February 6, 2009

Justifying Energy Efficiency as Oil Prices Tumble

By STEVE BELLONA

Last summer the price of oil peaked above $147 per barrel. By early December, prices had dropped a remarkable 60-plus percentage points, to $43. Although the reversals are not as substantial, the prices of electricity and natural gas have fallen as well.

The energy-price reductions have had a welcome impact on Hamilton Colleges energy budget. No doubt other colleges, too, have benefited. Unfortunately, however, there appears to be a negative aspect to this reduction of energy costs: It

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