Energy

The death of houses without Central Air Conditioning in NY State

There is a lot of bemoaning of coming natural gas heating ban in New York State at least by conservatives. But it was a long time coming and gas heating makes less and less sense with changing technology — and our warming climate, which among other things makes extremely cold days rare. When winter days are mostly in the 30s and 40s, even the most basic two-mode air source heat pumps make a lot of sense. Most new construction already locally includes split level units, the code changes just reflect changes already under way in industry.

But there is another side to the mass adoption of split level heating – the end of homes without central air conditioning. There was a time when most homes in New York State didn’t have central air conditioning, though those days are somewhat behind us now. Yet, the All Electric Building Act almost completely mandates the end of buildings without air conditioning – it would be silly to build a building with a heat pump and no reversing valves. Modern all-electric buildings inherently have air conditioning.

The death of buildings without air conditioning may not be bemoaned by many. Air conditioning makes life much more comfortable, especially as 90 degrees days become more common. This year will El Niño, Albany may have it’s first triple digit day in 70 years. Sustaining life in New York State with the warming climate might require air conditioning, especially with the vulnerable, frail and elderly.

But it also means a loss in learning to cope with the heat and humidity, breathing in outdoor air and learning to adapt to ones surroundings. People having windows open for fresh air, especially in the suburbs and country might become rare as the split level units automatically cool the room in the summer, and energy conservation discourages people from opening windows. Some low cost new residential buildings might not even have windows that open, with the split level until doing all the work to keep the room comfortable at all times.

Filings show N.Y. green energy could cost consumers 64 percent more

Filings show N.Y. green energy could cost consumers 64 percent more

ALBANY ?— Electricity prices could rise 64 percent in order to cover inflation and the higher-than-anticipated costs that are becoming apparent in New York’s shift to renewable energy, according to a leading state agency.

“The impact of implementing ACE (Alliance for Clean Energy) NY’s requested relief … would be an increase in weighted average strike (base) prices of 64 percent,” reads part of the comments from the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency, which sets contracts for electricity sales by solar and wind developers.?

What that means for the consumer isn't clear as yet.??

High gas prices are a bigger problem then folks want to admit β›½

In the past month, the price of gasoline has risen substantially. However, it’s quickly pointed out that gasoline now constitutes a smaller portion of families’ budgets when compared to fifty years ago. The impact of these higher prices is often more psychological, as we tend to be more aware of the prominent gas station signs as we drive around town.

What’s frequently overlooked but crucial to understand is the significant role psychology plays in the economy. Even if gas prices are lower than they were a year ago, our attention tends to be fixated on recent fluctuations. We have a tendency to give more importance to what’s right in front of us rather than considering the broader context of our personal or business finances.

Although the direct consequences of elevated energy prices have been mitigated by better technologies and strategies adopted by families and businesses, one particular statistic that stands out for everyone is the price of gasoline. High gas prices provide a rationale for manufacturers, retailers, and even small businesses to push for higher prices, even if this is primarily a tactic to increase profits and wages.

This scenario presents a notable political dilemma for those in power, especially for Democrats on a wider scale. While they express genuine concerns about climate change and environmental preservation, this stance contradicts the objective of ensuring a consistent supply of affordable gasoline.

Active LP (Propane) Storage Wells In New York State

There are currently two areas in the Finger Lakes that are used for underground propane (LP gas) storage. They are Bath Petroleum Storage, owned by Finger Lakes LPG Storage, LLC between Campbell and Bath, and Harford Propane Storage owned by Enterprise Products Operating LLC outside of Hartford (south of Dryden) in Cortland County.

The existing LP storage facilities in our state don't get a lot of attention, as they are located in remote parts of the state, not necessarily known for their unique scenic beauty. But they are interesting facilities, and I encourage you to turn on the satellite view, zoom in, explore these wells and well data carefully.

If you are not seeing the wells, try zooming out one level first. Sometimes Google Maps over-zooms this map.