What’s happening and what can we expect in terms of how we get electricity to power our homes, business and industry? How clean can it be, and what it will cost? Over the past twenty years, the energy market has shifted dramatically. The unsubsidized cost of wind and solar energy, with battery storage, has dropped below the cost of fossil fuel generation. The US Energy Information Agency expects the trend of dropping renewable energy and storage costs, and rising cost of coal, to continue. The shift to renewable energy for electric generation brings more significant benefits than lower electric rates.
This episode features a presentation by Jim Riggins at the September Pikes Peak Environmental Forum. Jim retired after 30 years in the US Air Force, serving as a research engineer, pilot, operational planner, and weapon systems programmer. He also served as an operations group commander, and vice wing commander. He is a retired small business owner as a Home Energy Rater and Professional Building Analyst, providing consulting to builders and architects on energy efficient building construction and residential and commercial energy audits. Jim holds Masters degrees in electrical engineering, Military Art and Science, and National Security Strategy. He is a Senior Executive Fellow from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. He currently sits on the board of Mountain View Electric Association and serves as a volunteer on the Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity building committee.
This program was recorded at the September 25, 2020 meeting of the Pikes Peak Environmental Forum. The Forum informs the community in Colorado Springs on issues of environmental import. Our monthly luncheon meeting topics have ranged from how earthquakes can predict weather events to sustainable energy solutions. Each month we learn something we weren’t necessarily aware we needed to know, but in broadening our knowledge, we deepen our understanding of, and our connection to, the world. Learn about future luncheons at our Facebook page, or contact us to be put on the email list for meeting notifications.
Pikes Peak Environmental Forum presenting sponsors are Becky Elder the Gardener and Peak Radar.
LINKS:
Slides for the presentation in this episode
Levelized Cost of Energy and Levelized Cost of Storage – 2020
Presenting Sponsors:
Art of Engineering
Black Hills Energy
Miriam's Place
OrganaGardens
Additional Sponsors:
Blue Planet Earthscapes
Peak Radar
Environmental Compliance Systems
Old Town Bike Shop
Terra Essentials
The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.
Colorado Springs Office of Innovation & Sustainability
Green Cities Coalition
Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future
Pikes Peak Environmental Forum
Pikes Peak Group of Sierra Club
Pikes Peak Permaculture
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