[TheForge] illinois electrical rates

[Michael]

Terry,
The pneumatic idea won't work, but there are other things ranging from the
practical to the whimsical.

(1) Not all power use affects the meter the same. Electricians can go into
this much better than I, but here's a little story to illustrate the point:

The power bill in my shop (Orange County, California 1970) was split into
single and three-phase portions. Only the 110V was on single phase. All of
the 220V power was from a separate three phase line. All the equipment other
than hand grinder, lights, phone, adding machine, and coffee pot was 220V. I
didn't use much light in the shop, and what there was in both shop and
office was fluorescent. The welders, compressor, punch press, scroll bender,
and picket twister were all 220V; the three-phase(220V) bill average about
$25, and the single phase ran between $120 and $135 per month...

(2) It may only be an urban myth, but I've heard that high-speed motors (ex.
grinders) really excite an electrical meter. I've also heard that
electricity can be passed through a three-phase motor generator and still
make great savings on an electrical bill--even with the energy loss by doing
so.

(3) Some warm-glass enthusiasts I've talked to recommend using a
motor-generator to make your own electricity for high use purposes, and only
using utility power in the normal way at home. You can probably hook up a
generator to a natural gas feed and run circles around the electrical
company rates.

My conclusion: If you want to defend yourself against greedy utilities, your
fight will take place at the meter. Any electrical types may feel free to
jump in at this point.
Mikey




































































425

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of terry l. ridder
Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 10:44 AM
To: theforge at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [TheForge] illinois electrical rates

hello;

illinois residential electrical rates are going up 20% next year. this
is going to be a hit for me. so i am looking at places were i can
conserve on electrical usage.

switching out to all pneumatic tools from electrical tools and
purchasing or salvaging a non-electrical air compressor and a large air
reservoir.

a new/used 500 gallon bulk propane tank, would make a large air
reservior.

would anyone know of any studies done concerning the energy savings
between electrical and pneumatic tools?

also what other areas should i look at for possible conservation?
the garage and shop has propane gas lights as does my computer room. the
propane gas lights provide light and heat during the long winter nights.

-- 
terry l. ridder ><>
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