Business Power Shut Offs
The 2021 fire season has already begun, and with record-breaking scope and damage. As a protective measure to minimize wildfire risk, utility companies that power the Sierra Nevada will be periodically shutting off power to regions and communities experiencing high wind, lightning storms, and other severe weather. NV Energy just announced its first planned outage for the season, starting at 4am on Sunday. Are you ready?
Exploring Energy Use in California
Many have used the past year to take a step back and assess where their interests lie. For me, that has meant discovering my interest in data analysis and data science.
Sierra Nevada Fibershed and Yarn Crawl
Outside of my role on SBC’s Climate and Energy team, I am also a small business owner and actively involved in the fiber arts community of the Sierra Nevada, designing knitting patterns and working with locally produced yarn. Over the years my two worlds – climate planning and knitting – have become increasingly intertwined, thanks to a concept called FIbershed.
You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone: Honoring Nevada City’s Independence Trail
This old saying perfectly describes my realization of how special the Independence Trail was for our community. Lighting struck repeatedly throughout the night on August 17th, igniting dry fuel in our foothills refuge of Nevada City and across the state of California.
Energy Resilience and Independence: More Important Now Than Ever
Energy Resilience and Independence: More Important Now Than Ever
How to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day in the Era of Coronavirus
How to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day in the Era of Coronavirus While I’ve been working from home, I’ve been thinking about the dozens of social festivities that would normally be happening during this time of the year. Now obviously, this year is anything but normal, but I’ve been doing some reflecting about […]
Shifting Seasons and Shifting Energy Use: Time of Use Rates in California
Every year I find myself looking forward to fall. That first night when the crisp air sneaks through the windows? Realizing almost as quickly that the leaves have started to change colors?
The Importance of Time of Use Rates: Why Shifting Energy Use in the Summer Makes Economic and Environmental Sense
With summer in full swing, my mind often drifts to all of the outdoor activities that I can’t wait to get outside and enjoy: hiking in the mountains, riding my bike around town, and swimming in the Yuba and American rivers. While my mind is wandering towards the outdoors, I remind myself how important it is to not forget about the energy use back in our homes and businesses.
Just What are Time of Use Rates and How Can They Save you Money?
Have you heard of Time of Use rates before? Did you know you could be saving money on your energy bill just by utilizing them? Let’s back up. The state of California has set the goal of 100 percent use of zero-carbon electricity by 2045, which builds on the previous work the state has done to become more energy efficient and manage energy use.
Mining Gold From the Sun: Local Energy for Local Economies
Beyond initiating California’s statehood, along with its distinct entrepreneurial culture and independent character, the 1849 Gold Rush was one of the most influential events in American history. Much like in 1849 though, the high-tech sector in 2018 is continuing to accumulate the majority of wealth into only a handful of areas.