In 2014, South Carolina’s average utility bill for residential customers was $147.74 making it the 2nd highest utility bill next to Hawaii which has an average of $187.59. Massachusetts has low energy consumption compared to South Carolina. One of the factors for this being “state efficiency programs” among other things like: “state economy’s reliance on Read More …
Author: Alli Crandell
New Carbon Sources
If trees are replanted after harvesting, woody biomass is proven to give lower carbon emissions than coal and it makes sense to phase in a few more plants. Wood currently is not as efficient as coal and co-firing is still being explored with 15% co-firing showing promise. Waste wood biomass groups talk about branches, bent trees Read More …
Solar and Energy Storage
Currently, residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, as well as batteries and energy storage on a residential scale, are not affordable for the average person. Batteries and solar PV will become more affordable (as shown above) over time with ever-improving technology and decreases cost as the market for energy storage and residential solar PV installation matures becoming Read More …
Solar Affordability
Quick Facts on Solar Affordability: The cost of a solar panel lease is about $700 a year The Federal government reimburses up to 30% of installation costs South Carolina has tax incentives up to 25% $18k in “profit” for SC residents in 15 years by adding tax credits and electricity savings over this period Costs Read More …
Sea-Level Rise
Recent years, a trend has emerged in American citizens moving to coastal regions. In 2010, 39 percent of Americans lived in a coastal county. An additional 10 million Americans are expected to live on the coast by the year 2020. In the next several decades, the majority of the American population is predicted to be living Read More …
Nuclear Energy in South Carolina
Nuclear energy currently provides 51% of the total energy used in South Carolina. The majority is produced and used by Duke Energy, as nuclear currently makes up 56.8% of Duke’s total energy production. SCE&G aims to have 30% of the total energy generated come from nuclear by the year 2020 (current energy percentages of SCE&G Read More …
Salt Marshes
Along the southeastern United States Atlantic coast, tidal salt marshes are important habitats. Salt marshes are regarded for their role as a buffer between the mainland and the ocean, as well their high levels of biodiversity. A salt marsh reduces the impact of flooding during hurricanes and act as a natural filtration system for pollutants. Read More …
Hurricane Joaquin: October 2015 Flooding
In the beginning of October 2015, Hurricane Joaquin, a strong hurricane that didn’t make landfall in South Carolina, passed offshore. It brought heavy rain to the eastern and mid part of the state with Georgetown, SC receiving around 22 inches of rain. Even higher levels of rain fell in the Charleston area. The effects of Read More …
Hardening and Resiliency
“Hardening refers to physically changing the infrastructure to make it less susceptible to damage from extreme wind, flooding, or flying debris. Hardening improves the durability and stability of energy infrastructure, making it better able to withstand the impacts of hurricanes and weather events without sustaining major damage.” “Resiliency refers to the ability of an energy facility Read More …
Housing Development Along the Grand Strand
Myrtle Beach is one of the second fastest growing metro areas percentage wise in the United States from July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2014. Population estimates can be attributed to rapid development on the coast and deforestation of suburban and rural areas. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Read More …