Posted on 01/23/2015 11:58:15 AM PST by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
When the temperature dips below freezing, reliable electricity becomes more than a matter of convenience but a matter of life and death. Unfortunately, the reliability of our electric grid is at-risk due to EPA regulations that are shutting down America’s coal plants.
Existing EPA regulations already have led to the scheduled shutdown of nearly 20 percent of the U.S. coal fleet. EPA’s newest carbon regulations being finalized this summer will lead to even more shutdowns. With coal responsible for generating nearly 40 percent of America’s electricity, these shutdowns will further strain our nation’s electricity grid and could leave many Americans in the dark this winter.
The electricity grid was already stretched to its limits last winter, when the polar vortex led to dramatic and sustained drops in temperature across much of the United States. This cold snap created an increased demand for energy, as fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil were needed to heat homes.
Utilities and energy experts agree that America’s electricity grid was barely capable of handling last year’s demands. PJM Interconnection, which serves 13 states in the mid-Atlantic, reported that they were within 2,000 megawatts of calling rolling blackouts across their service area. Utility company AEP had to call upon 89 percent of their coal-fueled generation scheduled to be retired this year in order to meet last year’s demand. FERC Commissioner Phillip Moeller told Congress that “the experience of this past winter indicates that the power grid is now already at the limit.”
If the grid was at its limit last year, things are only going to get worse as more coal plants are shutdown. There are already discouraging signs this winter. Earlier this month, Duke Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority asked customers to conserve electricity due to concerns about the strained grid and potential blackouts.
In addition to coping with less reliable electricity, Americans are also facing skyrocketing utility costs. Natural gas is frequently used as a substitute for coal, but the demands being placed on gas are too great.
Unlike coal, gas is not usually stored at power plants but has to be transported via pipelines. When electricity demand spikes, utilities must purchase extra gas at expensive spot prices and then have the ability to get that gas delivered through a pipeline network that is already congested. This increases costs. Last winter, natural gas prices rose more than 20 percent and many customers received utility bills that were hundreds of dollars higher than usual.
Rather than recognize this danger and adjust course, the Obama Administration continues to move forward with regulations that will shutter more power plants, destroy electric reliability, and dramatically increase costs.
This winter, the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity is embarking on a “Cold In the Dark” campaign to educate Americans about the risks they face from EPA regulations. Through online videos, ads and an educational website, KeepAmericasPowerOn.org, we will make sure people understand why their utility bills are skyrocketing and why their power may go out.
Coal-based electricity is a critical resource for the United States and is essential for the reliability of our nation’s electrical grid. That is why when it comes to energy, Americans deserve an “all of the above” strategy not just an “all of the above” sound bite.
Robert “Mike” Duncan is president and CEO of the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity.
Global Warming on Free Republic
That’s the idea, Bammy’s idea to be specific.
America-hating sociopath at work.
A feudalistic society is the goal.
a) Weakens America/AmericansI have yet to have anyone raise a single substantive counter example in several years of posting this.
b) Distances America's allies
c) Strengthens America's enemies
d) Serves Islam
e) Harms Israel
Or some combination of the above.
There are no counter examples.
Almost forgot . . .
PING!
But, but it is for the benefit of Mother Gaia and the small children !! </s>
—This winter, the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity is embarking on a “Cold In the Dark” campaign to educate Americans about the risks they face from EPA regulations.
Duh, should have done this before the last election.
The left is so pathetic. They have the money, so they continue to fund scientific studies to show the slightest of anything that might possibly occur. It is killing us!
Meanwhile is anyone studying how China dn Russian pollution is harming the USA?
“...Cold in the Dark ...” reminds me of a coal strike in 1978 or so.
Everyone was asked to cut back. Our high school had to stay open because we had lost so many days to the Blizzard of ‘78. But to save energy, they turned down the heat, did not heat the gym or light the hallways and there was no hot water anywhere in the building.
It was pretty miserable.
Wait til they shut down another 200 or so power plants that are on the list. Better be thinking about an alternative power source if you don’t want to sit in the dark.
Creating the EPA was Nixon’s worst mistake, yes, including Watergate, and not contesting the 1960 election.
Didn’t the nation of India just suffer a nationwide shutdown of power?
600 million people affected!
That’s almost DOUBLE the USA population!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_India_blackouts
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
