FEATURED STORY The nuclear reactor crisis in Japan has triggered a strong response among Americans, according to a major survey conducted one month after the crisis began on March 11 at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. The survey, conducted by ORC International for the Civil Society Institute, found that a majority of Americans would freeze new nuclear power construction, stop additional federal loan guarantees for reactors, shift away from nuclear power to wind and solar power, and eliminate the indemnification of the nuclear power industry from most post-disaster cleanup costs. Also according to the survey, a majority of Americans living near nuclear power plants are ill-equipped to deal with a major disaster. Fifty-two percent of those living within 50 miles of a nuclear reactor do not know what to do in the event of a reactor emergency. More than half of the respondents support a moratorium on new nuclear reactor construction in the United States if increased energy-efficient systems and renewable technologies, such as wind and solar, could meet energy demands in the near term. Seventy-four percent support a shift of federal loans for energy away from nuclear reactors in favor of wind and solar power. Nearly three out of four Americans would favor Congress reviewing a 1957 law indemnifying nuclear power companies from most disaster cleanup costs. Instead, Americans would hold companies liable for all damages resulting from a nuclear meltdown or other accident. Also, 76 percent said they are now more supportive after the incident to use clean, renewable energy and increase energy efficiency as an alternative to more nuclear power. Nearly half now say they are “much more supportive” of relying on more clean energy and energy efficiency than they were before Fukushima. In another poll, administered by Harris Interactive, respondents indicated a shift in opinion on the matter from a poll conducted three years ago. In the 2008 poll, 49 percent of respondents supported nuclear power, while 32 percent opposed it. Those results changed in the new poll to 41 and 39 percent, respectively. From EC Magazine |
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1.6 Year Payback on Lighting Upgrades for DRS Technologies St. Louis Facility The third times the charm for DRS Technologies with a $29,904.50 cash incentive from Ameren Missouri for over 2,500 lighting retrofits from standard T12 lamps and ballasts to new high efficiency T8s. With almost a third of the project cost of $100,997.04 returned to DRS in cash incentives it's not surprising that in just 1.6 years the upgrades will pay for themselves. DRS has spent the last three years taking advantage of Ameren Missouri's cash incentives for qualifying energy saving upgrades. In February 2009, Ameren UE began offering $24 million in incentives to Missouri business customers. Through aggressive energy efficiency initiatives, Ameren UE expects to offset 540 megawatts of electricity usage by 2025. “Unfortunately time is running out on this round of Ameren Missouri cash incentives. DRS is an ideal case study for what a local business and building owner can do.” says David Banford, President of Bell Electrical Contractors. DRS Technologies, headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S.A., is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. Bell Electrical Contractors specializes in the strategic management and maintenance of lighting systems, working directly with Ameren Missouri to meet the requirements to qualify for the utilities’ cash incentive program. |
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Comparative Electrical Generating Costs The investment banking company Lazard Ltd. released the following comparison among generation technologies, in 2008 dollars. The levelized costs include production tax credits, investment tax credits, and accelerated asset depreciation as applicable. Assumes 20-year economic life, 40% tax rate, and 5-20 year tax life. Assumptions for alternative technologies include: 30% debt at 8% interest rate, 40% tax equity at 8.5% costs and 30% common equity at 12% cost. Assumptions for conventional generation technologies: 60% debt at 8.0% interest rate and 40% equity at 12% cost. Assumes coal price of $2.50 per MMBtu and natural gas price of $8.00 per MMBtu. 12% cost, 20-year economic life, 40% tax rate, 5-20 year tax life, coal at $2.50 per million Btu, and natural gas at $8.00 per million Bt.[2] COAL/NUCLEAR/GAS (cents per kilowatt-hour in 2008 dollars)
ALTERNATIVES (cents per kilowatt-hour in 2008 dollars)
From Lazard Limited |
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Making Solar Power an Affordable Option At upwards of 19 cents per kilowatt-hour, how can solar become a viable alternative for your alternative energy needs? The relatively high solar energy costs in comparison to conventional fuels improves significantly with utility rebates and government tax incentives. Some of the considerations for a solar energy system include the 20-to-30 year lifespan of the system and the hours of available sunlight. Explore the benefits and affordability of solar power through the experienced eyes of Bell Electrical. We undestand how to navigate the seemingly complicated maze of utility rebates and tax incentives. When done right solar can be a viable and cost effective option for power generation. Just ask the likes of Walsh and Associates, Washington University and a growing list of local companies that with the proper guidance and installation of Bell turned solar into a viable source of alternative energy. |
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Bell Electrical Contractors offers its customers comprehensive electrical, communication and technology solutions. Bell has been the leader in "green" technology and energy saving solutions long before being "green" was popular. With over two decades of experience, Bell is proud to announce their Power to Save Program, specializing in the strategic management and maintenance of power and lighting systems.
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