But then this. First, the small print, and then the graph. Here's the small print, from Mr Obama's EIA:
Coal stockpiles at electric power plants experienced a steep drawdown this winter, falling 24% between November 2013 (156 million tons) and February 2014 (119 million tons), ending at the lowest level since March 2006.
A main reason for this reduction was increased electricity demand because of the colder-than-normal weather.
Total U.S. net electricity generation was 5.3% higher this winter (November-February) than last winter, with 59% of the increase supplied by coal generation, which was up 8% year-over-year, or by 40,000 gigawatthours.Renewable energy, and even natural gas, was unable to keep up with the demand created by this year's colder-than-normal winter. An increase in electricity was necessary and coal provided almost 60% of that increase in energy that was needed.
I never would have guessed that based on mainstream media reports.
Now, the graph:
if the Keystone XL pipeline has taken over 5 years of REVIEW, and NOT one Shovel of Dirt has moved will a Nat . Gas pipeline from The Marcellus fields to Boston Be completed the Century?? I am asking this as a investment question.. don
ReplyDeleteIf I recall correctly, the most optimistic date for completion of a natural gas pipeline to New England is 2017 and even with that pipeline the region will still not be adequately served. My hunch is that under best of circumstances, New England will be playing catch up for years, and will be on the cusp (blackouts/no blackout) between now and through 2040. Well past my investing lifetime.
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