Every year our local electric cooperative has an annual meeting and dinner for it's members. This is the first year I was able to attend. It was a great experience.
They had their lift bucket trucks on display and were giving rides to those with a desire. That looked to be quite the experience - wished I had gone up.
They had a most interesting display of various types of underground cable. Part of this display included a machine that sends a signal along underground cable to detect where the cable has failed. A read out is provided giving the distance along the cable where it failed . Then a signal can be sent which causes a firecracker like noise to take place at the fault. This allows crews to dig within two feet of the fault and make repairs.
Many electric cars were on display. I learned that even though lots of new meters are being installed every year overall demand for electricity is declining. This is not surprising given the increased energy efficiency of appliances and lighting. The only thing on the horizon expected to increase demand is the wide spread use of electric cars.
Not surprisingly electrical companies are promoting electric cars. Quite a few were on display at this annual meeting along with the owners who were telling about their driving experiences.
Enjoyed discussions about solar energy and net metering and the efforts the company is putting forward to increase use of renewable energy.
I found out that about 45% of our power comes from coal fired generating plants, 33% from renewable energy sources (Hydro, Wind, Solar), 12% from purchase on the open market at great prices and the remainder from Oil or gas fired generation. The coal fired plants are owned by our supplier of electricity (NRE) while the renewable energy is from private companies under contract. The latter is due to non profit electric companies not being able to take Federal tax credits for renewable energy while private companies can.
The dinner was well done with many choices of BBQ and all the fixin's. Turns out the folks I shared a table with are narrow gauge railroad buffs which made for interesting dinner conversation.
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| Took the opportunity to top up the charge on the car |
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| Lift truck on display |
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| All ready to give rides |
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| Loading the passenger |
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| Wheeee! |
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| A few of the many electric cars on display |
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| Drink mugs in the form of large light bulbs were given to each member |
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| The various types of underground cable were on display. I learned what is the replacement cable for what was installed up here in the early 70's. |
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| This fascinating machine tells the repair crews where there is a fault with an underground cable and where to dig |
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| A "BOT" was on hand to greet the children |
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| Pretty good turn out for the dinner |
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