Anonymous gives lot’s of reasons [see below] to stay with diesel generated hydro. Very parochial reasons of half truths and unnamed government sources do not an argument make.
First up it is essential to get the facts out so the public can have a look at them.
Like exactly what is the rate of the subsidy? Is it direct government funds or is some of it from hydro clients in other jurisdictions?
How much would it be per kilowatt hour for wind generation?
How much is NLH paying for its fuel for the diesel generated plants?
What is the expected life span of wind generated equipment? Versus diesel generated equipment?
Alternative energy is not proposed to totally replace conventional forms at this stage; it is proposed to supplement the conventional forms. It is also proposed to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions caused by many conventional generation forms.
Seeing that we are in a community with a claimed long cultural relationship with the environment one could be excused for thinking wind generation would be greeted with open arms.
Unless of course this claim of relationships with mother earth is out the window with the new consumerism, everybody for themselves dog eat dog approach that anonymous seems to be espousing.
At the moment WE PAY 8.935 cents for the first 800 kwh, this is adjusted to 900 kwh in the winter months. The next 100 kwh costs 10.332 kwh. Everything over 1000 kwh cost 14.007 kwh. I believe commercial rates are higher, but can be corrected on that.
So if there is a subsidy, which there is, why can’t that subsidy be transferred to alternative energy too? Makes sense to me. We contribute to reducing nasty omissions, cut back on the ever depleting ever costly fossil fuel stocks.
Scare tactics of throwing out “oh it’s going to cost 20 cents a kwh” may work for the closed minded with big pockets and short arms. Trouble is it is not the whole truth, like I said, oil is finite and will cost more and more each year.
Another thing to consider, maybe Hydro generation of Hydro, the chief in Natuashish is broaching that topic again.
Finely, I would gladly pay a little more for alternative energy, and I think it makes sense for it to be done on a community level in conjunction with NLH.
Anonymous said...
There was a guy on the radio today discussing his wind energy business and the benefits of wind power and he was making the argument that as diesel prices approach the dollar a litre mark, wind energy becomes more and more viable, but unless I'm mistaken, doesn't the government subsidize NL Hydro to operate their generation plants in Labrador? So the dollar a liter argument is not an issue for the consumer. We pay about 8 or 9 cents a Kw hour here and to operate a windmill here would require us to pay more like 20 cents a Kw hour (numbers provided to me by a government official in the know) and they require just as much maintenance as the generation plant and they wear out and would need replacement periodically. As long as we can burn diesel cheaper than anything else, it doesn't make sense to invest in wind power here, unless you have the cash to build without borrowing and want to subsidize the rates we pay for the energy generated, then go for it!
11:46 AM
5 comments:
If you want to invest in the environment, a better use for the money that would provide an immediate benefit to the environment would be to give everyone a rebate of a few thousand dollars when they buy 4 stroke skidoos and outboard motors. This would provide them with an incentive to purchase the more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Four stroke engines are great; the rest of the hypothesis is full of holes and does not hold wind.
Well why don't you tell us then why NL Hydro would scrap a relatively new generation plant to bring in a wind farm. Even if they were to phaze it in, there is no economic incentive for them to do such a thing. It will happen eventually, but not in your lifetime. You can be 'green' all you want, but the guys with the money always make the final decision, and economics are black and white, not green.
To Anon:
First off I am not inclined to explain anything to you or any one else, what I write on MY blog is my thoughts and beliefs. If you or any one else do not agree or like what I write too bloody bad.
Secondly; are you comfortable with the service and reliable supply of electricity the new plant NLH offers?
Well it was not always like that. For years the people suffered constant power outages, power surges, and brown outs. For years people suffered from blown home electronics. For years no one did a thing to effect change.
NLH kept bringing in old worn out generators from plants on the Island, the floor in the power plant was sinking. NLH kept saying it was Ok, can’t afford new equipment, yadda, yadda, yadda.
Then a lone citizen decided that this was bloody crazy carrying on like this. So the citizen took it upon them self to do a two year monitor and research project.
The citizen then presented the pro bono work to the town council, the MHA and to NLH. The council decided to pick up the ball, so too the MHA. Honchos from NLH made several visits to the community, a couple of public meetings were held.
All the citizen was asking for was reliable generating equipment. What the town got is what you see on the hill.
You can ask the honchos at NLH or the MHA who the citizen was if you like.
Moral of the story; never overestimate the power of economics.
Lastly, I will not be responding to you again until you get the guts to use your name.
That's hardly the tone that facilitates constructive debate. As for my anonmymity, it appears that it is YOU that uses this website to lord your supercilious attitude over its readers. I only humbly offer a different point of view without trying to draw attention to myself because it does not matter who I am.
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