Energy usage wanes in 2009
Data released by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory showed the United States used significantly less coal and petroleum in 2009 than in 2008 while utilizing considerably more wind power.
And while there was a decline in natural gas consumption, solar, hydro and geothermal power use was up, the laboratory said.
"Energy use tends to follow the level of economic activity, and that level declined last year," A.J. Simon, an LLNL energy systems analyst, said.
"At the same time, higher efficiency appliances and vehicles reduced energy use even further," he said. "As a result, people and businesses are using less energy in general."
Wind power increased dramatically in 2009, and since most of that energy is tied directly to electricity generation it helps decrease the use of coal for electricity production, he said.
"The increase in renewables is a really good story, especially in the wind arena," Simon said. "It's a result of very good incentives and technological advancements."
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Hydro One delivery rates go up
THUNDER BAY - Hydro One seasonal customers will face bigger increases in their bills than the utility's residential customers as a result of an Ontario Energy Board approval of a rate hike.
Hydro One received permission to increase its delivery charge, retroactive to last year.
It says it needs the money to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure, much of which was installed in the 1950s.
The utility is notifying customers that new statements reflect higher delivery rates which were not charged in 2018 and the first half of this year, due to delay in receiving the OEB's permission.
The amount that customers' bills will increase by depends…
