GUEST POST
Supply and demand are economic factors that determine energy costs in every area of the United States. Areas with dense populations require more energy than areas with sparse populations. In addition, areas where temperatures vary widely demand is greater than in areas where temperatures are mild throughout the year. Energy production and delivery in Texas, California and New York illustrate why rates vary in different areas. For more information see www.texaselectricityproviders.com.
New York
New York produces about 1.2 percent of the nation’s energy and has a per capita expenditure of $3,177. The average temperature is 45.4 degrees Fahrenheit. The average low in January is 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average high in July is 83 degrees Fahrenheit.
Their consumption of electricity is approximately 600 kilowatt hours per month at a cost of 17 cents per kilowatt hour, which is a higher rate than most states. New York ranks as the fourth least consumer of electricity.
New York is the third highest consumer of natural gas. Their cost is around $16.75 per 1000 cubic feet of gas.
California
The average temperatures in California along the coast range from 74 degrees Fahrenheit at Long Beach to 58 degrees at Fort Bragg.
- Los Angeles
Energy to operate electronic and electrical devices in the nation’s second largest city increases demand and drives the cost up. Residents pay 16 cents per kilowatt hour, which is 5 cents above the national average. The average low in January is 48 degrees, and the average August high is 85 degrees.
Natural gas consumption is low, and the average price is $10.40 per 1000 cubic feet. Solar energy is abundantly available, but homeowners have not taken advantage of this source.
- San Diego
Residents of San Diego pay 16 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity. Natural gas costs $10.65 per thousand cubic feet, and they have abundant potential for solar energy.
Texas
Since Texas is a large area, residents’ energy demand varies with the location.
- Austin
The temperature in Austin is above 80 degrees most of the year. For that reason, residents have a high demand for air conditioning. Since winters are mild, the demand for heating is low.
Electricity prices are average to low compared with the national average. Since Texas produces three-tenths of the nation’s natural gas, Austin residents pay $8.20 per thousand cubit feet.
- Dallas
Winters are mild, but temperatures stay around 96 degrees in July and August. Efficient use of energy is essential to keep costs down.
Texas residents pay 12 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity. Natural gas costs around $10 per thousand cubit feet. Although Texas is the top crude oil producer in the nation, it also leads in wind-power production. In addition, Dallas has great potential for solar systems.
Since energy rates depend on supply and demand, Texas can provide the least expensive energy of the three states.
I live in New York (down near the city) and I can attest to the high cost of electric and gas!! I would like to point out that there are parts of NYS that border Canada and probably spend more then we do down state!! My thought is that perhaps we should harness some of the wind we get around here to lower the cost!