Tag: "electricity"
What Makes Us Conserve Energy? 6 Lessons from the Smart Grid
Smart meters are providing consumers with hourly and daily energy use information. But does it inspire conservation?
Post on Oct 07, 2011 by Lauren Sommer
How Green is Biomass Energy?
When you think of where energy comes from, you might picture a power plant or maybe wind mills. You probably wouldn't think of a pile of 12 tons of almond shells.
Post on Mar 25, 2011 by
Reporter's Notes for Energy Storage: The Holy Grail
Energy storage (through batteries) is something we use everyday in our cell phones and computers. So it may be a little surprising that when it comes to the electric grid, storing energy is something that's rarely done.
Post on Jul 30, 2010 by Lauren Sommer
Computer Memory Poised to Get Shock Therapy?
In recent years, scientists have been playing around with more exotic forms of data storage. It turns out that some very specialized materials are not only like to be magnetically ordered, but are also naturally charged.
Post on Jul 29, 2010 by Christopher Smallwood
A Realistic Look at Geothermal Heat Pumps
You can do just fine with a medium-efficiency furnace and burn much less fuel than you would with a high-end system—like a geothermal system—and a leaky house.
Post on Jun 11, 2010 by Jim Gunshinan
Is Your House Haunted by Electronic Vampires?
When it comes to climate, the inside and the outside of Bay Area homes are pretty much the same for most of the year. But there are other energy vampires beyond heating and cooling in California homes that threaten to drain your wallet.
Post on Aug 27, 2009 by Jim Gunshinan
Producer's Notes – Climate Watch: Unlocking the Grid
Last summer I visited the Netherlands, the original home of the windmill. Surprisingly, I saw hardly any of the quaint structures we associate with Dutch wind power. One hundred years ago Holland had about 10,000 wooden windmills dotting its landscape. Today, barely 10% remain.
Post on Aug 25, 2009 by Sarah Kass
Reporter's Notes: Do We Need Nuclear?
More people appear to be saying "yes" these days, even if grudgingly. The question is: Is it too late?
Post on Aug 21, 2009 by Craig Miller
Reporter's Notes: Smart Grid at Home
I've never paid much attention to my electric meter. For most of us, it's just that box on the side of the house with a small white disk spinning inside, keeping track of our energy use. But over the next three years, all the meters for PG&E customers will be getting a major upgrade to a new, digital SmartMeter.
Post on Apr 10, 2009 by Lauren Sommer
