In Texas up to $7.7 million in financial incentives is being made available toward the purchase or lease of new natural gas vehicles (NGV) powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane, and electric vehicles, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) announced.
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USGS Finds Methane in Pennsylvania Water Wells Before Drilling
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said it found naturally occurring dissolved methane at several household wells used for drinking water in Sullivan County, PA, during pre-drill baseline testing at sites not near existing oil and gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale.
Industry Brief
San Diego Gas and Electric Co. has expanded the number of customers potentially eligible for its low-income energy-saving programs to comply with changes in state income guidelines. The Sempra Energy utility calls its expanded program the “Energy Team” program, featuring various home energy-savings-improvement services. Energy Team offers income-qualified renters and homeowners no-cost services that include: door weather-stripping and caulking; ceiling insulation; low-flow showerheads; and energy-efficient refrigerators, along with other minor home repairs that can reduce energy use. Last year, more than 11,000 qualified customers received a variety of home-weatherization services, SDG&E said. New income guidelines established by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) were effective last June 1, permitting household incomes of $28,000 for one- and two-person households, up to a maximum of $54,300 annual incomes for households of six or more. For each household member above the six, another $6,900 of income can be added. The income levels were adjusted by the CPUC, effective June 1, to reflect changes in the federal poverty guidelines.
Microsoft CEO Touts Innovation, IT to Grow a Smaller Energy Workforce
The oil and natural gas industry faces a huge talent crunch in the next five years, with 50% of the industry workforce eligible to retire coupled with dwindling enrollment in undergraduate petroleum engineering programs. However, Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer said that savvy companies should use growing energy information technology to bridge the generation gap and to secure an ample Web-based global workforce.
Microsoft CEO Touts Innovation, IT to Grow a Smaller Energy Workforce
The oil and natural gas industry faces a huge talent crunch in the next five years, with 50% of the industry workforce eligible to retire coupled with dwindling enrollment in undergraduate petroleum engineering programs. However, the CEO of Microsoft Corp. said that savvy companies should use growing energy information technology to bridge the generation gap and to secure an ample Web-based global workforce.
CPUC Increases Baseline Allowances for Residential Customers
California regulators Tuesday increased the amount of natural gas and electricity eligible for lower rates, effectively giving small monthly savings to the customers of the state’s major private-sector utilities. The higher baseline levels become effective May 1, following a review of the volumes that was started last year by the state regulatory commission.
GA Governor Acts on Behalf of Disconnected Gas Customers
With 42,000 Georgia retail gas customers still disconnected from service (down from 200,000 eligible for disconnection last spring) mainly because of unpaid bills, Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes has asked the state’s Consumers’ Utility Counsel to file a request that the state Public Service Commission (PSC) designate a provider of last resort (POLR) before the winter begins. Barnes also has appointed a task force to look into problems in Georgia’s gas market.