Re: EV/Hybrid Survey

["Peter VanDerWal" <peter_v@primenet.com>]

>>...I can't remember what the current figure is, but
>>isn't something like 75% of our electricity produced by burning
>fossilefuels? ...
>
>Maybe true for some parts of the country. But, as of 1997, California's
>power mix was only 21% coal and 30% natural gas. The rest came from either
>renewable or non-polluting sources. The mix might be even better as of
>1999.
>


I was speaking nationwide.  It's interesting to note then even in
california, with it's abundant hydro-power(relatively speaking), over 50%
of it's power comes from fossil fuels.

>
>You can also choose your electricity provider. You have the option of 100%
>renewable sources at a small premium. This might not affect the current
mix
>but does encourage investment in renewable sources.  California has smog
>problems in several areas caused by automobiles. Even the current power
mix
>should be cleaner than the almost 100% fossil fuel used in cars.
>


In california you can choose, most places in the US you can't choose
between fossil fuels on renewable.  In fact most places in the US you only
have one choice for commercial power, whoever it is that services your
neighborhood.