| Austin Energy hired a reputable consulting firm to explore numerous scenarios re: Austin's electricity, 2010 to 2020. That firm, the Pace consultancy, recently returned two new scenarios incl. a "Quit Coal by 2014" report.
The new scenarios were run because several members of Austin's Generation Task Force contend -- shutting Austin's coal plant ASAP is more cost effective than keeping it burning.
Pace reported that shuttering Austin's coal by 2014 and replacing it with local rooftop solar, energy efficiency, and West Texas wind will cost bill payers about 5% more than the current plan. ($6 per month for most residents.)
Is it worth a 5% bill increase?
One benefit that 5% increase represents -- an enormous investment in local jobs and clean economic development. Replacing Austin's coal plant means installing everything from solar panels to caulk seal. Jobs will need to be filled, from teenagers to engineers. Millions of dollars will stream into Austin instead of its clunker coal plant -- rated #7th worst polluter in the state by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, 2007.
For more on this, please check out my full BOR post http://tinyurl.com/yjna5z4 and our Fb group: http://tinyurl.com/yjpruvb. |
