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Power to the
People
Two weeks ago, we used this space to encourage
Dominion Virginia Power stockholders to put
pressure on the company to abandon, at least for the near term, its plans to build a 500-kilovolt power line across the Piedmont. *Energy
efficiency is the new buzzword, and if individuals and businesses sign on to President Obama’s Inauguration call for a new age of responsibility — and we think they will — the $1 billion or so that Dominion is getting ready to invest in the project could be a significant financial setback for those holding the utility’s stock.
The Washington Post subsequently reported that regional electricity usage dropped two percent in 2008. Depending on with whom you talk, the drop reflects that energy conservation is gaining traction, or, more mundanely but no less effectively, that higher rates are putting the crunch on tightening budgets — and wasteful habits.
Dominion credits — blames? — the drop in electricity usage on 2008’s mild winter and continues to claim that demands are growing, not diminishing.
We suggested, two weeks ago, that new energy czar Carol Browner might have the authority to step into the debate, and, if the administration for which she works is serious about change, about global warming, about re-examining standard operating procedures and business as usual, she might consider whether Dominion needs to be reined in, and, if so, what tools she has with which to apply the brakes.
Despite what you may believe about mass mailings, they are very effective. When House and Senate staffers are hit with the same message over and over, the issue they are addressing tends to blip louder on the radar.
Conservation is back in the spotlight. Electricity usage is under the microscope both in homes and businesses. We have an energy czar with significant power. We are told that government officials who are inundated with messages get the message.
Hmmm.
Rappahannock has some 7,000 residents, Fauquier has 65,000 and the other counties affected by Dominion’s steel towers — Culpeper, Loudoun, Prince William — kick in a whole lot more.
If you are interested, the Department of Energy receives mail at U S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C., 20585. Emails can be sent to The.Secretary@hq.doe.gov .
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