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Sc300 Assignment 4

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Sc300 Assignment 4
Unit 4 Assignment
Kaplan University
SC300-12

Part 1: Energy and me Energy and me. I use several different forms of energy. The one I most often used is electricity which is generated from a power plant in my area. It is my understanding that Power plants make electricity out of other forms of energy. “Majority of electricity in the United States comes from converting the heat energy released from burning fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas and oil. The rest is generated from nuclear reactors and from renewable sources, such as sunlight, wind, falling water and geothermal heat.” (Where does electricity come from? June 2013) I would guess that when I travel and where I work that the electricity is originated the same way. I also use wind energy by hanging out my clothes to dry in my backyard instead of always using my dryer. I grew up doing that (hated it as a kid) but noticed that not only does it save me energy costs but it helps me show my kids how to participate in saving the environment. Although, I live in Arizona I cannot use wind energy year round. So, my electricity consumption goes up from end of November until March when it gets “cold.” In my mind, I offset one use for another to try and balance it all. I, as previously mentioned, live in Arizona. The electric company in my area collects a renewable energy surcharge for a Renewable Energy Program called the “SunWatts.” “The Program expenses include program incentives, debt service for the PV for schools program, the SunWatts loan program, and other program costs.” (Renewable Energy Program, 2013) This program basically work in conjunction with other programs here such as replacing windows in older houses and solar panel loans to lower energy costs to Arizonans. About two or three years ago, I looked into solar panels for our house. I wanted not only to get a rebate on my taxes for solar panels but I also wanted to reduce my family’s personal footprint on the energy

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