Global unrest in the Middle East and Japanese crisis impacting the energy sector. Also, study shows consumers want to monitor their energy consumption daily and the EPA proposes new pollution standards for coal plants.

Gas Industry Conference Agenda Shaped by Japan and ME Unrest

As more news breaks in Japan, debates about the future of nuclear power are going full steam. Middle Eastern political rebellion is also causing unrest in the petroleum markets. The energy industry is under significant strain in anticipation of a large gas industry gathering, dubbed Gastech, scheduled for March 21-24 in Amsterdam. A panel of gas industry leaders will meet to discuss the role of gas in the evolving energy future. The growth of natural gas will also be addressed as the use of the alternative fuel has been projected to grow 2 percent per year, according to Gastech reports.

 

EPA Proposes New Pollution Standards for Coal Plants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to set mercury and toxic pollution standards for coal-burning power plants. The proposal is likely to be hotly debated due to the powerful lobbying forces in the hands of coal-burning factories. However, advocates of clean air hailed the proposal as a long-awaited step. “This would protect public health, clean up the environment – and create jobs,” said Frank O’Donnell, president of the non-profit Clean Air Watch. “It is high time we closed this lethal loophole that permits coal-burning power plants to escape toxic pollution controls.”

 

Study Shows Consumers want Better Energy Monitoring

Electric utility users want to monitor their energy usage more frequently than in the past, according to a study released by Chartwell. More than 1,500 consumers were surveyed and it was discovered that 70 percent monitor their energy usage monthly. However, when asked how they would prefer to keep track of their energy usage the number of consumers who would like to monitor daily and weekly increased significantly and fewer answered monthly. The study will likely lead to new programs on behalf of utility companies to keep consumers updated on energy consumption. Many meters exist to aid consumers assess their energy usage even daily.

 

Maryland Website Compares all Energy Providers

A new website launched in Maryland that helps consumers compare electricity prices and save money on annual electricity costs. The free online tool is available at www.energycruncher.com and claims to save consumers an average of 12 percent on utility bills. Consumers in Maryland are legally allowed to choose their electricity and gas suppliers and their utility companies are required to use the preferred supplier. Thus, using a different supplier from the closest utility company can oftentimes save money. Incentives and promotions often confuse consumers, making the online program a useful tool for those who are too busy to sort through the deals and ads for competing suppliers.

Live Chat Scheduled with US Nuclear Energy Experts

Yovia,a “people engine” and Rock the Capital, a social network for political and environmental conversation, are offering a one-hour live chat with the top U.S. Nuclear Energy experts in the wake of the crisis in Japan. The panel answering questions includes Eric Epstein, head of EFMR Monitoring and Co-founder of Rock the capital and John Costlow, a graduate of the Naval Nuclear Power School. The event is scheduled for 5pm today and questions can be submitted in advance here.

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