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US Electric Grid Shutdown

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 02:10:33 +0000

CNN released an article on an experiment created by the Department of Homeland Security called the “Aurora” project that simulated a hacker attack on a power generator that caused the generator to stop working. The hack changed the operating cycle of the generator and sent it out of control, spewing smoke and shaking before finally stopping entirely. This potential disaster could actually be produced at the nation’s power plants and generators which could cause massive power outages for months. This would cripple the economy as lead to major catastrophes. This quote by Robert Jamison, an acting undersecretary of DHS’s National Protection and Programs Directorate, is not reassuring at all. “I can’t say it [the vulnerability] has been eliminated. But I can say a lot of risk has been taken off the table.” This means that terrorist groups may quit training suicide bombers and instead train cyber hackers that would cause a devastating attack by knocking out major power grids that would leave millions without power. The idea is quite scary. Check out the story at http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/27/power.at.risk/index.html.

Eugene Water and Electric of Oregon

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:29:15 +0000

Appraise has to go to the change in Eugene Water and Electric for offering it’s customers, both residential and businesses, different options when it comes to energy. Not only does the electric company offer the typical fossil fuels but has been offering wind power and starting to take more steps into it’s Greenpower option which includes electricity produced by renewable energy. The company also has a solar electric program which purchases excess electricity generation from customers who have photovoltaic (PV) panels and inverters. More and more people need to start converting to renewable energy especially after the Live Earth events and more electric companies should start investing in renewable resources. With the break up of the larger energy structure, smaller companies and larger ones should all start investing into these types of energies.

Live Earth

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 19:48:01 +0000

Live Earth is finally here and the concerts all across the world will hopefully not be just for entertainment but a learning experience for everyone in the ultimate cause that everyone, no matter what age or race, is a part of and that is protecting the precious environment. For electric generators, this is extremely important as finding more environmentally friendly methods of producing high amounts of electricity efficiently is the goal. There are tons of other ways individuals can help out just by changing to better light bulbs or lowering the thermostat and using more blankets. Check out http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17632436/wid/18298287/ and http://www.thedailygreen.com

Cummins Recalls Generators

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 18:53:03 +0000

Cummins Power Generation Inc. in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled approximately 3,300 stationary natural gas and propane fueled generators, of these 2,100 residential and 1,100 commercial products, because of potential fire and injury hazard. This potential fire hazard is caused by faulty fuel shut-off valve that fails to close and may lead to gas leak leading to further dangers. The following model numbers which can be found on the nameplate in the front base of the generators: commercial models GGDB, GGMA/B/C, and GNAA/B/C, and residential models RS15000, RS20000, and RS30000. The recalled generators also have serial numbers A050734102 through L068998479 along with the branding “Cummins Power Generation”. These generators were sold at Cummins Power Generation’s authorized distributors and through http://www.costco.com/ from January 2005 through February 2007. Consumers should stop using the generators immediately, place the Operator’s switch to OFF, and disconnect the battery. Consumers should contact local Cummins Power Generation distributor or dealer for a v5.18 upgrade. For more information contact Cummins Power Generation Inc. at (800) 888-6626, Option 3, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the official recall announcement at http://www.cumminspower.com/na/about/news/2007/news-2007-6.jsp

Maui’s $61 M Biodiesel Plant

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:37:46 +0000

Biofuels Trust Fund and Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) subsidiary have setup a Biofuels Trust Fund for promoting the use of biodiesel for use in Hawaii. The joint venture is planning the opening of a new Biodiesel plant capable of processing multiple vegetable oil feed-stocks, ideally those produced on the islands or surround pacific rim countries. The plant will be located on a 15 acre site of Maui Electric Company’s Waena Generating Station site and will start at being able to process 40 million gallons per year and is expandable to handle 120MGPY. Profits placed into the trust will be used to fund other areas involving biofuels including research and support for local feedstock production. This is definitely a good move for the companies and Hawaii as a move from depending on oil burning diesel generators and should help keep locally produced feedstocks at stable prices. Visit Blue Earth Biofuel for more information on this biodiesel project.

US and Brazil Ethanol Deal

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 23:35:16 +0000

There are a lot of controversies in the ethanol deal between the US and Brazil, which has become a very progressive country in it’s use of ethanol and lessening it’s dependence on oil. Issues like how Brazil and other South American countries will produce the amount of ethanol needed to supply other nations will all be watched carefully and debated. If these countries will decide to destroy the environment including the beautiful rain forest in order to have more land to grow sugar canes to produce the ethanol, there are sure to be protests. However is it not as different as what sneaky politicians in the US have done for oil companies by agreeing to open up protected land in Alaska for searching. It is a good move towards getting away from oil dependency but not the most planned out or best option. The US and other countries should move towards renewable resources that have less emissions but none so far can fully supply the world’s energy needs as much as oil. It is easy to see that fossil fuel energy is very pollutant and costs will keep increasing but no one talks about how much energy these fossil fuels actually provide. Rather you agree with the deal or not, it is at least a moving gear in trying to find other energy resources besides fossil fuels.

Blue Point Energy and Cogeneration

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 03:09:03 +0000

Blue Point Energy, a company founded by Guy Archbold, has grown rapidly much do to the need for more efficient energy production and use. The company’s EnviroGen™ Energy Module is designed to give CHP and CCHP solutions to commercial and industrial users. These modules are designed to use cogeneration and allow savings to companies by providing heat and electricity all at once. Companies that already use gas for other purposes like cooking can see extra savings from cogeneration. Hotels, resorts, and other businesses can definitely save some money. Blue Point Energy has grown mostly do to the demand and cost of energy and good partnerships with the likes of Cummins Inc, a big manufacturer of engines, and the Southern California Gas Company. Learn more on the company by visiting their website, Blue Point Energy.

Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc Vs Cogeneration

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 01:14:22 +0000

This was an interesting article about the Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc which is requiring some businesses that produce their own electricity through cogeneration or other non-renewable resources to pay a fee for being on standby. It is easy to understand that the electric company will lose revenue from these businesses that are generating a large portion of their electricity usage and the tariff seems to be a way to cover up these costs. I personally believe that cogeneration is a good thing and that more businesses should invest in it using renewable resources and this move by HECO does not seem to promote cogeneration but hinder it.

Importance of Generators

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:38:06 +0000

With the recent snow storms ravaging the a good portion of the United States, it shows more than ever, the importance of having backup electrical power, not only for homes but for government facilities as well as business. It is good to know that during these long term blackouts across Oklahoma, Missouri, and a few other states, that hospitals have backup power for defibrillators, ventilators, and other important medical equipment. Government facilities should also be prepared as well with backup generators and it is hard for the common household to understand just how important. The very water everyone uses to take showers, wash dishes, and even drinking water can all be lost if the city’s water sanitation facility goes down. Another important area is prisons. State and federal penitentiaries are definitely an area where power generators are a vital necessity for electronic locking system. There have been many stories relating to the importance of power generators that are very interesting reads.

DeWalt DG2900 Portable Generator

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 07:38:25 +0000

DeWalt Industrial Tool Co. has issued a recall for one of it’s portable generators, the DG2900 Gas Portable Generators. These portable generators were manufactured between December 12, 2001 (date code 200150DG) through August 30, 2006 (date code 200635DG). The generators sold for around $800 to $1100 dollars at many retailers including Family Dollar. The potential hazard was that the ground fault circuit interrupter (”GFCI”) that came with the portable generator were faulty and could lead to electrical shock. For those effected by this recall, please call 1-888-742-9108 for free repair. Portable generators are very dangerous because of the extremely high amoung of carbon monoxide that is produced and should never be used indoors.