Natural gas rates are falling continuously in Texas. And many investors and financial consultants would believe that this is just the right time to start buying and investing in the area. Natural gas is continuing its bearish march because of several reasons collectively contributing to its price fall.
The Gasoline prices have fallen to almost 20 cents over the past month in Texas. The statewide average cost has come down to $2.31 a gallon from $2.34 just within a week. Houston, Fort Worth and Amarillo have the most inexpensive gas @ $2.28. Even the highest rates (in El Paso) are at $2.45. Austin is midway at $2.34 a gallon which is still below 3 cents from last week. Compare these rates with those during 2008 - $3.94 a gallon and you will realize the dip yourself.
The low demand is keeping the gasoline and heating oil at their highest levels in 24 years. This low demand again is a resultant of few important reasons. Consumption has cut down by 36% from January to April. The temperature this summer has been moderate so demand for natural gas was obvious to go down. As a result, the stockpiles have been growing. Additionally some new fields are doing fairly well in production terms, thus, only adding to the stocks. So simple economics say that while demand has slowed down and production is on a high. Naturally, prices have to go down.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Energy Rates and Energy Costs
The energy department reveals the average US home spending on electricity / energy to be about $2000 per year. The break up of this cost could well be analyzed by the following:
Heating & Cooling: 50%
Water Heating: 25%
Appliances and Home electronics: 20%
Lighting: 15%
Since the energy costs are on a rise and the dynamics attached to this market is not in control of a common home, the best one can do is to cut down energy costs by taking a bit more precautionary approach towards the use of the energy utilizing items. One of the best ways to do that is to switch to energy saving appliances and get rid of the old technology which are not as energy efficient as the new ones. Look out for energy star-labeled models. Also, switching off the appliances, lights, computers, TV and other gadgets, when not in use is a great idea to restrict your energy bills.
Though the government makes every effort on a large scale to provide efficient energy, it ultimately comes down to consumers who need to pay the bill for what they use. The energy costs for your home can only cut down if YOU want them to. When you use energy it passes a load to the electricity Grid which the authorities have to maintain as per the consumers demand in order to offer non-stop electricity and to better manage the grid from falling off. For this maintenance, the energy department needs new technology always which comes at a cost. This cost is ultimately passed over to the consumers. So when you are wasting energy or using it excessively, you are not only increasing your energy bills but are also contributing towards higher energy rates. So, during the next wave, the rates will go high which in turn would increase your overall bills even further.
As in my previous post, the trees help you cutting down the energy costs too. Try doing it this year.
Heating & Cooling: 50%
Water Heating: 25%
Appliances and Home electronics: 20%
Lighting: 15%
Since the energy costs are on a rise and the dynamics attached to this market is not in control of a common home, the best one can do is to cut down energy costs by taking a bit more precautionary approach towards the use of the energy utilizing items. One of the best ways to do that is to switch to energy saving appliances and get rid of the old technology which are not as energy efficient as the new ones. Look out for energy star-labeled models. Also, switching off the appliances, lights, computers, TV and other gadgets, when not in use is a great idea to restrict your energy bills.
Though the government makes every effort on a large scale to provide efficient energy, it ultimately comes down to consumers who need to pay the bill for what they use. The energy costs for your home can only cut down if YOU want them to. When you use energy it passes a load to the electricity Grid which the authorities have to maintain as per the consumers demand in order to offer non-stop electricity and to better manage the grid from falling off. For this maintenance, the energy department needs new technology always which comes at a cost. This cost is ultimately passed over to the consumers. So when you are wasting energy or using it excessively, you are not only increasing your energy bills but are also contributing towards higher energy rates. So, during the next wave, the rates will go high which in turn would increase your overall bills even further.
As in my previous post, the trees help you cutting down the energy costs too. Try doing it this year.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Plant Trees and Save Energy
Several studies have revealed that Trees could help you cut down your energy costs. Well yes, thats the truth. We all know how important trees are to sustain the natural environment. Consider the fact that tree is a heaven if you are in a tiringly sunny place. Standing under the tree and sipping cola under a cruel sun. Tree no doubt helps beating the heat and have been traditionally and historically a place for foot-travelers to rest under brutal sweat.
A study shows that mature trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air-conditioning needs by 30 percent and heating needs by 20 percent. Another study shows that planting one young tree on the west side of your home can cut energy costs by 3 percent within five years, and nearly 12 percent within 15 years. So look out for your west side. See if you can clear up some space for planting a tree and saving on energy.
Check out this Tree Benefit Calculator that tells you how beneficial a tree will be planted in your yard.
But the question is it takes some time for the trees to mature so your best bet will be to plant those trees that grow faster. Generally deciduous trees will do more good. Trees that offer shade like maples etc but since it mostly depends on the climate you live in, may be it will be better if you consult an arborist regarding that.
A study shows that mature trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air-conditioning needs by 30 percent and heating needs by 20 percent. Another study shows that planting one young tree on the west side of your home can cut energy costs by 3 percent within five years, and nearly 12 percent within 15 years. So look out for your west side. See if you can clear up some space for planting a tree and saving on energy.
Check out this Tree Benefit Calculator that tells you how beneficial a tree will be planted in your yard.
But the question is it takes some time for the trees to mature so your best bet will be to plant those trees that grow faster. Generally deciduous trees will do more good. Trees that offer shade like maples etc but since it mostly depends on the climate you live in, may be it will be better if you consult an arborist regarding that.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Exelon - NRG association not possible.
In a recent development to the Exelon bid for Texas Power Company NRG,has been fought to bring it to end by NRG management. Ans so has ended the long proxy fight. This was the effect of NRG's management writing a note to its shareholders which talked about undervaluing the power company. NRG claimed to have its share value from $36 to $42 while Exelon valued it at $26. The offer is said to have equaled about $7.5 billion.
Exelon CEO John Row said that its time to move on for strengthening Exelon's stand-alone opportunities. With this ends the Exelon - NRG Saga.
Exelon CEO John Row said that its time to move on for strengthening Exelon's stand-alone opportunities. With this ends the Exelon - NRG Saga.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Electric Rates in Texas are Falling
The electric rates in Texas are the most amicable in the present days. A major reason is the price of Natural Gas which is the major source of electricity in Texas. The Natural Gas prices have fallen by around 40% since the start of this year and this has had a positive effect on electricity rates and a good thing for all electricity buyers.
This seems to be the best time to rework your electricity contracts and bids as companies are offering plans below 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. So while you may have been well bound with a provider on a higher bill rate earlier, this is the time to rework it. As it turns out, some people found it economical to switch a provider and pay for the cancellation charges with the existing provider than to continue with it till the term ends. Some people could negotiate rate with their existing providers and struck a better deal that save them a no of $$$.
The energy rate at present could go anywhere down to 10 cents per kwh. The savings are really important to all of us in such times. A dollar saved is like a dollar earned. It is hence logical to rework your contract sheets and take out time, save some hundreds.
This seems to be the best time to rework your electricity contracts and bids as companies are offering plans below 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. So while you may have been well bound with a provider on a higher bill rate earlier, this is the time to rework it. As it turns out, some people found it economical to switch a provider and pay for the cancellation charges with the existing provider than to continue with it till the term ends. Some people could negotiate rate with their existing providers and struck a better deal that save them a no of $$$.
The energy rate at present could go anywhere down to 10 cents per kwh. The savings are really important to all of us in such times. A dollar saved is like a dollar earned. It is hence logical to rework your contract sheets and take out time, save some hundreds.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Ethanol Vs Natural Gas
Energy Independence is high on agenda in the US government list but as Mr Bryce observes, the recent activities / actions are taking us to an opposite direction rather than moving towards the sought independence. Mr Bryce's concern is over the US energy politics and debate over the cap-and-trade legislation that recently passed the house. He records that while Natural gas and oil produces about 98 times more energy than Ethanol in US, Ethanol gets around 190 times more subsidies.
Further, the new bill seeks to remove subsidies from drilling which may mean and increased cost of Natural Gas. Growth Energy which is an ethanol industry front-group, is pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt a proposal that would increase the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline from the current maximum of 10% to as much as 15%. It is believed that even 10% ethanol is doing more harm than good as evident from Toyota's calling back of around 0.2 million vehicles back.
The removal of incentives on drilling is not the exact way to achieve an energy independence since that infact would mean less production and hence more imports. Robert Bryce with his book "Gusher of Lies: The Dangerous Delusions of 'Energy Independence'", is trying to a prove a point to Mr Obama and allies.
Further, the new bill seeks to remove subsidies from drilling which may mean and increased cost of Natural Gas. Growth Energy which is an ethanol industry front-group, is pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt a proposal that would increase the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline from the current maximum of 10% to as much as 15%. It is believed that even 10% ethanol is doing more harm than good as evident from Toyota's calling back of around 0.2 million vehicles back.
The removal of incentives on drilling is not the exact way to achieve an energy independence since that infact would mean less production and hence more imports. Robert Bryce with his book "Gusher of Lies: The Dangerous Delusions of 'Energy Independence'", is trying to a prove a point to Mr Obama and allies.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Lower Electric Rates in Texas right now
Choosing the right electricity retailer is not as difficult as to know when to choose one. The price of electricity is largely dependent upon the Natural Gas price. So the first thing to understand is when could the Natural Gas prices increase that will affect your electricity bills. The price is also coupled by Government policies or any other unforseen circumstances. For the unforseen, there is no way out. But there is definitely a data for Natural Gas price changes. A better way to do is to look at the historical trend of change in electricity price.
Natural Gas price would be higher when the demand is higher. So, we can easily assume that it shall be in the winter months that the Natural Gas prices go up. Consequently, the electricity rates also rise. Jerry Dyess of Chooseenergy.com recommends locking a contract during Fall months. The historical trend of electricty is divided in to peak and shoulder season. Fall comes under the shoulder season when most electric retailers will be selling off at lower prices.
After you decide for bidding during a fall season, the rates comparison for different electricity providers can be done through many websites on the internet. But that is not a wise thing to do. The best way is to hire an electricity consultant or better still an aggregator that shall help evaluate bids for you, assess the legal language of the contracts. Further, it is also advisable to lock for not more than 36 months. Generally it should be 12 or 24 months so that the contract ends only in the Fall months when the electricity rates are again down so you have a chance of a new better deal and renegotiation.
Not only is "how much to pay" important but also important is "when to pay" and "what to pay". I think the time is ripe for some low electric rates shopping in Texas.
Natural Gas price would be higher when the demand is higher. So, we can easily assume that it shall be in the winter months that the Natural Gas prices go up. Consequently, the electricity rates also rise. Jerry Dyess of Chooseenergy.com recommends locking a contract during Fall months. The historical trend of electricty is divided in to peak and shoulder season. Fall comes under the shoulder season when most electric retailers will be selling off at lower prices.
After you decide for bidding during a fall season, the rates comparison for different electricity providers can be done through many websites on the internet. But that is not a wise thing to do. The best way is to hire an electricity consultant or better still an aggregator that shall help evaluate bids for you, assess the legal language of the contracts. Further, it is also advisable to lock for not more than 36 months. Generally it should be 12 or 24 months so that the contract ends only in the Fall months when the electricity rates are again down so you have a chance of a new better deal and renegotiation.
Not only is "how much to pay" important but also important is "when to pay" and "what to pay". I think the time is ripe for some low electric rates shopping in Texas.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Exelon raises bid for Texas Power Company
NRG is the second-biggest power producer in Texas. Exelon Corp. is the largest U.S. utility owner by market value and based in Chicago. Once upon a time, not long back, Exelon Corp proposed a takeover of NRG by swap 0.485 share of Exelon for each NRG share. The bid was rejected and ever since Exelon Corp has been working out the possibilities. Following this, Exelon took the offer directly to NRG shareholders and in June this year it nominated nine independent directors for board seats.
In a recent development, Exelon has increased the proposed bid to 0.545, a 12% increase. According to Exelon this is the best and their final offer. The hike was reasoned for identifying cost savings and accounting for NRD's purchase this year for RRI energy.
Expert, however, believe that the bid has been good if it were equal or above the 0.58 levels.
Exelon indicated that the earnings per share would increase by as much as 7 percent in 2012 and beyond. The company expect cost savings of around $475 million including $20 million at the Texas retail unit and a 30 percent reduction in operations and maintenance costs at NRG.
NRG is was selected by the U.S. Energy Department for government loan guarantees to back new nuclear plants but Exelon do not have any plans of a nuclear plant.
The bidding and takeover process is always interesting. Lets see what turns out in this case.
In a recent development, Exelon has increased the proposed bid to 0.545, a 12% increase. According to Exelon this is the best and their final offer. The hike was reasoned for identifying cost savings and accounting for NRD's purchase this year for RRI energy.
Expert, however, believe that the bid has been good if it were equal or above the 0.58 levels.
Exelon indicated that the earnings per share would increase by as much as 7 percent in 2012 and beyond. The company expect cost savings of around $475 million including $20 million at the Texas retail unit and a 30 percent reduction in operations and maintenance costs at NRG.
NRG is was selected by the U.S. Energy Department for government loan guarantees to back new nuclear plants but Exelon do not have any plans of a nuclear plant.
The bidding and takeover process is always interesting. Lets see what turns out in this case.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Energy from Carbon Dioxide
If you did not know how Ethanol can produce energy, it is sad. Prior to 2006 it was believed that energy produced from Ethanol is less than what is needed to produce ethanol itself! This was a part of controversy in USA where the major source of ethanol was corn. Corns have to be cultivated before extracting ethanol from them and eventually energy derived from Ethanol.
But in 2006 deeper studies indicated that actually Ethanol produced energy almost twice of what was required to obtain it. Thus ending the controversy.
The study also indicated that corn ethanol actually reduces petroleum use by about 95 percent per gallon of fuel. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by about 13 percent. So why not use Ethanol or other biodiesel after all and save the environment.
Well, in the US alone, out of the total transportation fuel, ethanol accounts for about 2% (as of 2006). Ethanol powers Brazil's major road transportation.
"The U.S. Department of Energy aims to replace 30 percent of the liquid petroleum transportation fuel with biofuels by 2025."
Now, lets say we find an alternative to produce ethanol than just corn. Lets say that we devise the technology of producing ethanol (and hence energy) from something we wish could reduce like CO2 (Carbon Dioxide). Wouldn't it be great to see a cycle that looked like:
No doubt this is one great achievement. We could for an extent:
a. Use renewable source of energy permanently and leave petroleum, coal and other non-renewables for more important work.
b. Limit greenhouse gases and thus global warming, the biggest challenge today.
c. Get the environment a lot cleaner than what is it today.
So here is the news: this is something that "The Dow Chemical Co. will partner with a Florida-based company to turn carbon dioxide -- the most prevalent greenhouse gas -- into ethanol."
The ethanol is secreted by Algae which is captured by these companies. Apparantly, they have been using ethanol produced through these methods for making plastics. The project undertaken by the company claims to use around 2 tons of CO2 daily. This method produces around 6000 gallons of ethanol per acre land as opposed to cane ethanol which gives out just 400 gallons.
As the project matures, we sincerely hope this is scaled commercially.
But in 2006 deeper studies indicated that actually Ethanol produced energy almost twice of what was required to obtain it. Thus ending the controversy.
The study also indicated that corn ethanol actually reduces petroleum use by about 95 percent per gallon of fuel. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by about 13 percent. So why not use Ethanol or other biodiesel after all and save the environment.
Well, in the US alone, out of the total transportation fuel, ethanol accounts for about 2% (as of 2006). Ethanol powers Brazil's major road transportation.
"The U.S. Department of Energy aims to replace 30 percent of the liquid petroleum transportation fuel with biofuels by 2025."
Now, lets say we find an alternative to produce ethanol than just corn. Lets say that we devise the technology of producing ethanol (and hence energy) from something we wish could reduce like CO2 (Carbon Dioxide). Wouldn't it be great to see a cycle that looked like:
No doubt this is one great achievement. We could for an extent:
a. Use renewable source of energy permanently and leave petroleum, coal and other non-renewables for more important work.
b. Limit greenhouse gases and thus global warming, the biggest challenge today.
c. Get the environment a lot cleaner than what is it today.
So here is the news: this is something that "The Dow Chemical Co. will partner with a Florida-based company to turn carbon dioxide -- the most prevalent greenhouse gas -- into ethanol."
The ethanol is secreted by Algae which is captured by these companies. Apparantly, they have been using ethanol produced through these methods for making plastics. The project undertaken by the company claims to use around 2 tons of CO2 daily. This method produces around 6000 gallons of ethanol per acre land as opposed to cane ethanol which gives out just 400 gallons.
As the project matures, we sincerely hope this is scaled commercially.
Smarter Faster Power Grids in Making
The Department of Energy is unlocking a good $3.3 B to companies and utilities in pursuit of developing a smarter and faster power grid. This is a really nice and rational step. The stimulus grants come with a cap of US$ 200 M which is still a handsome amount as compared to previously proposed $ 20 M. Now that is one hike. 20 was not expected to make any significant appreciable changes to the grid and that may be one reason to inflate it to 200, which should hopefully do the job.
This new smart grid will be able to "automatically measure the amounts and peak times of a homeowner’s or business’ actual electricity consumption. This shall even detect outages and problems and electronically notify utilities, and perhaps even store power during off-peak hours to be used during times of higher demand" as noted by Business First
The new National Standards of this smart grid products and technologies should be out by the end of the year.
It is definitely going to change an individual's as well as a company's future.
This new smart grid will be able to "automatically measure the amounts and peak times of a homeowner’s or business’ actual electricity consumption. This shall even detect outages and problems and electronically notify utilities, and perhaps even store power during off-peak hours to be used during times of higher demand" as noted by Business First
The new National Standards of this smart grid products and technologies should be out by the end of the year.
It is definitely going to change an individual's as well as a company's future.
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