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Constantin
Constantin Member Posts: 3,796
in THE MAIN WALL
Brad, I'd bet on Mandarin not Cantonese, as the latter is only used in Hong Kong, an area whose importance is waning in the larger Chinese fold...

As for BP and the other oil guys investing in renewables, I'd like to see what percentage of EBIT is going that way vs. exploration, aquisitions and other traditional means of replenishing spent reserves. For all you know, it's a PR move rather than a bona-fide investment.

Comments

  • S Ebels
    S Ebels Member Posts: 2,322
    A word to the wise here

    What Ms Quinn says in this article is finally starting to be recognized in a few..........very few, high places.

    For your own good, for the health of our economy, for the sake of your family and your own future, read this article and act accordingly.

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12333796/site/newsweek/
  • GMcD
    GMcD Member Posts: 477
    She must be reading Jim Kunstler again

    This is/should be common knowledge, however, the conspiracy theorists still insist it's a plot by the petro-industrial complex to drive up prices and make huge profits. If so, why is BP (and other multi-national oil companies) going hard into solar and alternate energy?

    She forgot to mention how much China is investing in the oil sands complex in Alberta. I think I may have to learn Cantonese soon.
  • Steamhead (in transit)
    Steamhead (in transit) Member Posts: 6,688
    This should have been addressed

    back in the 1980s. But the "let the market decide" attitude of those years, then as now well-financed by energy companies, was a critical mistake that helped put us where we are now.

    Here in Maryland, electric rates are going up 70% in June. We'll see this in other parts of the country as the ill effects of deregulation and lack of investment in conservation are felt. We'll probably get a new governor out of this, but by then it will be too late.

    As always, we're in a position to make a difference. Watch the Wall for some results of our energy-saving work.

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"
  • Unknown
    Unknown


    deregulation had one good effect up here in maine; I can choose an electrical supplier that supplies only green energy (from renewable sources) instead of being stuck with just the "basic mix". So at least I can decide who my dollars support.

    It doesn't sound like other areas have had that kind of luck for some reason though, I wonder why.
  • J.C.A._3
    J.C.A._3 Member Posts: 2,980
    NRT rob,

    Her in Eastern Ma., we're getting the "trickle down effect" booming into full swing. National Grid, who supplies electricity to most of the region just bought Keyspan, the gas suppliers for most. Talk about the start of a monopoly....

    Truly a trickle down eh? Can't wait till next winter. Chris
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 153
    Poorly written.

    Ditto for the research. Truly Cartersque in its one sided presentation & conclusions. A shaky C- from any unbiased Journalism Professor.
  • S Ebels
    S Ebels Member Posts: 2,322
    Ron

    You have something to the contrary? I'd love to hear some good news on the energy front. What do you hear/know that would make her opinion invalid?
  • Constantin
    Constantin Member Posts: 3,796
    Lack of competition

    is going to become a bigger and bigger issue as time goes on. In particular if you let distributors control the distribution of the two predominant "fuels" in the US (electrical and natural gas), they can play all sorts of games with the pricing to make alternative forms of power/heat/cool generation cost-uncompetitive.

    For example, some people have been touting fuel cells as a more efficient means of producing power. In a combined-cycle scenario (not proven yet, AFAIK), the electrical yields could surpass 70%, which is amazing. Yet, if the price of natural gas is set high enough for residential and other non-utility customers, the economics simply won't work out. As I glance over my gas bill, the cost of the distribution charges still dwarf the underlying gas price.

    I don't know what the answer is. Perhaps it makes most sense to allow counties/cities to decide who gets to service them to spurr some form of competition for utilities, be they gas, electric, telephone. However, that would force the counties/cities to own said networks, another headache.
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