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Knowledge Empowers
“How’s your energy?” I asked a friend in California this past summer. “Well,” she replied, “to be honest, I haven’t had too much energy lately.” “Blackouts?” I queried. “No,” she said, “it hasn’t been that bad, although I’ve been feeling a little dizzy lately.” “No,” I countered, “I mean blackouts, as in brownouts?” “Huh?” she asked, as she realized we were talking about two very different forms of energy…
Being energized has taken on a whole new meaning for me this year. I’ve realized how the electric energy decisions made today will impact the energy legacy we’ll leave our children tomorrow. My understanding has grown largely because of Dominion Virginia Power’s (Dominion’s) 500 kV power line application and the Department of Energy’s (the Department’s) Mid-Atlantic Area National Corridor designation, which have generated so much controversy.
With such extensive energy news coverage lately, you might be wondering, “What does all of this mean for me? And what do I need to do?” For starters, of course, you can do your part to conserve energy. Power down those computers at night, and better yet, switch them off via power strips so you avoid phantom load. Not familiar with the phrase ‘phantom load’ or other phrases like ‘load management’ and ‘demand response’? Reconnect with this blog for more info.
It’s important now more than ever for all of us to develop a broader understanding of household electric profiles as well as local, state, and regional energy issues. Thomas Edison’s motto – If there is a better solution, find it! – is particularly apt today in light of our many ongoing debates. Beyond Dominion’s power line application and the Department’s designation, there’s much happening on every energy front imaginable.
Knowledge empowers us as consumers and citizens to use electricity more wisely and to promote better energy solutions so our public officials can be fueled by people power. That’s really the only way they will ever formulate and reach consensus regarding sound energy policies that are appropriate for the 21st century.
So now that you know what this blog’s about, stay plugged in and take the time to get energized!
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