The energy sector is changing rapidly. Mostly how customers are getting it-NOT through power companies. The federal Energy Information Administration (EIA) now predicts power demand growth of only 0.7 percent per year, down from about 3 percent per year in the 1990s.

Affordable Alternative Energy

There are four primary causes attributed to this shift in where and how consumers get their energy needs met. These factors have allowed consumers to not only choose energy sources but dictate their usage.

1. Natural Gas
2. Solar Power
3. Efficient Appliances
4. Wind Power

What is the role of state and local government in this transition?

State governments usually regulate utilities, and local governments are getting more involved in setting policy as well. They can either encourage a graceful transition or be impediments to innovation. Local governments also are responsible for issuing permits for distributed generation. Cities are beginning to streamline their permitting processes and lower their fees, making it easier for developers to finish projects.

Many cities, especially in California, Illinois and Ohio, are looking at “community choice aggregation,” in which cities buy power from competitive suppliers on behalf of their citizens, without acquiring the assets of their local power company and becoming a municipal utility. In Illinois alone, more than 650 cities and towns have chosen this option in the last two years.

Frog Hauling supports innovation and new technologies when it comes to energy creation, distribution and use. We are proud of Ohio cities and governments for being at the forefront of these exciting new changes.