To come to the modern day, my son Ian has said many times, “I am always amazed at man’s ability to delude himself”!

It’s not a pretty picture around the globe, but it’s a real picture. If you are confused about why we are having unusually cold weather in the Northeast and in Europe, yet scientists still insist we have global warming, check out “Bundle Up –It’s Global Warming” in the December 26th issue of the NY Times for an explanation.

What are you doing TODAY to help avert CO2 emissions? Stay out of the mall–and spend your money on green efforts. Why not give a gift of a home energy audit to a loved one . . .or TED, The Energy Detective? Studies show that people modify their behavior when they see how many kilowatts they are using. Buy a hybrid car in the year-end sales. Look at what you can control–and Do it for the planet and our grandchildren.

What an accomplishment! The Tahoe Basin has been working hard on sustainability and is hosting an event at Embassy Suites TOMORROW, November 18th. Showcased will be the methods behind the hotel’s savings over $500,000 in energy costs–not to mention the huge savings in CO2 emissions. Compare that to Kirkwood’s spending over $500,000 with consultants, Power Engineers,–whose recommendation was to continue the commitment to an all diesel power plant, These consultants bypassed cleaner natural gas solutions, made no real effort to consider renewables and to date, have no real green back-up plan in case Kirkwood’s effort to interconnect to the national grid fails.

We can, and should, take some lessons from other positive role models who are making REAL progress towards sustainability. There is still time for Kirkwood to make a commitment to conservation, renewable energy sources and cleaner fossils fuels.

Click here for Sustainable Tahoe Event

Join me in guiding our community towards a more sustainable future for Kirkwood. As always, look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Raejean

Can you find the solar on this roof?

The roof is on, and barely visible to the eye are 14 arrays of photovoltaic laminates laid down between the standing seams on the metal roof.

Beautiful job Brett and Brian! Now comes the final electrical connection. Next week, Chuck of Arctic Electric will install the inverters, ready for connection to the Mountain Utilities transformer.

We are coming down the home stretch of this project, eagerly anticipating the day we can watch the solar production recording on the meters. We expect to generate between 12,000 and 14,000 kWh per year. All clean—no fossils fuels, no toxic emissions!

G-O   S-O-L-A-R !

Update

September 9th

The PV solar project at Raejean’s house began yesterday, in spite of some rain, sleet and even a little snow! Brett Johnson and his able crew continue today, tearing off the 16 year-old comp roof.

Both North and South roofs will be covered with Uni-solar’s 144W PV Module, Amorphous material. The laminate is more slippery than a metal roof alone, and will shed snow. The amorphous solar material collects energy a bit better than crystalline on cloudy days or through shade. Due to the laminate laying flat on the metal, neither snow load nor wind are issues. The system will be net-metered through the utility company, providing an excess of what the home consumes, helping to reduce the amount of fossil fuel burned in our community. This solar project is the second in the valley, and stands on the shoulders of Al Graf’s pioneering solar shingle project.

Solar Tile

Click Here For Tahoe Daily Tribune Story On GBUAPCD Hearing

Click Here For Sustainable Energy – NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LAB WEBSITE

APPEAL OF GREAT BASIN UNIFIED AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT’S

ISSUANCE OF ATC #1552-00-10 (9 MB file – takes a few seconds to load)

***

***

***

Response To The July 4, 2010 KMPUD Meeting:

The Oldest Trick in the Book

The proponents of the all diesel plant have played the oldest trick in the book on the community–  which is: perpetuate the perception that “outsiders are behind a movement to “force” the community into a decision.”  Nobody likes outsiders coming in to tell us what to do. I don’t and you don’t.

Remember that the PUD and KMR use consultants, who are “outsiders.”  in fact, KMR gave PUD its consultant (from Southern California) to handle the current situation.

Ask yourself whether there was a fair and objective presentation of the options for the community’s power in last Sunday’s July 4th PUD meeting–  when Kirkwood SMART Energy was given three minute time slots–  with Mr. Likins, CEO and man in the power position took a good portion of the two  hour meeting. There was very little opportunity to question his assertions compared to the length of time he was permitted to present his perspective.  How could the community really assess the complex range of options? Ask yourself if you want to believe everything that you are told by a man who, when he sees that the temporary power will cost more–threatens to pass that on to you in your propane bill–an area he has a long track record of overcharging you and where he is unregulated. Our propane bills have been 40% more than our neighbors in South Lake Tahoe. We pay in the range of $3.40 a gallon for propane. He says he needs this profit for infrastructure improvements. As he is selling his utility he won’t need to add to infrastructure. Why doesn’t he either sell NOW to PUD or use the $500,000+ he makes on propane profit to fund the extra dollars for the Cat-in-the boxes to be permitted for longer?

Either of these choices would result in no increase in propane rate for next year.

I find it interesting that I am being asked “Who is behind me?” when no one seemed to ask Standish O’Grady that question when he spent thousands on Friends of Kirkwood to help ensure responsible growth for Kirkwood. This question was asked and answered at the meeting.

Perhaps the most disturbing part of the tactics deployed on Sunday was the fear mongering. We were told the Cat-in-the-boxes won’t be reliable–  and “your homes will be destroyed.”   This was highly irresponsible. The Cat-in-the-boxes are engines which are portable– no big deal. They operate in Alaska in far worse conditions that we have.  They can, and in January MUST  be fitted with filters to lessen pollution emissions.  They do, like any power equipment, require professional management. If Mr. Likins can’t do that, I suggest we bring in someone who can. Very interesting that there were power “blips” this weekend–when, from January to June, as those of us who were here know, the machines ran remarkably reliably!

Kirkwood SMART Energy was launched on the Internet in March of 2009.  I am a 16 year resident of Kirkwood–  one of the first five homes in East Meadows. I love Kirkwood. It is very clear who I am and what I have been trying do this last year. And almost completely with my own funds. As I said at the meeting, I have two donors and they are in the community and not connected with any commercial business that could benefit from energy purchases at Kirkwood. I have donated countless hours of my time for my community. Why? Because my home is in trust for my children, and I want my grandchildren and their grandchildren to enjoy a sustainable community. We will be here long after the real estate developer and PUD management are gone.

I do understand that we all want the certainty of a solution for our power. I do not think long term power projects should be rushed. The short term additional cost is not a big deal when you consider the longer range implications of making a poor decision. We risk looking back and kicking ourselves for not taking an extra couple of months to look at more cost-effective, cleaner, greener solutions. We do know that an all diesel plant, no matter how many particulate filters you put on it, will not meet the State’s requirement for 1100 pounds of CO2 per megawatt hour. The hybrid natural gas/diesel plant is cleaner and is doable. This is a time when we should seize the opportunity to get the best possible long term solution we can–  not a quickie, rushed solution.

****

****

Kirkwood SMART Energy’s Response

To Tom Henie’s Comments Against A Bi-Fuel Plant

·         There is no instance where a natural-gas fired prime power generator has been installed at Kirkwood’s altitude; Not true – there are many examples as evidence shows.

·         Natural gas engines do not follow the variable electric load caused by the operation of the ski lifts, as well as diesel fired units; True – that’s why a Hybrid plant with Bi-Fuel (Diesel cycle) engines is the best solution.

·         Natural gas supplies would have to be trucked in from an extreme distance, raising the utility costs for all; Not true – LNG Nat Gas is 25% cheaper delivered to Kirkwood.

·         Since Kirkwood is not on the grid, expensive and very large storage facilities would have to be constructed; The Nat Gas storage is about $2MM – but the net installed cost proposed is less than the $12MM KMPUD indicated for Diesel.

·         Natural gas engines have a 51% deration factor at Kirkwood altitude; That number is for a single CAT model engine which would obviously be a really bad choice. Typical derate for all other engines average about 12% (0 to 25%) which is the exact same for diesels!

·         Distribution systems would have to be modified for the use of natural gas;This is relative to the Gas utility. May or may not be true….but at $1MM a year in savings, maybe those should be modified, if in fact it’s required.

·         No major engine company will warranty natural gas engines given Kirkwood’s unique circumstances; Not true. Every major engine company we know of will warranty. CAT, Cummins, GE-Jenbacher, MWM, Waukesha, Wärtsilä

·         The existing Powerhouse plans allow for alternate fuels to be used in the future; Then permit it as such.

·         If the Powerhouse cannot be built this year, the community will have to rely on very expensive, very dirty temporary diesel generators operated by Mountain Utilities; Temporary diesels can have added emissions controls and be cleaner than the old powerhouse – and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Whoever is selling the new engines (read big profit margin) should be working with Kirkwood on a reasonable cost bridge solution.

·         If the Powerhouse cannot be built this year, propane rates are likely to increase to offset the additional costs; Why doesn’t KMPUD take over the Gas Utility this year and lower rates as they should? If MU runs the Electric Utility this winter, then PUC will allow a fair regulated adjustment to electric rates

****

****

AT LAST FULL KMPUD ENGINEERING REPORTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC

LINK TO GREAT BASIN UNIFIED AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT DOCUMENTS FOR KMPUD POWER PLANT HEARING GB 10-02 (go to site and look for green public hearing box at bottom)

****

****

$12 Million Tier 2

All Diesel Power Plant

Approximately 600 Utility Customers Share Costs

$3 Million – Mountain Utilities Purchase

$12 Million – Power Plant

$35+ Million – Potential Grid

$50 MILLION

****

****

Why The Kirkwood Community

Needs A Bi-Fuel

Power Plant

Raejean Fellows speaking to the Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District’s Board of Directors at their June 10 meeting

Important News To Share

• Kirkwood Meadows Energy Future is now  Kirkwood SMART Energy, Inc., pending a non-profit 501(c) designation.

• The Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District has granted Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District the Authorization To Construct (ATC) a 100% diesel power plant.

• Kirkwood SMART Energy applied for a hearing to oppose the permit based on our belief that a bi-fuel (diesel and natural gas) is a viable option.

• We have been granted an extension for hearing date:  NEW DATE IS JULY 16, 2010 10:00 am in Markleeville, CA

• More developments on the way, and will be posted soon.  Natural gas is a possibility for Kirkwood. We do not have to continue with a power plant fueled by 100% diesel. There is a cleaner way. Watch the video to see how.

Hi Neighbors:

Raejean

***

Comparing Fuels and Co2 Emissions

Pounds of Co2 per million btu’s

Diesel              =  161.386

Propane           =  139.039

Natural Gas    =   115.258

Fuel Cost Comparison

Cost Per MMbtu*

Diesel                         $20.92

Propane                      $20.40

Natural Gas               $16.68

*Delivered cost to Kirkwood, prices from suppliers for Q1 2010

What A Blast!

***

***

***

AT LAST FULL KMPUD ENGINEERING REPORTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC

LINK TO GREAT BASIN UNIFIED AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT DOCUMENTS FOR KMPUD POWER PLANT HEARING GB 10-02 (go to site and look for green public hearing box at bottom… the date for hearing is wrong: It is July 16, 2010)

********************************************

SMART ENERGY HOME TOUR

Champagne Breakfast Buffet

JULY 4TH   7:00 am – 9:30 am

Host Raejean Fellows

464 East Meadows Drive

You are invited: See and learn about Home Energy Conservation

• Home/Building Energy Audits – can determine precisely for each home/building which remediation work is advisable based on owner’s goals and budget
• TED – Install smart energy device on electric meter to show precisely how much each appliance/fixture is costly/consuming.
• Lighting with Compact Fluorescent or LED
• Replace old recessed lights with newer trim kits—caulk and seal gaps
• Replace older and non-Energy Star electronics with Energy Star-rated electronics
• Weather Stripping
• Solar Roof Plans
• Natural Gas/Diesel Bi-Fuel Power Plant Information
• And lots more…

***********************************************

***********************************************

$12 Million Tier 2

All Diesel Power Plant

Approximately 600 Utility Customers Share Costs

$3 Million – Mountain Utilities Purchase

$12 Million – Power Plant

$35+ Million – Potential Grid

$50 MILLION

• Power Plant Overview – Click Here

• We recently sent out emails to several hundred Kirkwood residents and are getting responses back from you.  Thank You!  Kirkwood SMART Energy is a place for sharing of information and community dialogue around the topic of SMART energy solutions for Kirkwood. We welcome your comments.
• 
  
• Please note: Special KMPUD Meeting Monday June 21, 2010 at 2pm – Raejean Fellows made a public statement to the Board saying Kirkwood SMART Energy is continuing with the GBUAPCD July hearing opposing the Tier 2 diesel power plant.

***************************************

Why The Kirkwood Community

Needs A Bi-Fuel

Power Plant

Raejean Fellows speaking to the Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District’s Board of Directors at their June 10 meeting

Important News To Share

• Kirkwood Meadows Energy Future is now  Kirkwood SMART Energy, Inc., pending a non-profit 501(c) designation.

• The Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District has granted Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District the Authorization To Construct (ATC) a 100% diesel power plant.

• Kirkwood SMART Energy applied for a hearing to oppose the permit based on our belief that a bi-fuel (diesel and natural gas) is a viable option.  Hearing date is Thursday July 1st, 2010 in Markleeville, CA     

• We have been granted an extension for hearing date:  NEW DATE IS JULY 16, 2010 10:30 am

• More developments on the way, and will be posted soon.  Natural gas is a possibility for Kirkwood. We do not have to continue with a power plant fueled by 100% diesel. There is a cleaner way. Watch the video to see how.

Hi Neighbors:

Raejean

***

Bruce Odelberg’s Comments On May 13, KMPUD Meeting

Bruce Odelberg

If you have been reading my posts, you know that I tend to ramble on. This is no exception. Important decisions are about to be made that we will have to live with for many years.

On Thursday evening (May 13) we had another lively discussion concerning KMPUD’s progress on rebuilding the Power Plant. Two money matters were discussed, voted on, and approved. The first was for the continued design work on the new Power House, and the second was to bring the Grid Connection design and plans to the 75% level. This is the level it needs to be at for government agency reviews, permitting, and to get an accurate cost estimate. There was also a presentation from a team headed by a local homeowner (Jordan Daniels) on ways they could help to find solutions to Kirkwood’s unique energy problems. The presentation was well received, but lost some of its support when it was realized that the help and services they were proposing were not free.

The pier review of our consultant’s recommendations is in progress, and (so far) no problems have been identified. Next week (5/17-22), KMPUD will meet with CPUC on becoming a “retail electric service provider”. The current plan for the Power House includes five generator stations, plus one station for future expansion. The building will be designed to allow for “easy” implementation of future technology (it was not explained what that actually means). Staff was directed to look into using some other electricity source (micro-turbines, propane fueled generator, etc.) for use in the summer months when our demands are lower, steadier, and propane is at a lower rate. The idea being that diesel generators would only be used during the winter season, when demand is high and unsteady (chair lifts starting and stopping). In late May to early June, we will be going out for a $7.5 million loan to fund the construction of the Power House, purchase Mountain Utilities, replenish the districts reserves (that have been spent on Grid Connection engineering), and to continue with Grid Connection engineering.

A major part of the evening was spent discussing the controversy over the planned use of diesel fueled generator sets. No one wants to use diesel to power the generators, but the PUD’s consultants keep reporting back that diesel is the only fuel the really makes sense. There have been many suggestions that we should be looking into Natural Gas as a fuel. Because we do not have piped-in Natural Gas, it would have to be brought into Kirkwood by truck as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). LNG must be kept at –260 F. to remain a liquid. Depending on who is doing the talking, the nearest source of LNG is either in Southern California, Reno, or less then a day’s truck drive away; and, this transportation of LNG is either a big problem with lots of risk and danger, or it is a known technology and no big deal. Storing the LNG brings up the same controversy of it being either a BIG problem, or NO problem. A further unfortunate difficulty is that the number one pro Natural Gas “consultant” also designs, sells, and installs Natural Gas equipment; and he is lacking in “people skills” and has thus “turned off” the PUD and its directors with his manners and phone calls to their homes. Both sides have facts and figures that promote their view. There seems to be a big difference of opinion between our PUD’s consultant and other “consultants” as to what is possible, practical, and the overall best solution.

The question that many of us have is: Why are we in such a rush to have the Power Plant operational by November of this year? We know that November is when construction stops because of snow. But why “this year”? Who benefits and what is the benefit of rushing the rebuild. This is a big project (especially for us), and even if things go reasonably well, there is no guarantee that it can be completed by November. Wouldn’t it be better to just build the Power House foundation this year? The foundation would be the same regardless of the fuel source for our generators. Our Asset Purchase Agreement with Mountain Utilities does not require construction to start until next year. KMPUD staff feels that they have a community mandate to build the new Power House as soon as possible. I do not think that this is true. In my opinion, and that of those whom I have talked with, we would much rather have a Power Plant that we can be proud of. And I don’t just mean that the building “looks good”. Rushing to build something hardly ever results in an optimum end product. Even though our KMPUD has a good track record, we all know about the other “K Factor” (the first being the resort’s marketing tag line; and the other being “if it can go wrong, …”). I believe that the actual community mandate is to get our energy sources (gas and electricity) into the hands of a non-profit public utility. I have not seen a mandate to rebuild as fast as possible. I am not totally anti-diesel. If it is the best way (and not just the cheapest) then we have to go with it. I just feel that not all the facts are in, and that the “facts” that we have are sometimes contradictory. As an example, there was a handout from PUD Staff at the meeting that contained copies of some correspondences and a “fact sheet” called “Disadvantages of Natural Gas” (Board Packet page 5A-21). This “fact sheet” seems to have been written to promote all electric heating for your home. Most of the statements apply to all fuels (not just Natural Gas) and are unrelated to our situation. Reading between the lines, I would say that this “fact sheet” was probably written by whomever supplies electricity to New York City (Con Edison??), and in my opinion falls in the W.T.F. category. Why was this included in the handout? I sure hope that this is not the kind of “data” that is being used in the PUD Board’s decision-making process.

A further problem with the rush to get the Power House operational by November 2010, is that this can only accomplish by resorting to non-competitive bids. There is just not enough time to go through the competitive bid process. The PUD has declared this to be an “emergency replacement” to get around the bidding requirements in our laws. Is this the best way to get good value for our money?

Much of this would be easier if we knew if the Grid Connection project was going to be built. Diesel generators would be much easier to accept if we knew that they would only be used for standby once the Grid Connection line is built. But we will not know the “build – no build” answer until sometime this September. While it is felt that the project will be permitted, what the final cost will be, and thus how much our electric rate will be is unknown. The PUD’s consultant’s preliminary estimates are for a rate in the mid to upper $0.30 per KWH. While a knowledgeable and respected local homeowner, with experience in financing, estimates a cost in the mid $0.70 per KWH (the pro Natural Gas “consultant” also estimates it to be in this high range). Big question: How can these numbers be so wildly different? Who is not seeing the whole picture?

On another topic. If in this June’s election, California Proposition 16 were to pass, KMPUD will have to hold an election, and receive a 2/3 Yes vote, before they can go into the electric business. The Board approved starting the necessary paper work for a Special Election in case Proposition 16 passes. This will be a vote of approximately 100 people. A positive 2/3 vote can be hard to achieve in any election, especially if there are questions about what is going on. Proposition 16 is the work of, and heavily funded by, P.G.&E. This is their effort to protect their monopoly of providing electric service to their current customers. It is in everyone’s best interest (except stockholders of P.G.&E.) to vote NO on Proposition 16.

If you have any opinions on the way we should proceed, or feel that there questions that have not been answered, you should contact the KMPUD Board of Directors. It will be the Board’s vote as to how we proceed. The only real voting that we get to do (and only if you are registered to vote in Kirkwood) is if Proposition 16 passes, and then it will be a “do or die” vote. And if the vote results in “die”, we are in big trouble, and will have wasted a huge amount of time, energy, and MONEY. It might also mean that we would be back with Mountain Utilities.

Bruce

MORE INFORMATION ON NATURAL GAS

“How Shale Gas Will Rock the World” – Wall Street Journal

Great article about new discoveries and technologies in mining which will make  natural gas the next big thing, according to the author of this article in the Wall Street Journal– Amy Myers Jaffe, Professor, Rice University.

Ms. Jaffe is the Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies at the James A. Baker III Institute

for Public Policy at Rice University and co-author of “Oil, Dollars, Debt and Crises: The Global

Curse of Black Gold.” She can be reached at reports@wsj.com.

Comparing Fuels and Co2 Emissions

Pounds of Co2 per million btu’s

Diesel              =  161.386

Propane           =  139.039

Natural Gas    =   115.258

Fuel Cost Comparison

Cost Per MMbtu*

Diesel                         $20.92

Propane                      $20.40

Natural Gas               $16.68

*Delivered cost to Kirkwood, prices from suppliers for Q1 2010

May 6, 2010

Had a wonderful tour today with  President, Jim Webb and Gas Manager, Martell Brower of Lower Valley Energy here in Jackson and Afton, Wyoming.

What a state-of-the-art way to do power! Clean, inexpensive, safe and well managed. We learned there is potential for a natural gas power plant at Kirkwood. This energy co-op is an inspiration. Even though, they have the lowest power rate in the country (5 cents kWh), they have a creative and dynamic conservation program to reduce energy consumption.

Sign The Green Power Plant For Kirkwood Now Petition – click here

To:  California Air Board SMART Energy for Kirkwood
A New State-of-the-Art Natural Gas Power Plant

KMPUD will be building a new power plant to replace the one burned in the fire.
The good news is, it looks like there may be a cleaner (and cheaper!) alternative to diesel.

The Air Board has given Kirkwood a permit to burn diesel in the temporary generators until January 2011. Kirkwood will likely need an extension of this permit to fully review the natural gas alternative to diesel and if feasible, build a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly, natural gas power plant.

Since the original diesel plant was permitted, there has been significant development of housing (some near the new site). A new diesel plant may adversely impact this housing. The state of California has legislation which prohibits building new diesel plants if there is a cleaner alternative.

Natural gas is cleaner, quieter and cheaper. Our PUD has an obligation to its community to serve it with the most reliable, cleanest, and most cost effective power. The target fuel price for a natural gas power plant is realistic at 25 cent a kWh, a far cry from the 48 cents we paid in March.

But we need time. Is it really necessary to rush?
This decision will impact many generations of residents and visitors to our pristine valley for decades to come.

We ask that an extension be granted. We ask that the Air Board flatly deny any permit to build a diesel plant until the natural gas alternative has been fully reviewed and brought to an open meeting of the PUD on a Saturday morning, when our largely vacation homeowners can attend. And further, that the meeting be videotaped and uploaded to the web within 24 hours.

Concerned citizens for SMART energy solutions for Kirkwood.

***

Hello Neighbors:

El Nino is delivering as promised, huge snow for Kirkwood. Now with the sun coming out, we are in for epic days in the mountains!

On the energy front, an important KMPUD meeting is coming up in March:

Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District

Community Meeting

Saturday, March 13, 2010

10:00am

Topics to Include:

• District’s Effort to Connect an Electrical Line to the National Grid;
• District’s Effort to Purchase Mountain Utilities Electric and Propane System;
• Update on Plans to Build a new Electrical Powerhouse.

I would recommend any homeowners who cannot attend, and who would be interested in viewing video of this meeting, live or delayed, contact the PUD immediately with this request.

As you know, Kirkwood is 99% vacation homeowners, and we are not all in the valley all the time. To have input, we need to have the information.

Becoming informed about energy issues (real-time) is possible on the internet.

Make your opinion on this known to the KMPUD: Call Michael Sharp or Tom Henie: 209-258-4444 or e-mail him at: www.kmpud@volcano.net

The KMPUD needs to communicate on an on-going basis in this very important time where we are at a crossroads in our energy decisions. This is not something you want to wait to hear about in your HOA meeting on July 4th weekend!

Make your voice heard!

Your friend in SMART Energy solutions for Kirkwood,

Raejean

LINK HERE

Hello neighbors:

Hope you are all okay–with fireplaces lit, flashlights and candles at the ready.

What a mess! Here is the link to a news article, although there aren’t many “facts” as of this writing. As in, how did this happen?

KOLO NEWS REPORT LINK

You may know that Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Mountain Utilities are owned by largely the same people. www.Kirkwood.com speaks of  ”they” –when really it is “we”–Just keeping Mr. Cobb and Mr. Likins honest. Let’s hope there is not too much damage from this failure, and that those responsible will own up and make good.

Yours in a-really-big-change-is-needed-for-energy-in-this-valley-NOW!

Raejean

What a great storm, high winds all night, and snow right through the morning. At 1:00pm, the sun is out, sierra blue sky, wish you were here?

Rumor has it, the Resort will open Friday, December 4th. Stay tuned . . .

My friend, TED (The Energy Detective) is telling me I am consuming .7 kWh at the moment. I am still working on conservation, last projects include installing a pilot of Vermont window quilts on my upper trapezoidal windows in the bedroom to keep the cold out, and energy-film on a couple of other trapezoidal windows. These windows are a real challenge to deter heat transfer and insulate, as you probably know.

Enough computer time . . I am out to take Romeo for a romp in the snow.

Cheers,

Raejean

Leo Smith

Peter Dornbrook

Eric Richert