As human beings, we like to know that even big organizations can make mistakes. As it turns out, the Department of Energy didn't pass their own energy test. There was room for considerable improvement.

I am sure they will start working on these items immediately. However, the report is interesting. Beware that the report is a PDF file and you will have to download it. Click the Related Link if you want it.

The key point is that as an organization made up of people, there is room for improvement. There are monitors set with absurd time settings for auto power off. Some monitors not set to power down from inactivity at all.

As much fun as it is to recognize that even our government agencies are not perfect, this is really a good opportunity to realize we need to check our own settings, and our habits. It is very easy to slide back into old routines. Saving energy should not be a burden, it should be a matter of habit.

Now, take a minute to check your computer power save settings. Make sure they are reasonable. On many systems, you can right click an open space on the desktop area and choose settings. After you are in settings, look for power saving or energy star.

Don't forget to turn off the lights when you leave the room, even if it's your office at work.

While Google is not set on one particular type of renewable energy, there has been some degree of focus on solar thermal.

In a solar thermal system, the heat of the sun is focused on a common point. The point of focus will contain salts, water or oil depending on the technology. The heat carrier, salt, water or oil, will be directed through an insulated pipeline to boil water. The steam from the boiling water is used to drive turbines that make electricity.

This type system has been in full operation for more than a few years in countries like Italy. The heat in the carrier can be high enough to continue running the power production for a couple of hours past sunset. This makes solar thermal a perfect candidate as a peak time energy producer.

The system works very well in locations that have a lot of sun, like deserts. Limitations include delivery of the energy and average yearly weather at the installation site. A secondary issue that is common in many renewable energy systems is that a backup energy source still needs to be available for bad weather or night production. I believe that as renewable energy sources grow and mature, that we will begin reducing our dependence on fossil fuel as a backup as well. Diversification of our energy needs is a necessity as we move away from fossil fuels.

It is great to see a large corporation making a direct effort to support and research renewable energy. It will be even better when they follow through!

I hope that investments in renewables by large corporations help to drive down the costs for the rest of us.

I just read a few articles on the budget situation for the state. As a district, the state budget dictates how we operate and with how many people or programs.

From SF Gate: -----------------------------------------------

February 2009, lawmakers passed a budget that solved a $42 billion deficit through June 2010. It includes $15 billion in spending cuts, $11.4 billion in borrowing and $12.8 billion in taxes. It also *relies* on ballot measures to be put before voters in May. It is the earliest the Legislature has passed a budget in its history.

March, The Legislative Analyst's Office reports that the newly signed budget will be $8 billion short in 2009-10 as the office predicts that expected revenues for the year will be less than assumed when crafting the budget.

May, State Controller John Chiang announces that revenues in April, the month the state takes in the most money, were $1.89 billion less than had been anticipated in the budget.

May 14: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger releases the revision of his budget, which finds that revenues have continued to slide and the deficit for the upcoming year has grown to $15.4 billion. That figure will jump to $21.3 billion if voters reject special election ballot measures.

May 19: As expected, state voters overwhelmingly reject the ballot measures. Deficit grows to $21.3 billion.

May 21: The legislative analyst determines the revenue shortfall has continued, adding $3 billion more to the deficit that now stands at a staggering $24.3 billion.

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There is an idea being considered to make a little bit of money in the oil industry, about 1.8 billion over 14 years. The odd twist; Firing up one existing oil platform will have 4 others turned off. The special circumstances around the platform in question really have to be read in the full article; Click the "Related Link".

My thoughts on the subject are the following:

1st - This seems like it is too little too late, but every positive step is still a positive.
2nd - Will the other 4 platforms really be shut down?
3rd - Would producing our own oil vs buying over seas really make any difference in our use of oil?
4th - If our habits did not change and we have the discipline to continue a path toward renewable energy, would it really hurt to use the oil in our backyard? Really, wouldn't it potentially be better for the environment not to ship the oil so far?

My 4th set of thoughts really keep me thinking. I don't know that we as a people can really continue to curb our oil dependence if it suddenly became cheap. Would renewable energy research continue at its current pace if prices at the pump were suddenly half what they are now? Much like setting an alarm clock 5 minutes fast, are we trying to trick ourselves by thinking oil from a neighbor does less damage than the oil in the backyard? After all, it is the same environment.

In order to transition to renewable energy, we need a constant reminder that is tangable and effects our daily lives. Does it have to be something that is helping to break our economy?

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Hi, this entry is for test purposes only.

I just read an article about modifying your hybrid, Prius specifically.

If you have a Prius, and want to go more than a mile in battery mode, then you might want to check out 3 Prong Power.
3Prong Power is delivering enhanced Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) conversions for their customers. The goal is to meet and expand the number of PHEVs starting in the Bay Area.

This technology enables two distinct power sources and enhances fuel efficiency. Take it to the next level, make your car a true Hybrid...Plug it in.

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