New England Diary

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War-time energy news

Outdoor part of house heat pump

Adapted from Robert Whitcomb’s “Digital Diary,’’ in GoLocal24.com

The United Kingdom will nationalize part of London-based National Grid to better secure the country’s electricity system in light of Russian aggression and to accelerate the move to non-fossil-fuel-based electricity generation.

National Grid runs the electricity and natural-gas system in Rhode Island, though it’s been trying to sell it to PPL.

In this wartime, look for more moves like Britain’s.

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Every little bit helps.  There’s a campaign to make and deliver to Europe  by the fall millions of U.S. heat pumps – those air conditioners that also take ambient heat from outside to heat homes and offices. This would help reduce the use of Russian natural gas for heating as winter  comes on. Revenue from that gas has been used to murder many thousands of men, women and children since Putin began his assault on Ukraine.

President Biden could use the Defense Production Act to get American factories to greatly increase its production of heat pumps.

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It’s irritating that so many people leave their car and truck engines running and polluting while they’re away shopping, etc., because they want the heater or air conditioner to keep their vehicles at exactly the temperature they had while driving. What a waste. There is such massive energy waste in this country!