According to NW Natural:
A rise in natural gas costs spur filing for November rate increase. In 2007 NW Natural was buying natural gas for $7 dollars per 1000 cubic feet. One year later, the same amount of gas cost $13 dollars per 100 cubic feet.
While market prices for natural gas have come down from those record levels, prices remain higher than last year and have caused NW Natural to file for a rate increase with the Public Utility Commission of Washington on August 29th.
If approved as filed, the average Washington customer will see a 30.7% rate increase to cover higher natural gas costs. The average commercial rate increase will be 31.2%. NW Natural is still completing the remainder of its gas supply purchases for the coming heating season and will file a final request in early October, reflecting the most recent purchases. Any changes to rates will take effect November 1st.
Each year, NW Natural adjusts its rates based on how much it pays for natural gas. Lat year, NW Natural was able to reduce your rates by about 10% because gas prices fell. This year the reverse is true. Changes in the average cost of the gas they buy are passed to customers one a year through the Purchased Gas Adjustment Process.
People may ask:"What caused the swing in natural gas costs?"
All energy costs are volatile these days and natural gas is no exception. Changes in the economy, a rise in global energy demand, weather, storage levels are all factors in lowering or raising natural gas prices.
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me anytime at: Gabriel Pratoussy, 360-772-1854 or gpratoussy@comcast.net
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Six Tips On Energy Saving
According to the Clark Public Utilities, here are 6 tips on how to save on energy:
1. Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Also turn off unnecessary lighting and use task or desktop lamps with CFLs instead of overhead lights.
2. Install an Energy Star programmable thermostat for comfort and energy savings. Program the thermostat to the lowest setting that is comfortable to, recommended temperature is 68 degrees. For every degree that you lower the temperature in an eight hour period, you save 1-2 percent on the heating part of your bill.
3. Caulk small holes and cracks around plumbing pipes, recessed lighting, exhaust fans, dryer vents, sink and bathtub drains and even under counter tops. Check weather stripping on exterior doors and replace if needed.
4. If you have fireplace that is regularly used, install a fireplace insert. They improve fireplace efficiency by blowing heat from the fire into the room and limiting the amount of and conditioned air lost up the chimney. They're equipped with glass or metal doors, outside combustion air vents and heat circulation blowers. Be sure to check the manufacturer's safety specifications and make sure the fireplace insert is compatible with the existing chimney of vent flue.
5. Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.
6. when possible, wash clothes in cold water. A large percentage of the energy used is washing clothes goes to heating the water.
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me anytime! Gabriel Pratoussy, 360-772-1854 or gpratoussy@comcast.net
1. Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Also turn off unnecessary lighting and use task or desktop lamps with CFLs instead of overhead lights.
2. Install an Energy Star programmable thermostat for comfort and energy savings. Program the thermostat to the lowest setting that is comfortable to, recommended temperature is 68 degrees. For every degree that you lower the temperature in an eight hour period, you save 1-2 percent on the heating part of your bill.
3. Caulk small holes and cracks around plumbing pipes, recessed lighting, exhaust fans, dryer vents, sink and bathtub drains and even under counter tops. Check weather stripping on exterior doors and replace if needed.
4. If you have fireplace that is regularly used, install a fireplace insert. They improve fireplace efficiency by blowing heat from the fire into the room and limiting the amount of and conditioned air lost up the chimney. They're equipped with glass or metal doors, outside combustion air vents and heat circulation blowers. Be sure to check the manufacturer's safety specifications and make sure the fireplace insert is compatible with the existing chimney of vent flue.
5. Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.
6. when possible, wash clothes in cold water. A large percentage of the energy used is washing clothes goes to heating the water.
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me anytime! Gabriel Pratoussy, 360-772-1854 or gpratoussy@comcast.net
Thursday, September 11, 2008
With Energy Costs On The Rise, It's Time To Think About Energy Conservation
According to Clark Public Utilities:
The Northwest's long standing tradition of affordable energy is facing one of its toughest tests to date. A number of forces, both within and beyond our region, have dramatically increased wholesale electricity and natural gas prices.
Just as you've paid a lot more to buy gasoline for your car, we've had to pay much more than expected for natural gas that we use to generate electricity. Last year the River Road Generating Plant provided about one-quarter of our power supply. We're buying as much power as we can from Bonneville Power Administration, but the BPA doesn't have enough power to supply all of its customers needs.
We haven't had an increase in residential electric rates since April of 2003, but there will likely be an increase early next year.
The best way to fight rising energy costs is to reduce demand. And now is the time to think ahead about how to cut your energy use during the colder months to come. It's much easier to weatherize your home when it's not cold and rainy outside.
Here are some steps to take to make your home more energy efficient:
The Northwest's long standing tradition of affordable energy is facing one of its toughest tests to date. A number of forces, both within and beyond our region, have dramatically increased wholesale electricity and natural gas prices.
Just as you've paid a lot more to buy gasoline for your car, we've had to pay much more than expected for natural gas that we use to generate electricity. Last year the River Road Generating Plant provided about one-quarter of our power supply. We're buying as much power as we can from Bonneville Power Administration, but the BPA doesn't have enough power to supply all of its customers needs.
We haven't had an increase in residential electric rates since April of 2003, but there will likely be an increase early next year.
The best way to fight rising energy costs is to reduce demand. And now is the time to think ahead about how to cut your energy use during the colder months to come. It's much easier to weatherize your home when it's not cold and rainy outside.
Here are some steps to take to make your home more energy efficient:
- Caulk or weather-strip to stop air leaks around windows, doors and exhaust fans
- Install storm windows and doors to reduce heat loss
- Check, clean or replace your furnace air filters monthly (Or As recommended Per Unit)
- Get your heat pump or forced air unit inspected, cleaned and in proper working order
- Have your duct work checked and properly sealed
If your interested in a home energy audit, call Clark Public Utilities today at 360-992-3355. They also have informational brochures on their website to help you conserve energy or you can give them a call and they'll send you some in the mail.
**Clark Public Utilities will keep you informed as they learn more about potential rate increases.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Gabriel Pratoussy at 360-772-1854 or gpratoussy@comcast.net
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Solar Water Heaters, Can Reduce Your Monthly Electric Bill
According to Clark Public Utilities:
Did you know that there is enough sun here to heat more than half of the annual hot water needs of a typical family? And since water heating accounts for about 15% or more of energy use in an average home, that contribution can be significant.
From May to September, a solar water heater can produce almost all the hot water necessary to meet a typical family's needs. During the rest of the year, a solar water heater can preheat incoming water, reducing the energy needed to finish the job.
Clark Public Utilities offers a $500 dollar rebate to customers with electric water heaters who install solar domestic water heaters under the Clark Public Utilities program, as well as loans of up to $6000 dollars. However, not all homes can take advantage of solar water heating. Since the strongest year around sunlight is from the South, the collector must face the Southern sky and be placed in a relatively shade free area.
If your home is on the Norht side of a hill, or tall trees or buildings obscure the Southern sky, a solar water heater will not work for you.
For more infomration, please call Clark Public Utilities at 360-992-3355
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic further, please feel free to contact Gabriel Pratoussy at 360-772-1854 or e-mail at gpratoussy@comcast.net
Did you know that there is enough sun here to heat more than half of the annual hot water needs of a typical family? And since water heating accounts for about 15% or more of energy use in an average home, that contribution can be significant.
From May to September, a solar water heater can produce almost all the hot water necessary to meet a typical family's needs. During the rest of the year, a solar water heater can preheat incoming water, reducing the energy needed to finish the job.
Clark Public Utilities offers a $500 dollar rebate to customers with electric water heaters who install solar domestic water heaters under the Clark Public Utilities program, as well as loans of up to $6000 dollars. However, not all homes can take advantage of solar water heating. Since the strongest year around sunlight is from the South, the collector must face the Southern sky and be placed in a relatively shade free area.
If your home is on the Norht side of a hill, or tall trees or buildings obscure the Southern sky, a solar water heater will not work for you.
For more infomration, please call Clark Public Utilities at 360-992-3355
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic further, please feel free to contact Gabriel Pratoussy at 360-772-1854 or e-mail at gpratoussy@comcast.net
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Tips On Cooling Your Home This Summer
According to Clark Public Utilities:
As the weather continues to get warmer and warmer, we start to consider ways of staying cool in our homes. Whether you're looking to purchase room air conditioners or a central air conditioning unit, think about the most efficient solution for your home.
Room Air Conditioners cool rooms rather than the entire home. If they provide adequate cooling where needed, room air conditioners are less expensive to operate than central air units. If you call Clark Public Utilities at 360-992-3355 and ask to speak to one of the energy counselors, they can discuss with you the "BTU" range of your home, which will help you purchase the correct size room air conditioner. *"BTU" range explained at the bottom of the page.
Central Air Conditioners circulate cool air through a system of supply and return ducts. Supply ducts and registers (i.e. openings in the walls, floors or ceilings covered by grills) carry cooled air from the air conditioner throughout the home. These systems are designed to cool or condition the air circulating throughout the entire home.
Additional Cooling Tips:
As the weather continues to get warmer and warmer, we start to consider ways of staying cool in our homes. Whether you're looking to purchase room air conditioners or a central air conditioning unit, think about the most efficient solution for your home.
Room Air Conditioners cool rooms rather than the entire home. If they provide adequate cooling where needed, room air conditioners are less expensive to operate than central air units. If you call Clark Public Utilities at 360-992-3355 and ask to speak to one of the energy counselors, they can discuss with you the "BTU" range of your home, which will help you purchase the correct size room air conditioner. *"BTU" range explained at the bottom of the page.
Central Air Conditioners circulate cool air through a system of supply and return ducts. Supply ducts and registers (i.e. openings in the walls, floors or ceilings covered by grills) carry cooled air from the air conditioner throughout the home. These systems are designed to cool or condition the air circulating throughout the entire home.
Additional Cooling Tips:
- Always look for the energy star label and buy air conditioning units with the highest Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. (SEER)
- For the best efficiency, install air conditioner units on the North or East side of your home or in a shaded area if possible.
- Close fireplace dampers.
- Raise your cooling temperature set-point just a few degrees to reduce the amount of energy required to operate your air conditioning system, lower the overall demand for energy and save money.
- Have your air conditioning unit serviced annually by a professional.
- Check your furnace filter monthly and clean it if necessary.
*The British Thermal Unit, BTU, is a precise measure of energy. It is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit when the water is near 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
For questions or comments, contact Gabriel Pratoussy at 360-772-1854 or e-mail at gpratoussy@comcast.net
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Invest In Energy Efficiency
According to the Clark Public Utilities monthly news letter:
One way to lighten the load of electric and water bills is to reduce your consumption by investing in energy efficient products and services.
Beginning this month, many of us will receive a tax rebate check as part of the economic stimulus package that passed Congress earlier this year. As you think about ways to use this money, consider investing some or all of it in energy efficient products and services to save energy and lower your monthly energy bills.
Things to consider include compact fluorescent light bulbs, sealing air leaks in your home, adding insulation, or installing a programmable thermostat. If your in the market for a refrigerator or clothes washing machine or want to install a solar water heater, check out rebates for energy conservation measures Clark Public Utilities is offering in 2008.
Here are some examples:
One way to lighten the load of electric and water bills is to reduce your consumption by investing in energy efficient products and services.
Beginning this month, many of us will receive a tax rebate check as part of the economic stimulus package that passed Congress earlier this year. As you think about ways to use this money, consider investing some or all of it in energy efficient products and services to save energy and lower your monthly energy bills.
Things to consider include compact fluorescent light bulbs, sealing air leaks in your home, adding insulation, or installing a programmable thermostat. If your in the market for a refrigerator or clothes washing machine or want to install a solar water heater, check out rebates for energy conservation measures Clark Public Utilities is offering in 2008.
Here are some examples:
- Energy Star Refrigerators-The incentive is $25 dollars for Energy Star refrigerators purchased from a participating Clark County retailer. This is a point of purchase rebate and is contingent on recycling your old refrigerator.
- Energy Star Clothes Clothes Washing Machine-Energy Star washing machines with the modified energy factor of 1.72 have a $50 dollar rebate when purchased from a participating Clark County retailer. This is a point of purchase rebate.
- Solar Water Heaters-Clark Public Utilities offers a $500 dollar rebate for solar water heaters that are "Brightway to Heat Water" compliant.
- Energy Star Heat Pumps-Install an Energy Star heat pump to performance tested comfort system standards and receive a $500 dollar rebate.
- Energy Star Light Fixtures-CPU continues to offer a $10 dollar incentive on Energy Star complying light fixtures purchased from a participating Clark County retailer.
*Rebate programs may be amended at anytime and additional rebates or promotional offers may be added during the year. For complete details on these rebates or other conservation programs at Clark Public Utilities, call them at 360-992-3355.
Contact Gabriel Pratoussy at 360-772-1854 or e-mail at gpratoussy@comcast.net for comments.Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Quick tips on getting the most out of your heating or cooling system
According to the Clark Public Utilities monthly newsletter:
How efficiently heated or cooled air enters your house will depend on your heating or air conditioning system. Make sure it is "tuned" up occasionally and filters are clean. A good rule of thumb is to hold the filter up to the light and if you can't see the light through it, then it's time for a clean one.
Next, make sure duct work is checked during your tune-up or check the ducts yourself. Leaky or disconnected ducts waste a lot of heat and cool air. If you don't want to crawl under your home, check the air flowing from registers in two adjacent rooms. The amount of air flow should be about equal. If it is radically different, there may be a problem.
Finally, add insulation and seal air leaks around doors and windows to keep conditioned air in the house. Insulation affects how hard you furnace must work as well as what size of heating/cooling system your home needs. For more energy efficient tips, visit the Clark Public Utilities website.
Contact Gabriel Pratoussy at 360-772-1854 or gpratoussy@comcast.net for comments.
How efficiently heated or cooled air enters your house will depend on your heating or air conditioning system. Make sure it is "tuned" up occasionally and filters are clean. A good rule of thumb is to hold the filter up to the light and if you can't see the light through it, then it's time for a clean one.
Next, make sure duct work is checked during your tune-up or check the ducts yourself. Leaky or disconnected ducts waste a lot of heat and cool air. If you don't want to crawl under your home, check the air flowing from registers in two adjacent rooms. The amount of air flow should be about equal. If it is radically different, there may be a problem.
Finally, add insulation and seal air leaks around doors and windows to keep conditioned air in the house. Insulation affects how hard you furnace must work as well as what size of heating/cooling system your home needs. For more energy efficient tips, visit the Clark Public Utilities website.
Contact Gabriel Pratoussy at 360-772-1854 or gpratoussy@comcast.net for comments.
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