Week is FLYING BY!

We've had an ultra successful week so far - still TWO more working days to go - and I don't see us slowing down.

Today I attended the Arizona Management Society Lunch - the speaker was from APS and shared with us the science, alternatives and challenges associated with renewable energy. An absolutely fascinating lecture. Here is the shortened summary of what I learned:

APS is very interested in renewable energy disbursement. They provide incentives to both customers and corporations in the form of a cost percentage return and they will buy from the customer unused wattage. (There is also a tax credit available through the government). The speaker said that solar water heaters have the quickest investment return. The problem with whole house solar power is that the technology is still relatively new, is being improved upon at a rapid rate and is still fairly expensive - similar problem to computers or plasma tv's or digital cameras - but that eventually nearly every home in Arizona will be powered by solar energy. They are actively searching out companies and municipalities that would be willing to partner with them to accomplish the goals set forth by the AZ Corporation Commission.

One of the most interesting things was the explanation of why we will always still need natural gas or coal, for example, as an energy source. Simply because solar, nuclear and wind powers can't be "ramped up" when energy demands are at their highest point. Rather those alternate forms of energy provide for the base energy needs and then in order to reach demand at peak times, natural gas or coal can be added to fulfill that need.

That's obviously shortened and condensed version - definitely worthwhile.