How to Apply for an Exemption?
Small distributors can simply download the application from the PUCSL web site. The applicant should submit the accurately prepared application with all the necessary documents, information and also a fee of 1000 LKR to the Commission. Thereafter, the Commission grants the exemption for the applicant, followed by a Gazette Notification, Public notice on newspapers and notices to other relevant parties including the Minister of Power and Energy. After the exemption is granted, the distributor should come up with a proposal for the tariff rate, seeking the approval of the Commission. The General guidelines that the distributor should follow to decide the tariff rate, are available at the PUCSL web site. The distributor should also submit all related and necessary documents to support his proposal.
How do power plants make electricity?
Various energy sources are used to turn turbines. The spinning turbine shafts turn electromagnets that are surrounded by heavy coils of copper wire inside generators. This creates a magnetic field, which causes the electrons in the copper wire to move from atom to atom.
Why is it important for people in the United States to save energy? Aren't we just a relatively small part of a large planet?
Although Americans make up only 4.5% of the world's population, we use about 19% of the world's energy!
What kind of a difference does replacing a regular light bulb with an energy-saving bulb really make?
Replacing one incandescent light bulb with an energy-saving compact fluorescent bulb prevents 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted to the atmosphere from power plants, and saves $67 dollars in energy costs over the bulb's lifetime
Which type of renewable energy is currently most relied on in the United States?
Hydropower. In 2010, it accounted for 6% of all the electricity generated in the United States, and 66% of all the electricity generated from renewable energy. (Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electricity in the United States)
What's the difference between global warming and the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is created because certain gases sent into our atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, allow radiation from the sun to pass through the earth's atmosphere, but prevent a portion of the infrared radiation from the earth's surface and lower atmosphere from escaping into outer space. This process occurs naturally; without it our planet's temperatures would be about 60° cooler! Life as we know it simply would not exist without the natural greenhouse effect. However, global warming is happening because the greenhouse effect has become intensified primarily by the burning of fossil fuels, which adds more carbon dioxide and other gases to the atmosphere and increases the warming process.
Since global warming is already in effect, isn't it too late to make a difference through energy efficiency and conservation measures?
No! If we get serious about energy-saving practices, we can lower our energy costs by several hundred dollars per household per year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
How can planting trees help counter the effects of global warming?
Trees take carbon dioxide out of the air and give back oxygen, thus helping reduce the excess of greenhouse gases hovering in the atmosphere and heating up the planet.
We don't have a hybrid vehicle, and can't afford to buy one right now. So, since my parents need to drive to work and drive me to school, it seems like reducing the amount of gas we use isn't really possible, is it?
Of course it's possible! There are numerous other ways to reduce gasoline usage short of switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle. Carpooling, biking and walking are three excellent ways to significantly reduce gas usage, as are telecommuting for work and riding public transportation. Also, combining trips to school or work with routine errands cuts down significantly on miles traveled.
Is it true that cars could run on cow manure?
Yes! Manure can be made into a gas containing methane. (Methane is the same energy-rich gas found in natural gas.) Certain types of bacteria emit this gas as they consume the waste collected in special air-free tanks. The mixture of gases produced in this way, called biogas, can then be used in some modified car engines instead of gasoline, or burned in a boiler to generate heat or electricity.
I have heard that landfills can be a source of energy. How does that work?
Just like manure, other types of organic waste emit methane as they decompose—or rot—in the landfill. Landfills can collect and treat the methane, and then sell it as a commercial fuel, or they can burn it to generate steam and electricity. Today, there are almost 400 gas energy landfill projects operating in the United States.