Burke: Future Development may DOUBLE the Local Electric Company's Current TOTAL Demand

[thetrailboss]

The Ginn Company says that it will need a lot of electricity if their plans come to fruition. Not just a lot, but the demand will DOUBLE what the entire department provides! Ironically, this project which has been at least slowed down, would have helped.

[knuckledragger]

Sounds like you could use a wind farm or two.

[riverc0il]

not too surprising. they are talking about adding a substantial number of residences and facilities in addition to getting a summit quad going and a chair perhaps into east bowl plus keeping the golf course green must be energy intensive. the only surprise is this wasn't front page news sooner.

[ctenidae]

Time to invest in the local utility company.

[nek_crumudgeon]

Other than the current energy crunch that we're in, this is such a silly argument from LED's point of view. So what if demand doubles, so does your volume, and obestensibly, your profit. I really can't figure the NEK out somtimes. I know Boss will disagree, but to argue about environmental concerns AND to ski at the same time is absurd. Skiing, by nature, consumes a lot of resources, so this isn't really news to me.

[the original trailboss]

NEK Curmudgeon: I don't want to sound like a smartass but that comment about utility "profit" tells me you don't have a clue about that world!!!!! Municipal utilities can't and don't make "profit" as they do not operate in the free enterprise system. They also contract for power needs years in advance, etc.,etc.

[thetrailboss]

Originally Posted by nek_crumudgeon

Other than the current energy crunch that we're in, this is such a silly argument from LED's point of view. So what if demand doubles, so does your volume, and obestensibly, your profit.

Power does not just come from thin air. It has to be bought and paid for. In this case, LED has to buy from Hydro Quebec, which is an expensive proposition. I really don't see what is so "silly" about a municipal power company discussing this issue with the press to inform people. Is ignorance bliss? If so, I guess I am not "silly" enough to see your point.

I really can't figure the NEK out somtimes. I know Boss will disagree, but to argue about environmental concerns AND to ski at the same time is absurd. Skiing, by nature, consumes a lot of resources, so this isn't really news to me.

Again, not sure what you are getting at. This is an article that states the situation with the Burke development and its impacts. No bull. No politics.

[riverc0il]

how does energy purchasing work? most things that are purchased in bulk reduce pricing. is energy purchasing similar to typical economics of scale or are we looking at price increases due to high demand? the article is not exactly what i would consider high journalistic standards (hey, it is the cal rec so i wasn't expecting it) since it makes a big headline without asking the important questions. how will this effect burke mountain and how will it effect everyday citizens and their electric bill. ideally, ginn just pays for any extra cost due to increased demand. i would like the cal rec to get some expert thought on how that works.

quite frankly, i believe electric bills are generally some of the best deals going in terms of getting what we pay for. this was true when i lived in the boston area too, electric is about the same price up here. considering how much electric does for us, i think we currently have a steal similar to when gas was a buck a gallon.

[the original trailboss]

While my direct info/involvement goes back a long ways the short answer is that the oldest sources of power have the least per kilowatt generating costs with the kilowatt cost gradually increasing as the age of the source decreases. Also, utilities contract years in advance for projected power needs which can vary one way or the other depending on a host of other factors. Power contracted for but not used can be re-sold usually but power used but not contracted for is purchased on the spot market at prevailing prices (that usually means higher).