oxley.

Southern Company is a great example of where regulation is working for everyone. Southern Company is a solid investment on Wall Street yet rates in Georgia remain 15% below the national average.

Wes