Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
25.1 C
Kampala
Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
Home Blog Page 984

All You Need To Know About Natural Gas And How It Affects Electricity Rates In New York

By
Our Reporter
-

New York is a highly populated state with the third-largest economy. Naturally, energy consumption in the state is relatively high as well. The source of electricity in NYC comes through various means and two-fifths of its net electricity was sourced through natural gas in 2018.

With that being said, natural gas and its connection with electricity have an impact on the electricity rates as well.

Also, natural gas is a nature friendly and remarkable source of electricity for the entire nation. Thus, today we will be discussing natural gas and its role in power generation. Likewise, we will also be talking about electricity rates and how natural gas impacts those rates in the first place.

What is Natural Gas?

Natural Gas or fossil gas is a source of energy that is generated naturally below the surface of the earth. It consists of methane, higher alkanes, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen sulfide.

 

It is a hydrocarbon gas that is generated through the decomposition of both plant and animal matter for millions of years with both heat and pressure.

Natural gas is used for domestic purposes, electricity generation, fertilizers, transport, and many others. A majority of Massachusetts residents prefer natural gas for home heating.

How Does Natural Gas Produce Electricity?

According to EIA, About 38% of electricity in the US is produced through natural gas. While there are numerous methods of generating electricity through natural gas, the steam generation unit is one common method of making the same.

The production process starts by transferring natural gas to power plants via a pipeline. As soon as the natural gas starts burning, the boiler water turns into steam.

The steam then moves the turbine blades. Following that, the generator connected to the turbine blades spins the magnets. After this step, the electricity production initiates to supply energy in diverse places.

Although it may sound like the process involves a lot of work and money, it is certainly not so. The introduction of magnificent technologies has made the process much cheaper, easier, and faster for electric supply. In simple terms, natural gas is an excellent mode of power production efficiently.

Why Is Natural Gas a Preferable Source for Electricity Generation?

Coal is a primary source of electricity generation and has many harmful effects conjugated within it. Not only is this fossil fuel dirty, but it is also a major air pollutant that can result in environmental degradation.

 

In such circumstances, companies are considering an environment-friendly method for power generation. However, natural gas, along with certain reliable technologies, can help in achieving the same.

We can undoubtedly consider natural gas as an efficient method of supplying power while being significantly considerate of environmental damage. Similarly, there are many other ecological benefits of utilizing natural gas for electricity, such as:

  • Reduced pollutant emissions
  • Lesser carbon-dioxide emissions
  • No Smog formation
  • Fewer Acid Rains
  • Better air quality

Besides the advantages cited above, natural gas is undoubtedly an excellent option for an environmentally friendly transport system and domestic requirements.

How Does Natural Gas Affect the Electricity Rate?

As it is already well known, natural gas, along with gas turbines, steam turbines, and cogeneration, can result in the efficient production of electricity. Even though natural gases are not the primary energy source in NYC, a decrease in natural gas prices can undoubtedly have an effect on electricity rates.

It’s noted that a dip in natural gas prices could result in lower electricity production costs as well. Similarly, wholesale energy rates are connected to natural gas rates too.

Thus, any dip in the latter can result in a lower wholesale rate. All this will undoubtedly cause a business loss for different companies. We can say that any dip or surge in natural gas can directly affect electrical rates.

According to the recent New York Electricity Rates, 19.9 cents per kWh New York area residents had to pay more than 49% of the national average (according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)), i.e., 13.4 cents per kWh for electricity in May 2020. Also, the natural gas per therm cost in NYC surpassed the standard of the country by at least 10%.

Why Does Natural Gas Affect the Electricity Rate?

Despite coal being the primary energy source in the city, natural gas has a particular influence on the electricity rate. Natural gas is an excellent option that can help to generate electricity.

Thus, any effect on natural gas is related to electricity and its rate. Here are the factors through which natural gas affects the electricity rate:

Supply and Demand

Numerous factors can affect the cost of gas. However, the significant reasons behind the same remain the supply as well as the demand for the gas. It can depend on various factors, including the economy, similar fuels, and climatic changes.

The diverse supply and demand for natural gas can influence its rates as it needs to be customized for the stability of the market. Moreover, the cost can be affected by the capacity, amount, import as well as export of the natural gas. Limited supply can surely increase the cost of natural gas and vice versa.

Recently it was noted that the Massachusetts Electricity Rates got significantly higher for the past seven years. The reason behind such a case scenario remains the lack of supply and an increase in the demand for Natural gas.

To meet up the demand, companies are storing natural gas beforehand for winters (as the demand increases for heating sources) more, thereby increasing the electricity rates.

Higher Production

A majority of the gas is generated during oil production. The report has helped companies acquire both oil and gas through drilling.

There have been many instances where the gas has been discovered while searching for oil. All this process has caused a higher production as well as an inventory of natural gas.

Conclusion

Make sure to get the complete information regarding the relation of natural gas with the electricity rates of New York. The information given above shows that natural gases can impact electricity rates. Thus any changes in the former can affect the latter.

Stories Continues after ad

#Covid-19: Uganda opens up all National parks

By
Our Reporter
-

 

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially opened up all national parks to both local and international tourists.

The opening up follows the closure of all national parks in March this year after confirming covid-19 cases in the country.

“The Management of Uganda Wildlife Authority wishes to inform the public that after consultations with various stakeholders and putting in place standard operating procedures for the containment of the possible spread of #Covid-19 in our protected areas, all the parks are now open for tourism.” Reads in part of the statement released by UWA.

They revealed that the head office in Kampala is open to the public who require any of their services. All tourism activities within the protected areas shall be undertaken in a manner that ensures all guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and the directives by His Excellency the President are adhered to.

These include but not limited to Mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers at the key tourism gates of the different protected areas, hand washing / sanitizing at the entrances of all UWA premises and protected areas.

Others are; Wearing a face mask while inside the protected area, Observing social distance and alll tourists going for primate tracking activities should carry at least two N95 masks or surgical masks or double layered cloth masks with filters and Government guidelines of carrying half capacity in order observe social distance shall apply to the use of vehicles and boats in the parks. These include concessionaire delivery vehicles.

Saloon car vehicles shall not be permitted to carry out game drives activities in the protected areas and Visitors going to the parks are encouraged to carry their own hand sanitizer.

“We have trained our staff and provided them with appropriate wear to protect them and the visitors from any possible infection. Staff on duty shall sensitize the visitors on the general government approved #Covid-19 operational guidelines including the ones developed and approved by UWA management” UWA noted

The authority noted that safety of their staff and visitors is important to them and they will continue to operate while exercising a high degree of caution to ensure the safety of persons is not compromised.

“As we welcome our visitors back into the protected areas, we continue to advise visit to take personal precaution to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.”

Stories Continues after ad

#Covid-19: Further national lockdowns can be avoided

By
Our Reporter
-
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

 

 

The Director-General of world health organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has revealed that further national lockdowns imposed in various countries can be avoided.

Ghebreyesus said with the right mix of targeted and tailored measures, further national lockdowns can be avoided and focus on preventing amplifying events, empowering people to protect themselves and public health basics.

“Several countries are using a data-driven approach to drive a targeted response. This is allowing them to open up carefully and safely, while remaining ready to respond rapidly to any new clusters or amplifying events.” He said

Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors are increasing vulnerability to COVID-19 infection and the likelihood of worse outcomes, including in younger people.

The odds of developing severe COVID-19 have been found to be as much as seven times higher in patients with obesity.

He said the pandemic has underscored the urgency of addressing NCDs and their risk factors. “Next week is Global Week for Action on NCDs, which aims to increase accountability by governments, policy makers, industries, academia, and civil society to reduce the NCD burden globally and increase health and equality.” He said

“I am pleased to launch a set of publications that have been developed under the UN NCD Inter-Agency Task Force that call for urgent action on NCDs during and beyond the pandemic.”

“We call for the voices of people living with NCDs to be heard in all discussions about policies that directly affect them and global financing instruments to be extended to low-income countries that request support for NCDs.”

Earlier this week, WHO issued new guidance on the use of corticosteroids to treat patients with severe Covid-19. Evidence shows that corticosteroids can be life-saving for patients on oxygen and ventilators.

However, corticosteroids do not help patients with mild or moderate disease, and can be harmful. “WHO therefore recommends the use of corticosteroids only in patients who are severely or critically ill.”

He said in the interconnected world, if people in low- and middle-income countries miss out on vaccines, the virus will continue to kill and the economic recovery globally will be delayed.

“Using vaccines as a global public good is in the national interest of each and every country. Vaccine nationalism will prolong the pandemic, not shorten it.”

The COVAX Facility is the agreed international mechanism for ensuring equitable global access to vaccines. COVAX guarantees access to the world’s largest portfolio of vaccine candidates.

Only 78 high- and upper-middle income countries and economies have now confirmed they will participate in the COVAX Facility, and the number is growing.

 

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

 

 

Stories Continues after ad

Minister Mwesigwa Rukutana arrested

By
Our Reporter
-

The Minister of State for Labour Mwesigwa Rukutana has been arrested following yesterday’s shooting in Ntungamo district. His arrest was confirmed by the Deputy Police Spokesperson Polly Namaye.

He reportedly shot at his rivals in the just concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries where he lost to Naomi Kabasharira.

According to a video recorded by the victims and polling agents of Naomi Kabasharira, the Minister shot at car Toyota Rav4 registration number UAQ 840X and smashed its windscreens as they sped off for fear of their lives.

“Police in Ntungamo has this afternoon arrested and detained Rukutana together with his three escorts following a shooting incident in Ruhama, Ntungamo district in which one person was seriously injured and a motor vehicle damaged.” She said in a statement

She said the victim was rushed to hospital in critical condition while the suspects are in detention on charges of inciting violence, attempted murder by shooting and malicious damage.

This not the first time that the minister is misbehaving, February 20, 2019 then Deputy Attorney General insulted Justice Catherine Bamugemereire during Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters at Wandegeya.

He had appeared before the commission to explain the pending government compensation to businessman Muhammed Buwule Kasasa in respect to over 600 acres of prime land on Mutungo Hill, Kampala.

While appearing, Bamugemereire cautioned Rukutana against the manner in which he was addressing the Commission and answering the questions, saying he was showing disrespect, combativeness and hostility which has never been seen before. However, in doing so, Bamugemereire lost cool and went for the Deputy AG, a thing Rukutana never took lightly.

“If I’m not respected, I will not respect anybody. If you disrespect me I disrespect you. You can go and hang” he said.

Stories Continues after ad

Original Africa Cup of Nations trophy goes missing

By
Agencies
-

The Africa Cup of Nations trophy retained by Egypt permanently after the Pharaohs won the title three times in a row got lost, with former federation member Magdi Abdelghani explaining that the cup was destroyed in a fire at the association’s Cairo HQ in 2013.

Ex-Egyptian Football Association vice-president Ahmed Shobeir earlier revealed that the trophy was discovered missing during preparations to build a museum to house all of the silverware won by the North African nation.

Former Fifa Board Member and Pharaohs great Abdelghani later confirmed that the cup was one of several items of silverware that had been lost in a fire seven years ago.

“Officials of the committee which meets every five years and currently manages the Football Association were surprised that the trophy was not available, in light of their desire to create a museum at the federation headquarters, which would feature the trophy and the national team’s kits,” Shobeir said on the ‘On Time Sports’ TV show.

“However, [they] were surprised to find that the Afcon trophy was lost, and decided to open an investigation.”

It was initially claimed that former captain Ahmed Hassan – who skippered the team to success at the biennial tournament in 2006, 2008 and 2010 was in possession of the trophy, although he subsequently denied the claim.

“The committee searched for the trophy, but then an employee told them that Ahmed Hassan, the former captain of the Egyptian national team, who won the cup three times in a row, has kept it,” Shobeir added.

Later, ex-Egypt midfielder Abdelghani clarified in a press conference that the trophy had been lost in a fire seven years ago.

“After the burning of the Football Association headquarters, some cups were lost, and the matter was investigated,” the former FA member began, including the Africa Cup of Nations that we retained.

“Some said that the cup had been with Shawky Gharib, the former general coach of the Egypt national team, and some say it had been with Hassan, the former captain of the Pharaohs.”

After learning of the trophy’s disappearance, Hassan took to social media to express his dismay at the loss.

“I wish I had kept the cup in my house instead of it being lost,” he posted on his @AhmedHassan Twitter handle, “and I am surprised that I’m being questioned about the cup after nine years, despite the presence of two FA boards, and the five-year committee for a year and two months…but they’re only now looking for the cup

“One of the members of the five-year committee contacted me and told me that they would put a picture of me with the African Nations Cup on the wall inside the federation,” Hassan continued and he asked me about the cup.

“I told him that I had delivered it back in 2011, and he said to me: ‘I wish you had not handed it over, as the cup is not at the association now.”

Egypt are the most successful country in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, having won the trophy seven times since 1957. Their trio of consecutive successes between 2006 and 2010 is an unprecedented feat in the history of the African game.

Stories Continues after ad

Minster Rukutana on the spot for shooting his rivals

By
Our Reporter
-

The Former Deputy Attorney General, and Minister of State for Labour Mwesigwa Rukutana is on the spot for using a gun to threaten polling agents of his competitor in the just concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries.

 

The Minister Mwesigwa Rukutana, lost yesterday’s Primaries in Rushenyi County, Ntungamo district to Naomi Kabasharira. He allegedly shot at Dan Rwaburingyi, a former contestant.

According to a video recorded by the victims and polling agents of Naomi Kabasharira, the Minister allegedly smashed the windscreens of their car Toyota Rav4 registration number UAQ 840X.

He grabbed a gun from his bodyguards and stood in front of the agent’s car.

He has reportedly been summoned to report to Police over a shooting incident.

Stories Continues after ad

Bigwigs Ousted In NRM Primaries

By
Isaiah Mwebaze
-

The election primaries are underway and as is the norm, chaos has been the order of the day at a number of polling stations as various voters clashed with opposing members.  Some of these areas included ssembabule, Koboko, ntungamo and Bundibugyo were rocked by live bullets and military personnel as they tried to disperse rioters and maintain order.

As early as 6 am, military personnel and local defence units could be seen patrolling the streets as they prepared for any riots or scuffles that might erupt from the growing tensions amongst voters and the various aspirants. The primaries in SSembabule and Namutumba were forced to close prematurely and postponed after violence erupted between the supporters of one Shatsi Kuteesa and those belonging to Aine Kaguta’s camp, after several were injured and one agent killed.

Ugandan politics have always been marred by a myriad of setbacks such as rigging, gross human riots violations and bribery, however, despite the huge risks, this has not stopped the citizens of Uganda from fully immersing themselves in the decision making of their different constituents as various results continue to shock may voters and candidates alike.

Although fight as they might to retain their positions, one thing they can’t escape is ‘Change’ itself as a number of incumbents lost the right to bear the NRM flag. As the results continue to trickle in, many aspirants and Big wigs like Col. Fred Mwesigye have been sidelined and unseated as their constituents decide for the upcoming election year.

Other candidates whose political runs were short lived include: Honourble Evelyn Anite who lost to Charles Ayume, Molly Kamukama who conceded to Ann Ruyundo, Michael Werikhe who lost to Martin Ben Wanda, Elioda Mwesigye to Dickens Kateshumbwa, Mary karoro Okurut to Annet Mugisha and Michael Tusiime who lost to Robert Mwesigwa Ruukari for the seat of MP-Mbarara North.

However it was not all bad news for some veterans like Hon. Rebecca kadaga, Jim Muhwezi and Hon kahinda Otaffire who made an unexpected comeback for this year’s electoral primaries. Although some voting processes were prematurely halted due to chaos and the killing of an agent; not all results could be recorded, more to follow.

Stories Continues after ad

Parliament confirms five positive cases of #Covid-19

By
Our Reporter
-
Parliament of Uganda

The Parliament of Uganda has announced that it has registered five positive cases of #Covid-19 following random tests.

A statement issued by Helen Kaweesa, the Assistant Director of Communications and Public Affairs indicates that the five positive cases are now undergoing treatment in the recommended health facilities.

“Following random testing for #Covid-19 in Parliament last week, it has been established that five (5) members if staff have tested positive for the virus. They are now undergoing treatment in the recommended health facilities,” Kawesa said in part of the statement.

Kawesa reveals that with effect from tomorrow, Saturday, September 5, 2020, Parliament will be disinfected and numbers of staff will be scaled down further with immediate effect.

“The other staff who were in contact with the affected have been identified and advised to stay home in self-quarantine. If they develop any signs and symptoms, they have been advised to contact the Parliament doctor immediately who will then liaise with the Ministry of Health to have them tested.”

To date, Uganda has registered 3,353 Covid-19 cumulative positive cases and out of these 1,564 people have recovered while 35 have died.

Stories Continues after ad

Five police officers arrested over siphoning fuel from an accident scene

By
Our Reporter
-
Fred Enanga while addressing the media

Police has arrested and charged five officers who were caught on video siphoning fuel from a vehicle that had been involved in an accident along the road.

Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson confirmed their arrest while addressing the media on the general security situation in the country.

“Notably, an update on the officers who were captured on video siphoning fuel from a truck. The officers have been arrested and charged with discreditable conduct,” Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga said.

They have been identified as; Sgt Okello Brian Sadik, CPL Dragudu Ceasar, PC Oven Albert, PC Ocen Christopher and PC Adoro Anthony, all charged of discreditable conduct, theft and conspiracy and detained at CPS Nwoya, pending court action.

The video of the officers siphoning fuel went viral as a number of community members watched the officers; who should have protected the risky scene, getting involved in fetching the fuel.

The preliminary information indicates that on the 29th August 2020, officers responded to a call from the Commander Integrated Highway Patrol from Karuma–Pakwach Highway that a fuel tanker reg. no. CGO-1296AA – 06/CGO1277AA – 06 carrying petrol from Eldoret (Kenya) enroute Uganda to DRC overturned at Wipolo, Agung, Anaka sub-county along the Karuma – Arua highway in Nwoya district.

A good amount of fuel spilled over due to the accident, presenting a danger to other road users and people from the immediate neighborhood.

Although the initial response team from the Integrated Highway Patrol helped to secure the scene, they were captured on camera siphoning fuel out of the tanker. A Joint Security Re-enforcement Team was further dispatched from Nwoya and the scene effectively secured and condoned off to prevent or minimize exposure. This enabled the transporters to offload and transfer about 17000 litres of fuel into another fuel tanker under registration number CGO-918200-07 and CGO-33800AA-07.

Stories Continues after ad

Police Disciplinary Court sentences its officer for injuring MP

By
Our Reporter
-
Tubanone Joel

Uganda Police Force Disciplinary Court has sentenced Superintendent of Police (SP) Tubanone Joel for injuring Dokolo District Women MP Cecilia Ogwal.

It is averred that, Joel Tubanone, the then Lira District Police Commander (DPC) allegedly kicked Cecilia Atim Ogwal, the Dokolo Woman MP and her Otuke counterpart, Sylvia Akello before discharging a teargas canister directly at them as the constituted a meeting to consult the voters about the removal of presidential limit.

The Disciplinary Court was chaired by SCP Birungi Charles (Ag. Director Interpol and Peace Support Operations), and in attendance was Cecilia Ogwal (Woman MP Dokolo District), SP Tubanone Joel (former DPC Lira among others.

The accused pleaded guilty to two counts of using unnecessary force, he was convicted and sentenced on his own plea of guilty and did not waste court time.

The court in exercise of objectivity and fairness to both the accused and the complainant, heard from both parties and convicted the accused on both counts.

The sentencing also put into consideration the pain and inconveniences endured by the complainant as a result of the unwarranted actions of the accused, basing on his own plea of guilty.

He was sentenced to reduction in rank as well as reprimand and his right to appeal this sentence within 14 days was explained to him.

The court made this decision with the aim to deter the accused and all other police officers from using unnecessary force in executing their lawful duties.

Stories Continues after ad
1...983984985...2,406Page 984 of 2,406

© Eagle Online. All rights reserved.

About Us

Popular Category

Editor Picks