on December 09, 2018

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If Efficiency Is No Longer Cost Effective, We Shouldn’t Subsidize It

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy

The Minnesota Department of Commerce released a study on Tuesday saying that electric and natural gas utilities could continue to meet their current efficiency mandates, but that it will become more expensive to do so over time. Under the Next Generation Energy Act, passed in 2007, electric utilities are mandated to reduce their electricity sales by 1.5 percent annually. Electric utilities have reached this goal, but according to the Commerce report, the days of easy, low-cost energy savings are nearing the end. In order to keep up the energy savings, utilities will have to pay higher "incentives" and subsidies to get consumers...

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on December 05, 2018

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Xcel Energy Commits to 100 Percent Increase in Electricity Rates (And Then Some)

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy

Yesterday, Xcel Energy announced it is committing to go 100 percent "carbon free" by the year 2050 across the eight Western and Midwestern states where they operate. Unfortunately, Xcel's ratepayers will see a 100 percent increase in electricity rates, and then some....

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on December 05, 2018

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Utility Dive Names Xcel Energy “Utility of the Year.” We’re Less Impressed

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment, Minnesota Budget

Utility Dive, a website that covers the ongoings of the electric utility industry, has named Xcel Energy the Utility of the Year for 2018, commending the company for retiring coal-fired power plants and investing billions in future wind, solar, and natural gas installations. As for us, we don't think Xcel should be applauded for pursuing policies that result in higher profits for Xcel shareholders at the expense of the families and businesses who have no choice but to buy their electricity from the monopoly utility. ...

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on December 03, 2018

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Revenge of the Diesel Class: Yellow Vest Protests Continue to Rage in France Over Climate Taxes

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy

Thousands of Yellow Vest protesters in France continue to protest over the climate taxes imposed by French President Emmanuel Macron that will initially lead to a 30 cent increase in diesel prices, with the tax increasing over time. The New York Times described the protests as "shaking French politics to the core." The Yellow Vests are not young college students or far-right activists, they are the working class inhabitants of rural France that have been forgotten by the leaders in urban areas. NPR reports: "Among its ranks are retirees and the unemployed, farmers, housewives and people who have never protested before," NPR's Eleanor...

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on November 29, 2018

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In Case You Ever Question Our Renewable Energy Arguments – Here’s Xcel Agreeing with Us

Written by Mitchell Rolling

in Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy

In its most recent annual securities and exchanges report to investors, Xcel admitted exactly what American Experiment has been saying for years – that renewable energy sources increase electricity rates, create energy grids with excess and idle capacity, and lead to a more unreliable energy system. ...

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on November 28, 2018

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Canadians Revolt Against Trudeau’s Carbon Taxes

Written by Isaac Orr

in Climate, Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy

In Canada, pressure against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's carbon tax is mounting, as Manitoba did a sudden about-face on its intention to impose a $25-per-tonne carbon price this fall. The Canadian federal government in Ottawa passed legislation last spring to give it authority to impose a carbon price on any province that did not implement its own tax beginning Jan. 1, 2019. It is starting at a minimum of $20 per tonne, rising $10 per year until 2022. Although, Trudeau says Canadians gave his government a mandate to implement a national carbon price in the last election, the blowback in provincial governments is...

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on November 27, 2018

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French Tax on Gas and Diesel Triggers Enormous Protests

Written by Isaac Orr

in Climate, Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy, Taxes

Diesel prices in France have skyrocketed more than 23 percent over the last 12 months and French motorists already spend more than $7.00 per gallon, USD. Despite these enormous costs, French President Emmanuel Macron has stated the rising gas taxes are needed to reduce France’s dependence on fossil fuels and fund renewable energy investment. The new taxes would raise the cost of diesel fuel by nearly 30 cents per gallon, and will continue to climb in the coming years....

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on November 26, 2018

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Another One Bites the Dust: Wisconsin Wind Farm Decommissioned After Just 20 Years

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy

An industrial wind facility in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin has been decommissioned after just 20 years of service because the turbines are no longer cost effective to maintain and operate. The decommissioning of the 14 turbines took many people by surprise, even local government officials and the farmer who had five of the turbines on his property. Why Are We So Surprised? What's really surprising about these wind turbines being decommissioned after 20 years is the is the fact that people were surprised by it. You'd be astonished at how many people I talk to that have no idea that wind turbines only last for 20...

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on November 15, 2018

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Want to Save on Your Utility Bill? This Minn. Nonprofit Has Some Tips

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment, Minnesota Economy

MPR ran a piece about the efforts of Citizens Utility Board (CUB) of Minnesota to educate people on how to lower their utility bills. Among the brilliant, energy-saving insights provided by CUB were: Changing light bulbs and turning off lights and gadgets when not in use. Turning down the heat on your water heater. Washing clothes in cold water, instead of warm water. Adding insulation to your home. Putting plastic over windows in the winter to keep the cold air out These revolutionary recommendations can probably save the average home tens of dollars over the course of a year! But if CUB, which has...

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on November 09, 2018

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Republicans Who Favored Renewable Energy Got Clobbered in the Midterms

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy, Environment, Mining

Moderate Republican candidates seem to think they can use energy and environmental issues as a bargaining chip to placate the electorate into giving them their vote, whether that is supporting stupid forms of energy like wind and solar, or opposing natural resource development like mining, but history shows this is a losing strategy....

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