Renewable Energy Newsletter
Fall 2004 page 4

“WHEN?” by Larry Cooper of Kyocera Solar Inc. (www.kyocerasolar.com)

How close does something have to be before we react to it? Is it human nature to wait until the train wreck is inevitable before we switch to another track? I ask these rhetorical questions because they effect what we do for a living. Indeed, they effect whether we keep on living. Few would disagree that energy is what keeps modern society functioning.
It is logical that any finite resource will eventually run dry. The only question is when. In late 2003, Britain’s oil imports overtook its exports, underlining a decline in North Sea oil production. This story is being repeated all around the globe. Even the great oil fields under OPEC’s control are expected to peak by 2020, if not sooner. The Soviet Union’s peak is predicted to happen even before then, in 2010.

With the population of the world growing like the proverbial weed and many of the people who are living in poverty reaching for a higher standard of living, will we even make it to 2020 before oil production peaks? Even if the world’s oil supply lasts for another 100 years, it is time to act. We will have to change our entire infrastructure after all, and that could take a little time.
One of the things that is supposed to separate humans from animals is the ability to predict the future by analyzing the facts of today.

Why isn’t the perceived cost of renewable energy even being discussed? Why is this not the number one issue of the coming presidential elections? Why haven’t the candidates given it more than a passing mention? As short-sighted as it is, I think it’s because the last time you and I pulled up to the gas pump, we were able to buy a tank of gas. We are going to have to take over every country in the middle east to guarantee that we can keep filling our tanks, but that appears to be okay with everyone. So the status quo continues, for now.

I believe in technology. I think this problem is solvable. I think the only thing missing is will power. That can only come from education and a population willing to face the truth. Most of all, we have to tell the government that we want to start switching to renewables now. 

Statement from David Garman
Assist Sec. of Energy

"It is clear that our reliance on imported oil--56% of the oil we use--has complicated our response to the terrorist attack. There is also little doubt that some of the dollars we have exported in exchange for foreign oil have found their way into the hands of terrorists and would-be terrorists... Aside from its obvious environmental benefits, solar and other distributed energy resources can enhance our energy security. Distributed generation at many locations around the grid increases power reliability and quality while reducing the strain on the electricity transmission system. It also makes our electricity infrastructure less vulnerable to terrorist attack, both by distributing thegeneration and diversifying the generation fuels. So if you're engaged in this effort, it is my view that you are also engaged in our national effort to fight terrorism."-- David Garman, Assist Sec. of Energy, 10/2/01

OF INTEREST TO MONTANANS 
Northwestern Energy customers:

The heat of summer and cold of Old Man Winter may be beyond your control, but you can get an energy audit from Northwestern Energy and learn about your home’s efficiency and how to better manage your energy costs. 

Being audited is better than it sounds. This free service identifies air leaks, provides customized recommend-ations on how to save energy and, if appropriate, includes the installation of free or low-cost measures to help save you energy, water and money. If your home or water is heated with NWE electricity or natural gas, you can qualify to receive a free home energy audit. 

If your home is among the thousands already audited, take the time now to act on energy-saving opportunities identified through your audit. Call 800-823-5955 or view their web site at www.northwesternenergy.com/energy

If you are not on Northwestern Energy utility, your power provider probably offers free energy audits, and perhaps financial rebates for energy-saving appliances and lighting. It’s certainly worth checking out!