FUTURE

According to ASE, the United States has made plans for the future usage of energy and electricity. “The United States has a goal of reducing energy intensity of the GDP 25% by 2030, relative to 2005.” Their plans consist of managing our country and making this place more energy efficient. They will create more energy efficient building in order to save money and sustain our environment. They have began to take steps toward a more energy efficient lifestyle. "From years 2010 to 2012, the state has allocated $3.1 billion to be funneled into energy efficiency and conservation programs, $718 million has been mandated for low-income-sector efficiency programs, and over $2 billion for retrofits of existing structures.(ASE)" A portion of the spendings from 2010 to 2012 was done as a lending hand to help the low income programs be a part in changing our environment.

 "Energy 2030 Reports." Alliance to Save Energy. N.p., 18 Sept. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.

-Inga Kirakosyan

HISTORY

There is always a start to everything. The saying "when one door closes another one opens" falls in very accurately with the situation that occurred with this oil embargo.  " The 1973 oil embargo and ensuing energy crisis proved to be a game changer in the U.S. It exposed the U.S.to global vulnerability because of unstable energy supplies and, combined with other factors, ushered in a period of high inflation."(ASE) At this time, the U.S. Was having trouble taking care of the need of oil for their citizens.  "The start of Carter’s presidency in 1977 also marked another important milestone for energy policy with the formation of the Department of Energy" (ASE) The Department of Energy came up with a new tactic at this time. They began to manage the usage of oil which helped them become more energy efficient.

"Energy 2030 Reports." Alliance to Save Energy. N.p., 18 Sept. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.

-Inga Kirakosyan

Solar Power

Well something those are not understanding is that being energy efficient is more of a long term investment. According to SUNRUN, "On average the total cost of solar installation can be between $15,000 to $29,000 for average sized systems sized between 4kW and 8kW." This does sound like a lot of money, but when calculating how much less one will spend on their electricity bills after installing solar panels, it is more than obvious that it is well worth it. Some customers have mentioned that they have saved $300 to $400 a month on electricity bills. That will annually be a well enough amount to change a persons mind.

 "Cost of Home Solar Power Systems." Cost of Home Solar Power Systems. SUNRUN, 2015.                 Web. 29 Apr. 2015.

-Inga Kirakosyan

Those of you who may ask, what is energy efficiency? Energy efficiency is using less energy (or power) to complete the same task. Most of us entirely rely on energy to get through our day with things such as electricity to cool and heat our homes, charge our electronics, use our appliances, and energy is even the fuel we use for our vehicles. Using less energy is something everybody tries to do, especially to save money. According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, "Energy efficiency is "using less energy to provide the same service."" A common phrase I have heard fro my family countless times is "Turn off the lights, you are wasting energy." In fact, production industries have came up with ways to waste less energy with the same products. Some may not be paying much attention but when buying house appliances, things like televisions, refrigerators, washer and dryers all have stickers that points out if it is an energy saver.

"What Is Energy Efficiency?" What's Energy Efficiency? Lawrence Berkeley National  Laboratory, 2015. Web. 7 Apr. 2015.

-Inga Kirakosyan

There a little steps everyone can take into creating a more energy efficient environment. From little things like turning off the lights to building energy efficient homes we can change a lot. When remodeling older homes it is more cost efficient in the long run to use products that in fact help manage the usage of energy. For smaller projects such as changing appliances from light bulbs to refrigerators it is more efficient to use Energy Star certified products. These appliances have been certified to save money and be more environmental friendly. They have been proven to save up to 30% on electricity bills. Also for the smaller things like energy efficient light bulbs, they will save one 30% to 80% on electricity bills compared to regular light bulbs. (How Can I Be More Energy Efficient?) Light bulbs may seem like a minor change, but in the long run they save a lot of money. Then there are the minor things that can be done such as turning off the lights and unplugging appliances that are not always being used. Every little step could make a big change if everyone contributes.

 "How Can I Be More Energy Efficient?" How Can I Be More Energy Efficient? Turn Back The Tide, 2013. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.

-Inga Kirakosyan

A popular company, GE Energy Management is doing all they can to improve our environment and make our world more energy efficient. Worldwide, GE gives everyone the opportunity to have the ability to transit energy safely. They work with industries like the marines, oil and gas, metal, etc. companies. They manage and limit the usage of electricity. Electricity is one of the things this generation needs to move forward. That being understood, we need help by such companies to manage our usage.

Work Cited:

“About Us.” GE Energy Management. GE Energy Management, 2015. Web. 7 Apr. 2015.

-Inga Kirakosyan