Articles tagged with "energy-costs"
Advocates Challenge Georgia Power’s Overbuilt, Flawed Data Center Plan - CleanTechnica
Environmental groups including the Sierra Club, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and the Southern Environmental Law Center have criticized Georgia Power’s plan to build what would be the most expensive gas plants in the U.S., specifically targeting the proposed Plant McIntosh project. They argue that Georgia Power has not provided sufficient justification for this large-scale gas infrastructure, relying instead on vague assurances that fossil fuel generation will be beneficial in the future. The groups contend that this plan will burden Georgia consumers with unnecessary costs and that the company’s load forecasts and strategies to protect customers from rising energy prices are questionable. Michael Hawthorne of the Sierra Club emphasized that the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) and Georgia Power appear to be aligned only in allowing the utility to proceed without adequate accountability or transparent data to support the plan. He called on the PSC to demand rigorous evidence and to reconsider the request for proposals (RFP) associated with the project. The Sierra Club, as America’s largest grassroots environmental organization, continues to advocate for clean
energyclean-energyfossil-fuelgas-plantsenvironmental-activismenergy-policyenergy-costsHow A Revisionist Tax Focus Is Affecting Us - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica examines Florida TaxWatch’s (FTW) Ten Taxpayer Priorities for the 2026 legislative session, highlighting how proposed tax reforms in Florida reflect broader national trends with significant implications for equity, public services, and climate initiatives. A key proposal under discussion is reducing or eliminating property taxes for Florida homeowners, which on the surface appears beneficial but raises concerns about shifting the tax burden unfairly. Since property taxes fund nearly half of some local governments’ budgets—such as Broward County, where 48% of general funds come from property taxes—a reduction could force cuts to essential services like parks and public works, as law enforcement funding is protected by legislation. This raises questions about the fairness and sustainability of such tax shifts. On a national scale, the article notes that recent federal tax cuts have disproportionately harmed low-income and marginalized communities by slashing tax credits and funding for clean energy and climate programs. The House Republican reconciliation bill, for example, proposed $546 billion in cuts
energyclean-energytax-policyclimate-actionenergy-costsclean-energy-tax-creditsclimate-changeNew Data Center Rate Structure Risks Wisconsinites Picking Up The Bill For Big Tech - CleanTechnica
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) is considering a new rate structure for data centers that critics argue disproportionately benefits Big Tech companies and utility giant We Energies, potentially leaving Wisconsin residents to subsidize the substantial infrastructure costs required to support these facilities. We Energies plans to invest $19.3 billion in electric generation over the next five years, nearly doubling its previous plan, largely driven by data center projects from Microsoft, Oracle, Vantage, and OpenAI. Environmental advocates, including the Sierra Club and campaign coordinators like Cassie Steiner, warn that without protective measures, ratepayers could face increased energy costs and bear the financial burden of infrastructure expansions needed for these data centers. A key concern is that the current proposal does not mandate all data centers to participate in a tariff structure that would require them to cover 100% of the costs associated with their energy demand, including new gas, renewable projects, and transmission lines. This gap risks ratepayers subsidizing stranded assets and infrastructure investments made
energydata-centersclean-energyutility-regulationenergy-infrastructurerenewable-energyenergy-costsGeorgia's Utility Regulator Rushes Deal for Georgia Power Before Public Hearing - CleanTechnica
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) posted a settlement agreement just an hour before a public hearing, approving Georgia Power’s plan to build what would be the most expensive gas plants in the U.S. This plan, expected to cost at least $15 billion in capital expenses, hinges on anticipated data center growth that is uncertain, raising concerns about burdening Georgia ratepayers with long-term costs for potentially unnecessary infrastructure. Critics, including the Sierra Club, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and PSC staff, warn that the plan will lead to higher energy bills, increased pollution, and exacerbate climate change impacts such as extreme weather events. The settlement promises some short-term rate reductions, with Georgia Power claiming an $8.50 monthly decrease for typical customers over three years. However, opponents highlight that past promises of rate relief have not prevented ongoing increases, and the costs of the gas plants will be borne by consumers for up to 45 years. The Sierra Club condemned the PSC for rushing the deal without adequately
energyutility-regulationGeorgia-Powergas-plantsenergy-infrastructureenergy-costsclean-energy-advocacyThe #1 Reason Why The Solar Industry Has A Trustworthiness Gap? Costs! Part One - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica explores the primary reason behind the trustworthiness gap perceived by consumers in the solar industry: the high and often opaque costs associated with solar installations. Through reader feedback and analysis, it highlights that consumers struggle to determine the true return on investment (ROI) of solar systems due to a lack of transparency in pricing and savings projections. While solar is generally expected to offer strong financial and environmental returns, many find it difficult to get clear, straightforward information when shopping for solar solutions. A significant factor driving up costs is labor and permitting, which can constitute a large portion of the total expense beyond just the solar panels and equipment. One reader noted that equipment costs were only about 45% of what they paid installers, with labor accounting for substantial additional charges. Comparisons with other countries reveal that U.S. solar installation prices are significantly higher—about three times those in Australia and double those in the UK—partly due to regulatory and infrastructure differences. Furthermore, excessive spending on marketing and
energysolar-energyrenewable-energysolar-industrysolar-installationenergy-costsreturn-on-investmentPuerto Rico Contemplates A Reunion With Spain - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a movement in Puerto Rico advocating for reunification with Spain, reflecting a desire among some residents to escape the island’s current status as a U.S. territory. Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony for over four centuries until the Spanish-American War in 1898, after which it became a U.S. possession. Although Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, they lack voting representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential elections, while many do not pay federal taxes. This political limbo, combined with economic challenges such as high costs for imported goods and electricity (due in part to shipping restrictions favoring U.S.-registered vessels), fuels dissatisfaction. The movement, led by José Lara and called Adelante Reunificacionistas, seeks to make Puerto Rico the eighteenth autonomous community of Spain, citing shared language and culture as key reasons. Supporters of reunification argue that Spanish governance could help Puerto Rico overcome economic and cultural stagnation experienced under U.S. rule. The article highlights historical grievances
energyelectricitypower-plantsoil-importcarbon-emissionsPuerto-Rico-energyenergy-costsOffshore Wind Power's Big Benefits - CleanTechnica
energyoffshore-windrenewable-energyelectricity-marketgrid-reliabilityclean-energyenergy-costsHow Cuts To The Inflation Reduction Act Will Hurt Everyday Americans - CleanTechnica
clean-energysolar-energyelectric-vehiclesInflation-Reduction-Actenergy-costsgreen-jobsclimate-change5 Myths About Solar + Storage
solarenergyrenewable-energysolar-storagegrid-resilienceclean-energyenergy-costsHow to Defuse the EU’s Carbon Tax Time Bomb
energycarbon-pricingclean-energyEU-regulationssustainabilityenvironmental-policyenergy-costs