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electricity

Benefits of the "Quit Coal by 2014 scenario" --- #5. Lower Health Costs


by: Chris Searles

Fri Oct 30, 2009 at 09:37 AM CDT

Austin's coal plant causes $200 to $300 million in health damages -- every year, according to the U.S. National Research Council.  
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Benefits of the "Quit Coal by 2014" scenario --- 3. Less Ozone


by: Chris Searles

Thu Oct 22, 2009 at 09:06 AM CDT

In 2009, "It is a literally a matter of one or two parts per billion..." County Commissioner Karen Hubner, recently mapped out ozone nonattainment's economic impacts to Austinites, saying:  "The implications are huge and will cost taxpayers a lot of money."

Commissioner Huber explains,

"First, going into nonattainment would subject us to a slew of new rules and regulations that could hang over our heads for up to 20 years after we return to air quality compliance. These regulations would create a lag effect on everything, from higher energy bills for households to creation of new businesses, as well as more expensive transportation projects (that you finance).

Second, "Nonattainment would require us to cede local control of transportation projects to state and federal oversight regulations. Conforming to their regulations would create longer construction times and higher construction costs.

Third, "... our businesses could be subject to much harsher oversight than they currently enjoy... Nonattainment regulations would subject power plants to higher emissions standards, resulting in higher electricity bills. Gasoline might have to be reformulated before it can be used to fuel our vehicles, and your car would be required to pass stringent emissions testing."

There's More... :: (0 Comments, 726 words in story)

Benefits of Austin's 'No Coal by 2014' Scenario -- 1. Local Jobs


by: Chris Searles

Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 09:36 AM CDT

Replacing Austin's coal plant means installing everything from solar panels to caulk seal. Local 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.
There's More... :: (3 Comments, 190 words in story)

My e-mail to TXU:


by: sfagrad02

Wed Apr 25, 2007 at 09:06 AM CDT

As an ordinary citizen who is not a political consultant or activist, I tend to be non-confrontational when it comes to facing off with a large-scale entity. However, over the past few years, with false radio advertising and gimmick "savings" programs launched by TXU, I decided that it was time for me to express my view to the giant corporate body that my patience with them is as thin as dental floss. So here is the letter. Please let me know what you think.

Dear Sir or Madam:

I just read an email sent to TXU customers regarding your refer-a-friend program. What a joke. You guys already have a reputation for cutting the throats of us customers in just the right place- the pocketbook. From your false advertising on radio about how these hired guns supposedly switched back to TXU and experienced massive savings to your so-called bill savings plans, not many people are buying your schemes. After all, even conservative legislators who were part of the deregulation plan a few years ago are shaking their heads in disbelief. The Public Utility Commission is ready to put TXU's head on the chopping block for good reason.

In order to regain the public trust, all you have to do is one thing. Actually make yourselves competitive again, and TXU will no longer have the resonance of a four-letter word. While other energy providers (even startup ones) are looking great compared to TXU, you guys have an opportunity to re-earn your reputation. But until then, expect an even greater fallout- one more recently multiplied by a letter of one of your top execs to shut down some of your power plants. I myself am considering a switch. Last month, I was home a total of maybe four nights. My electric bill was $50 for four nights. And I hardly had any lights on, much less my air conditioner or heater. Who is setting those rates? The local taxicab company owner?

If TXU can, for the first time, demonstrate that it is willing to be a consumer-friendly corporation, I will be one of the first to stand up and applaud. But until then, I am on the verge of making that phone call to begin service with a provider that a) does not look to bankrupt customers for even little usage, b) is not a company that has made setup of service and other points of customer service difficult for customers by providing overseas service assistants who are virtually impossible to understand and c) does not laugh at state regulators and other public officials who are standing up for the rights and well-being of consumers.

Respectfully Submitted,
Trey Pope

Discuss :: (2 Comments)

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