Fossil Fuels Vs. Traditional Resources Energy Resources Fossil Fuels Vs. Traditional Resources

The Electrical System: Three Parts Generation Transmission Distribution

Types of Generation Resources

Generation Profiles USA Louisiana A significant % of electrical generation is based in fossil fuels

Traditional Generation Benefits: Cost Renewable Resources Gas , coal and nuclear are cheap Traditional Generation The average residential electricity rate of 8.37¢/kWh in LA is 29.55% less than the national average residential rate of 11.88¢/kWh.

Benefits: Reliability Demand of Electricity During the Day Wind tends to blow in the morning and evenings and the sun not always shines – coal and gas are always ready when needed

Challenge: The Environment Fossil fuels have a high environmental impact and contribute to global warming

What can we do? Louisiana Technology advancements are making renewable energy cheaper every year We should work in increasing the share of renewable energy while maintaining affordable costs and reliability

How can do we do this in Louisiana? Renewable Resources Wind, Solar and Energy Efficiency are good candidates Traditional Generation

Louisiana Only Has Wind On the Coast Wind from the mid-west is far and costly to transport Louisiana has good off-shore wind but as of today is still an expensive and unreliable technology

Louisiana Has Good Solar Resources

Utility Scale Solar vs. Residential Utility scale solar and community solar could be competitive resources in Louisiana Customers and local communities should challenge utilities and local government to facilitate the implementation of this technology Residential solar is still not competitive at this time

Energy Efficiency is the Cheapest Resource Energy-Efficiency programs is the cheapest renewable resource. How a house-hold or a community participate: Promote programs to install more efficient appliances and lights Find ways to reduce the use of electricity

There is a Great Potential for Improvement in Louisiana Residential electricity consumption in Louisiana averages 1,254 kWh/month, which ranks 1st in the U.S. This average monthly residential electricity consumption in LA is 38.87% greater than the national average monthly consumption of 903 kWh/month.

Areas to work in the House

Main Take-Aways THANKS! In order o have a balance between cost/reliability and environmental impact we need a mix of generation resources Technology is making renewable resources cheaper over time What can we do in Louisiana today?: Promote investment in utility/community solar in the state Promote Energy Efficiency programs and behavior (Use Less!) THANKS!