Author: Alli Crandell

Energy Consumption in South Carolina

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 …

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 …

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 …