Dear Eartha, why are power companies building more solar and wind farms? Isn’t renewable energy more expensive than coal or natural gas? It’s a common misconception that renewable electricity – like solar and wind farms – cost more to generate than electricity from coal and natural gas-fired power plants. And that used to be true. As […]
Ask Eartha, I’m a small business owner. This winter my energy bills were through the roof. What can I do to keep costs down? If you’re a small business owner battling high energy bills, you’re definitely not alone, winter can be a challenging time. But don’t worry- there are some simple strategies to help you […]
Dear Eartha, I have deicing cable on my roof. I need it to prevent roof leaks, but is there any way to dial back the energy use?Roof deicing cable, also known as heat trace or heat tape, is a common solution to the fearsome ice dams we see on our roofs each winter in Summit […]
Dear Eartha, as I was doing my taxes, I noticed there are credits available for energy efficiency projects. How can I qualify? From energy-efficient windows to heat pumps to renewable energy, Uncle Sam has tax credits to help you boost the comfort and durability of your home. Since tax season is already upon us, here’s […]
Dear Eartha, My energy bills have fluctuated a lot over the last few years. How can we combat this trend? As America celebrated its birth as an independent nation last week, the climate nut in me couldn’t help but think about energy independence and its role in our pursuit of a sustainable and resilient future. […]
Dear Eartha, my monthly utility bills have gone through the roof the past few months. I’m not doing anything dramatically different, so why are my bills so much higher? Is there anything I can do to bring that cost down? I’ve been hearing this question A LOT lately. Chilly weather and a near doubling in […]
Dear Eartha, I hear people talking about reducing natural gas use, but I don’t understand why. If it’s “natural,” doesn’t that mean it’s good? What comes to mind when you think of the word “natural”? Maybe crisp mountain streams, fresh air, and clear skies. Certainly not air and water pollution or poor indoor air quality. […]
Dear Eartha, I just had an energy assessment done, which got me really excited about completing energy efficiency projects for my home. But now I’m having trouble getting anyone scheduled to come to do the work. Why is it so hard to line up contractors for these types of projects? The demand for energy efficiency […]
Dear Eartha, I know that to fight climate change, we all need to use less gas and less energy. But do I have to give up my creature comforts? How can I find some balance? This is an important question to consider in the wake of yet more discouraging news from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate […]
Dear Eartha, I’m always shocked this time of year when my energy bills skyrocket. I do not want to face another season of high bills and a drafty home. Is there anything I can do so my house stays warm and my bills stay low? It’s that time of year: When the first dusting of snow […]
