Salem-News.com Energy articles Page 16

Avista Natural Gas Rates in Oregon Going Up

For the average customer who uses 51 therms a month, the April 1 increase will amount to 45 cents and November 1 would be 89 cents.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - It should be barely noticeable.

Beginning today, the first of two adjustments in natural gas rates will take effect for customers of Avista Corporation following a review and decision by the Oregon Public Utility Commission of the company’s general rate increase request.

Solar Power from Roads Surfaces May Simplify Energy Quest

Caltech solar energy experts say covering just 1.7 percent of continental U.S. land surface with photovoltaic solar collectors could produce enough power to meet the nation’s total electricity demand.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Dear EarthTalk: I notice occasional solar panels on roadsides, powering individual streetlamps or signs. Is any research being done to expand on this idea and implant solar collectors in roads, parking lots or sidewalks to generate power in a similar but bigger way? -- Emily Eidenier, via e-mail

ET: The concept of using road surfaces to generate clean solar power is actually already moving beyond the idea stage. Roads absorb heat from the sun every day and are usually free of sightline obstructions that could otherwise block the transmission of light rays.

Oregon Researchers Processing Bio-Fuels From Algae

Applying the findings to mass-produce algae and extract its oils could be five to 10 years in the future.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - Researchers at Oregon State University are working to find an efficient method of processing bio-diesel fuel and ethanol from one of the world’s most plentiful organisms – algae – which could lead to breakthroughs in reducing the world's dependency on petroleum.

Algae are highly productive compared to conventional crops. For example, a productivity model estimates that 48 gallons of bio-diesel can be produced from an acre of soybeans, whereas algae could produce 819 gallons – and theoretically as much as 5,000 gallons – from a single acre.

Oregon Chosen for Peak Sun Solar Facility

Peak Sun Silicon Corporation will construct a photovoltaic silicon manufacturing facility in Millersburg.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon continues to be the business location of choice for solar energy companies, with Peak Sun, a photovoltaic silicon manufacturing company, announcing that construction of the first phase of a facility in Millersburg will begin with an $18 million investment.

The project will initially employ 50 workers, with growth to 500 and an additional capital investment of $700 million during phase 2, estimated for completion in 2011.

Administration Plan to Fill Strategic Petroleum Reserve Questioned

Senators say the decision will drive record oil prices even higher.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - On the day that the price of oil reached an all-time high of $89.55 per barrel, seven U.S. Senators questioned the Administration’s decision to divert millions of barrels of oil to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

“This action sends a message to the market place that the Administration is comfortable with current price levels,” wrote the U.S. Senators in a letter addressed to the U.S. Secretary of Energy.

Electricity-Related Accidents Decline Slightly in 2006 According to PUC Report

The Oregon PUC watches over electric power line safety throughout the State.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The number of people injured after being shocked by power lines declined slightly in 2006 compared with the year before. Additionally none were killed according to an annual report prepared by the Oregon Public Utility Commission.

Of the 13 people who were injured, most were work-related. That is in keeping with historical trends since 1997. Eight had to go to the hospital, five were considered minor injuries. Power line accidents injured 14 people in 2005.

PG&E Adds 85 Megawatts of Renewable Wind Energy to its Power Mix

Group signs Long-Term Power Purchase Agreement with PPM Energy.

(SAN FRANCISCO) - Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced today it has entered into a 15-year agreement with PPM Energy, a developer of utility-scale wind power projects, to purchase renewable wind energy from the company's Klondike III Wind Project in Sherman County, Oregon.

Willie Nelson to Anoint Super-Sizing of Oregon Biodiesel Plant

Portland biodiesel mandate drives production expansion.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Entertainer Willie Nelson will help Oregon's first commercial biodiesel plant celebrate its two-year anniversary in a big way, headlining a press conference and ground-breaking of the plant's expansion.

Oregon Senate Passes Biofuels Legislation

Bill will mean new jobs for Oregon and less dependence on foreign oil.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The Oregon Senate today passed House Bill 2210, a biofuels package that will develop new jobs in Oregon and will help curb dependence on foreign oil.

The legislation is supported by environmental groups, concerned about toxic air emissions, and the agriculture community, where it is seen as an excellent source for rural economic development.

Senator Wyden Blows the Whistle on Under-Investment in Oil Refining and Production

“Oil companies should not be rewarded for short-changing American consumers” - Senator Ron Wyden

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced his plan today to take tax breaks away from oil companies that do not invest in new refinery capacity and upgrades.

Wyden offered several examples of how oil companies have tried to systematically limit investment in refining capacity.