WSJ: Unexpected drop in Power usage

[greenman3610]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122722654497346099.html?mod=yahoo_hs&ru=yahoo

Big news; huge potential impact on need for new generation:
-----------------------------------------------

An unexpected drop in U.S. electricity consumption has utility companies worried that the trend isn't a byproduct of the economic downturn, and could reflect a permanent shift in consumption that will require sweeping change in their industry.

Numbers are trickling in from several large utilities that show shrinking power use by households and businesses in pockets across the country. Utilities have long counted on sales growth of 1% to 2% annually in the U.S., and they created complex operating and expansion plans to meet the needs of a growing population.

"We're in a period where growth is going to be challenged," says Jim Rogers, chief executive of Duke Energy Corp. in Charlotte, N.C.

The data are early and incomplete, but if the trend persists, it could ripple through companies' earnings and compel major changes in the way utilities run their businesses. Utilities are expected to invest $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion by 2030 to modernize their electric systems and meet future needs, according to an industry-funded study by the Brattle Group. However, if electricity demand is flat or even declining, utilities must either make significant adjustments to their investment plans or run the risk of building too much capacity. That could end up burdening customers and shareholders with needless expenses.

---

Dick Kelly, chief executive of Xcel Energy Inc., Minneapolis, says his company, which has utilities in Colorado and Minnesota, saw home-energy use drop 3% in the period from August through September, "the first time in 40 years I've seen a decline in sales" to homes. He doesn't think foreclosures are responsible for the trend.

Duke Energy Corp.'s third-quarter electricity sales were down 5.9% in the Midwest from the year earlier, including a 9% drop among residential customers. At its utilities operating in the Carolinas, sales were down 4.3% for the three-month period ending Sept. 30 from a year earlier.

[ixion]

1. Screw Big Energy: Make your own

This is yet another monopoly that's been sucking us dry for decades. Good riddance to them, IMO.

[Mari333]

2. people are turning their lights OFF

I know I am. I use one light at night. Its an energy saver bulb. I hang my clothes on a line to dry even in the winter, in the basement. I dont use a TV, and I use the stove (electric) hardly at all. I saw my electric bill get cut in half by doing so.
It is just good common sense.

[KittyWampus]

16. My father's lady friend unplugs all appliances when not in use.

[Vinnie From Indy]

3. I am obsessed with using less energy

My local gas company has a charge called "delivery & services" on our bill that last month was just a few dollars less than our gas usage charge.

I think that the $4.00 a gallon gas a few weeks back had more of a psychological impact on Americcans than the theiving energy companies expected. More people are turning off lights and appliances that are not being used and they are buying energy efficient light bulbs etc.

The greatest nightmare for all energy companies is cheap, clean, efficient site generated power from solar/wind/geothermal. It is why there is such a push for nuclear to replace fossil fuel. With nuclear, there will still be a never ending revenue stream.

[shraby]

4. Could the empty houses and business places

from all the business failures and foreclosures have anything to do with the problem?

[Lost4words]

6. No there is no connection there...

:sarcasm:

[Hannah Bell]

5. Jeez, it's always bad news, ain't it?

Use lots of power:

"Jeeves OldMoney of MEgacapital Energy fears that blackouts & shortages could be the result of the increased demand, requiring higher rates for investment into new capacity."


Use less?

You're supposed to be worried too. Cause they're gonna find a way to screw you to make up the lost profits.

[Lost4words]

7. get ready for the Reduced Average Consumer Usage Surcharge

RACUS or known as rack us!

hey infrustructure and exec bonous costs dont decrease with useage.

8643

[Hannah Bell]

8. :>)

[Sal Minella]

14. a/k/a/ "Consumer Usage Reduction Surcharge Excuse"....n/t

[Lost4words]

15. LOL very good! thanks for the laugh!

:hi: 8643

[Le Taz Hot]

9. I don't know about anyone else

but during the manufactured power "shortage" here in California (for which Duke Energy was largely responsible and was let off the hook by the Gropenator), Pacific Gas & Electric SIGNIFICANTLY raised our rates and they keep going up every year. People are cutting back because they can't afford to do anything else. I am currently sitting here with 3 layers + socks and am STILL freezing my ass off. To top it off, the Air Quality Control District has increased their "no burn days" by threefold this year so I can't even burn my fireplace to keep warm on most days. What pisses me off about that is that fireplace users aren't even in the Top 10 pollution producers in the Valley.

[madmom]

10. They're just getting ready to ask for a bail-out.

[Neshanic]

11. Logical. Huge stores have closed. Others have implemented big power...

saving plans. Just near me is a stand alone California Pizza Kitchen. Up to two months ago that thing was lit up all night as if it was open. Now it is dark as soon as it closes. Power companies are raising rates, and cutting back on electric is something everyone can do. My electric bill goes from 200 a month to 30 in the winter here.

[lumberjack_jeff]

12. This goes to show you why private companies won't promote conservation. Of anything. n/t

[notadmblnd]

13. empty homes don't use power.

and I've stopped using my luxury items like my hot tub and swimming pool. Now I wish I could figure out a way to get heat from my furnace with out the blower running.