Public Opinion seems to be oil and gas’ game

Last night I received an email from a friend asking my opinion of a graph that purportedly demonstrated that renewable energy is not worth the investment. This is not the first time that something like that has been sent to me. Why are so many people taking the time to produce such graphs and to rotate them around the net? What a waste of energy. Or is it?

It was a confusing graph with many curves and comments and made no sense whatsoever. But nevertheless, it was sure to make the over credulous think about keeping the status quo. However, the time for energy conversion is here and it is only a matter of time before we make the change. But it will take some work on our part. Sure we could make graphs that contend that renewable energy will make your hair grow back and that it will make the price of college education go down, but that is not necessary.

The tide has turned already. In watching the republican debates, it is refreshing to see the candidates speak about drilling, but staying away from falsehoods about renewable energy. They must know that tide of public opinion has turned in favor of renewable energy and to speak against would mean sudden political death.

Look around and you will see the change is happening. Spray insulation, low wattage bulbs such as LED, energy saving appliances and passive house standards are just a few of the things that are being implemented by those who want to be ahead of the curve. You have to believe that the cost of energy will always go up because historically that has been the way. Those who do not transition to renewable energy and electric transportation now will be the ones who feel the squeeze later.

That is the important message we should be giving to those who say renewable energy is not worth the investment.

Turn on the TV today and you get a confusing collage of clean natural gas, coal and gasoline efficient vehicles while some of the same companies are touting turbines and electric cars. The change is here and all of us should embrace it together and now.

Mitsubishi is beginning to promote their electric cars as is represented in the following video, joining the ranks of the LEAF and the VOLT. They will soon be joined by BMW, FORD and others, the future is here, don’t stay in the past.

 by George Lopez

Plug In Carolina and Eaton Tour South Carolina To Kick Off Electric Vehicle Charging Network

 

Plug In Carolina and Eaton Corporation today kicked off a statewide tour to mark the deployment of South Carolina’s multi-city Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network. The tour began at the state Capitol in Columbia, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and remarks by Governor Mark Sanford. The implementation of the charging network is underway to support the variety of new EVs emerging now and in the near future and was made possible by the recently announced agreement with Eaton to supply and support EV charging stations in eight South Carolina cities.

“We’re eager to provide Eaton’s comprehensive solutions to Plug In Carolina’s public electric vehicle program and these events are the perfect way to demonstrate our support of the communities in South Carolina where we do business.”

.The state Capitol event featured displays of Eaton’s Pow-R-Station™ DC Quick Charger and Level 2 charging stations. Electric vehicles included the Mitsubishi iMiEV, the Chevrolet Volt and the Tesla Roadster.

The project, which launched June 15, 2010, is funded by two state grants secured through the South Carolina Energy Office and features a family of charging stations with multi-port configuration that are user friendly and lend themselves to a cost-effective electrical installation.

Utility Partners of America will install 30 Eaton charging stations in Columbia, Rock Hill, Union, Greenville, Spartanburg, and the Town of Blythewood at key re-fueling hubs in each city. By the end of January 2011, Plug In Carolina expects to increase the number of charging stations to 80 and add locations including Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and North Myrtle Beach.

“Something special is taking place. Our state is one of the first to invest and create an EV charger infrastructure across multiple cities,” said James Poch, executive director, Plug In Carolina. “We are showing the nation that our citizens and businesses welcome these vehicles. Within the last year, South Carolina has had two EV manufacturers, Proterra and CT&T, locate their manufacturing operations in the state and we’re ready for more.”

The program will provide publicly accessible EV charging stations at locations such as municipal parking garages, public streets and retailers. Depending on host city requirements, the stations will be enabled for smart communications to facilitate the monitoring and management of the state-wide network of chargers.

“Through this collaboration, Eaton is helping to create the infrastructure leading to the adoption and expanded use of electric vehicles,” said Tim Old, business unit manager, Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, Eaton. “We’re eager to provide Eaton’s comprehensive solutions to Plug In Carolina’s public electric vehicle program and these events are the perfect way to demonstrate our support of the communities in South Carolina where we do business.”

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