New Website Examines Impacts of Rising Energy Costs on Low Income Families

American Legislator ^ | 4-30-15 | John Eick

[ThethoughtsofGreg]

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) recently launched a webpage – “State Energy Costs for Families” –that highlights some of the challenges that millions of economically vulnerable Americans face as a result of rising energy costs. The project compiles data for 31 states from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

It’s important to note that energy prices affect families differently and are highly regressive in nature. More specifically, those with low and fixed incomes typically spend greater percentages of their take home pay on energy than those with higher incomes. Policymakers should be cognizant of this fact when evaluation any proposed energy or environmental policy matter. Several studies and analyses have shown, for instance, that EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan will have devastating economic consequences, including rising electricity rates and natural gas prices.

[MrB]

Rising energy costs are strictly at the feet of liberal policies.

[bigbob]

This is oversimplified at best, misleading at worst.

First, lets separate “transportation energy” from “residential energy”. Transportation energy usage depends on how much you drive, how fuel efficient your vehicle is, and many other factors, including whether or not you have a job and drive to/from it every day. People with jobs are more likely not to be in the lowest income categories.

Residential energy usage also depends on consumption patterns. LCD TVs, smartphones instead of PCs, and high efficiency lighting are technologies that are reducing electrical consumption. Even the fact that your wall wart power supply or charger now is a 90+% efficient switcher instead of a power-conuming transformer provides a small savings that adds up.

When I see research conducted by an “energy attorney” I have to wonder if there may be an agenda at work.