On the Evergreen Bookshelf: Before the Lights Go Out

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We‘re avid readers here at Evergreen, and we’ve been telling everyone about Maggie Koerth-Baker’s new book on the future of America’s energy system.  Here’s why.


“It’s easy to come away from daily news reports on America’s energy crisis with nothing but a bunch of new buzzwords to memorize and the vague sense that we’re all totally screwed.”
– Maggie Koerth-Baker, author of Before the Lights Go Out

As storms and heat pummel the East Coast, forest fires rage in the too-dry West, and oil prices jitterbug across our bank accounts, it’s hard not to think about this winter, and next spring, and what happens when the looming energy crisis gets real.

Maggie Koerth-Baker is way ahead of us, and her intensely readable Before the Lights Go Out is the perfect way to get up to speed.  Like her posts on BoingBoing.net, the popular blog where Koerth-Baker serves as science editor, Before the Lights Go Out makes sophisticated concepts accessible.  From peak oil to Passive Houses, from electricity to emissions, Koerth-Baker explains the state of our energy system – past, present, and future – in prose that is clear, calm, and constructive.

Before the Lights Go Out traces the circuitous path from America’s first electrical power plant – bought on a whim by an Appleton, WI millionaire in 1882 – to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas – the futuristic control center where a handful of energy “wizards” constantly tweak electric supply and demand to keep the grid balanced.  What it reveals is an energy infrastructure cobbled together over more than a century, full of what Koerth-Baker calls “kludgey temporary fixes that became long-term staples.” 

That’s been mostly okay, because our demand for electricity has grown as slowly as our ability to supply it.  Over time, America’s energy needs have changed dramatically, and our energy sources have, too.  Our current grid is limping along with these new developments, but if we want an infrastructure that can really support our energy future, Koerth-Baker argues that we’re going to have to be organized about it. 

She suggests that America’s energy future hinges on our ability to balance the tripod of efficiency, infrastructure, and alternative energy generation.  We need to lower our energy needs with efficiency measures that slash waste and get the most bang per BTU; we need natural gas, cleaner coal, and nuclear power to keep the system stable while we build the grid of the future; and we need alternative sources of power to feed into a smart grid with enough storage capacity to decouple supply and demand.  Because the current grid has no storage capacity, electricity must be generated and consumed in real time, and demand puts an artificial, but essential, limit on how much supply we can handle.

Creating this grid won’t be easy, and it certainly won’t be cheap, but it is possible, and it will be fascinating.  The innovative projects Koerth-Baker describes – Passive Houses so efficient that they don’t need heating systems; native grass cultivation that slows erosion, improves soil quality, and serves as super-local energy sources; crowdsourcing with electric car batteries – each offer “a solution, not the solution.”  The fossil fuel era spoiled us with a powerful, reliable, relatively inexpensive source of energy, but the next generation of power will be far more diverse.

Koerth-Baker’s great accomplishment is making this future sound exciting rather than terrifying.  Energy change is happening.  The sky may, in fact, be falling, but we can catch it, and if we’re willing to embrace the change our energy systems need, we can even lift it up for good.

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Portland

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Emily Gallant

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Rockland

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Wells

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Owls Head

Greetings one and all! I am writing to express my gratitude to all involved in my insulation project.  From start to finish, I appreciate the universal theme which was maintained by each and every one of you, to ensure that my home was insulated and protected from freezing pipes as if it was your home. Andrea, thanks for helping me navigate my way to the project. Nate, thanks for the thorough initial assessment and the time you took to explain this project to me, step by step. Brian, thanks for setting up my project - so happy

Michele

Evergreen was so helpful in securing us Efficiency Maine funding for a big attic insulation project early this winter. They did all of the paperwork, and totally guided us through a vermiculite removal process that included a payment from a trust for the procedure. I could instantly feel the second floor being so much warmer than before. The boiler does not kick on nearly as frequently since they completed the job. It was worth every penny! Brian Robinson was so thorough throughout the whole process including a full walk through after the job had been completed.

Todd W.

Camden

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Anne W.

Rockport

Thanks Evergreen Home Performance for helping to make our home more efficient. Many thanks as well to Bryan for the initial walk through and recommendations to make our home more efficient and to Dave, Roland, and Jacob for a job that was done professionally and courteous.  We were amazed at the level of efficiency and everyday they made sure to protect our floors, carpets, and furniture. We had daily discussions with Dave about progress and what was being done and where they were at in the project.

Carol Fink

We absolutely loved our experience with Evergreen. The team was incredibly kind, professional and great to work with. We're very impressed with the quality of work of the Evergreen team and how easy they made everything! Our house had barely any insulation ahead of this project and the results are amazing. Insulating the attic, walls and basement with Evergreen allowed us to tear a 50-year-old furnace, ductwork and oil tank out of the basement and now heat the home with new heat pumps. Evergreen also added 100 sq ft of clean, new storage space to the attic!

Nick S.

South Portland

We just finished a large project air sealing and reinsulating our 1890s basement and attic. It had been completely renovated 8 years ago, but still felt cold, and lacked proper energy assessment and corrections. We met with Justin in December and were very impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and communication skills and knew Evergreen was who we wanted to work with. Dave was our on hands project manager and was excellent. The office staff has been quick to respond and helpful as well when needed.

E Gallant

Kennebunk

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Damariscotta

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