Energy News Digest for March 3, 2014

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

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Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

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THE NEWS DIGEST WORD CLOUD

Energy News Digest Word Cloud for March 3, 2014

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/03/energy-news-digest-word-cloud-for-march.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Grant PUD Lowering Water behind Wanapum Dam, Closing Boat Launches (IFiberOne News, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/pud-lowering-water-behind-wanapum-closing-boat-launches/article_9f2301aa-a192-11e3-bbdc-001a4bcf6878.html

Heavy Snow, High Avalanche Danger Close I-90 across Cascades (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/komo/article/Heavy-snow-high-avalanche-danger-close-I-90-5284175.php

Federal Agency Approves Snohomish PUD’s Plans for Study of Proposed Dam (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20140303/NEWS01/140309816

Mason Lake Resident John Komen Announces Candidacy for Mason PUD 3 Commission (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/12374

FCC Approves Rural Internet Experiments (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/2014/02/28/65763.htm

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Experts Monitoring Wanapum Dam
• Grant PUD Lowering Water behind Wanapum Dam, Closing Boat Launches
• Federal Agency Approves Snohomish PUD’s Plans for Study of Proposed Dam
• Mason Lake Resident John Komen Announces Candidacy for Mason PUD 3 Commission
• Balloons Cause Power Outage in Seattle
• Energy Trust of Oregon Data Casts Doubt on Energy Savings Efforts as Gas Prices Stay Low
• Bonneville Power Administration Attempts to Split the Baby on Oversupply Management Costs
• Co-op CEO to Congress: Protect Diverse Fuel Mix
• With Coal Plants Retiring, Wisconsin Utility Turns to Big Dams in Manitoba
• Our Retail Electricity Bill Just Killed Our Summer Vacation
• Parties Draw Different Conclusions from Science Panel’s Review of Proposed Experimental Salmon Spill
• Prototype Lamprey Passage Structure Installed In McNary Dam Oregon Shore Fish Ladder
• California: Latest Storm Boosts Sacramento’s Seasonal Rainfall Total to 42 Percent of Normal
• On Mirror Pond: Sediment & Sentiment & the Battle over Bend’s Iconic Waterway
• Can Solar Energy Fill the Hydropower Gap During California’s Drought?
• Vermont Loves Renewable Energy, Except When It Arrives
• Bremerton Gets Incentive Check from Puget Sound Energy for Making Wastewater Treatment Plant More Efficient
• Lowering Your Thermostat will Save More than Just Money
• FCC Approves Rural Internet Experiments
• Comcast Contemplates Spinning Off 3 Million Subscribers for Time Warner Deal
• Will Streetlamps Become Information Hubs for Cities?
• Chattanooga Seeks Applications for Gig Tank
• United Kingdom: Slow Broadband “Could Knock Up To 20% Off House Price”
• Promise & Peril in an Ultra-Connected World
• When Non-Disclosure MEANS Non-Disclosure - Daughter’s Facebook Brag Costs Dad $80,000
• Oscar Host DeGeneres’ Selfie Crashes Twitter
• Washington State Archives Running Out of Room
• Fight for Doc’s Congressional Seat Begins
• The Power Team of Cantwell & Murray
• The Washington State Congressional Delegation - Episode 2: The Freshmen
• Heavy Snow, High Avalanche Danger Close I-90 across Cascades
• Walloped Again: Another Storm Hits Much of U-S
• Editorial: The $30 Million February Snowstorms
• Shelton Hills Development Meeting Delayed to March 17
• Shelton Man Accused of Voyeurism in Thurston County
• Despite Banning Legal Pot, Yakima Seeks Tax Money

WORD OF THE DAY

Cratch • \KRACH\ • Noun – 1; archaic: manger 2: a crib or rack especially for fodder

“Away in a cratch? Ach, that sound terrible,” the Lutheran poet groused to his fresh faced apprentice. “Can’t you come up with a more lyrical name for manger?”

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Experts Monitoring Wanapum Dam (Grant PUD, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.grantpud.org/your-pud/media-room/news

Grant PUD Lowering Water behind Wanapum Dam, Closing Boat Launches (IFiberOne News, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/pud-lowering-water-behind-wanapum-closing-boat-launches/article_9f2301aa-a192-11e3-bbdc-001a4bcf6878.html

Federal Agency Approves Snohomish PUD’s Plans for Study of Proposed Dam (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20140303/NEWS01/140309816

Mason Lake Resident John Komen Announces Candidacy for Mason PUD 3 Commission (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/12374

Balloons Cause Power Outage in Seattle (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2470192/Balloons-cause-power-outage-in-Seattle

A Look into the Oregon Power Portfolio (Bend Bulletin, OR)

http://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/1830112-151/a-look-into-the-oregon-power-portfolio

Energy Trust of Oregon Data Casts Doubt on Energy Savings Efforts as Gas Prices Stay Low (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/energy_trust_of_oregon_report.html

Bonneville Power Administration Attempts to Split the Baby on Oversupply Management Costs (GTH Energy & Natural Resources Law Blog)

http://www.energynaturalresourceslaw.com/2014/02/bpa-takes-another-swing-at-oversupply-management.html

Co-op CEO to Congress: Protect Diverse Fuel Mix (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/public-policy-watch/energy-environment/mel-coleman-testifies-energy-policy-challenges/66589

With Coal Plants Retiring, Wisconsin Utility Turns to Big Dams in Manitoba (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, WI)

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/247876981.html

Our Retail Electricity Bill Just Killed Our Summer Vacation (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/peterdetwiler/2014/02/28/our-retail-electricity-bill-just-killed-our-summer-vacation/

FISH & WILDLIFE

Parties Draw Different Conclusions from Science Panel’s Review of Proposed Experimental Salmon Spill (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/429843.aspx

Prototype Lamprey Passage Structure Installed In McNary Dam Oregon Shore Fish Ladder (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/429839.aspx

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

California: Latest Storm Boosts Sacramento’s Seasonal Rainfall Total to 42 Percent of Normal (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/28/6198934/latest-storm-boosts-sacramentos.html

On Mirror Pond: Sediment & Sentiment & the Battle over Bend’s Iconic Waterway (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2014/02/on_mirror_pond_sediment_and_se.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Can Solar Energy Fill the Hydropower Gap During California’s Drought? (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/geoffrey-styles/346941/can-solar-fill-hydropower-gap-during-california-s-drought

Vermont Loves Renewable Energy, Except When It Arrives (Associated Press)

http://rutlandherald.com/article/20140303/THISJUSTIN/703039918

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Bremerton Gets Incentive Check from Puget Sound Energy for Making Wastewater Treatment Plant More Efficient (Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal, WA)

http://kpbj.com/business_daily/2014-03-03/bremerton_gets_incentive_check_from_pse_for_making_wastewater_treatment_pl

Lowering Your Thermostat will Save More than Just Money (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/sbattaglia/345076/lowering-your-thermostat-will-save-more-just-money

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

FCC Approves Rural Internet Experiments (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/2014/02/28/65763.htm

Comcast Contemplates Spinning Off 3 Million Subscribers for Time Warner Deal (Associated Press)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2014/02/comcast_contemplates_spinning.html

Will Streetlamps Become Information Hubs for Cities? (Government Technology)

http://www.govtech.com/data/Will-Streetlamps-Become-Information-Hubs-for-Cities.html

Chattanooga Seeks Applications for Gig Tank (American Public Power Association)

http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=255721&issueID=34805

United Kingdom: Slow Broadband “Could Knock Up To 20% Off House Price” (Digital Spy)

http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/news/a554908/slow-broadband-could-knock-up-to-20-percent-off-house-price.html

Promise & Peril in an Ultra-Connected World (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/technology/article/Promise-and-peril-in-an-ultra-connected-world-5281929.php

SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING

When Non-Disclosure MEANS Non-Disclosure - Daughter’s Facebook Brag Costs Dad $80,000 (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2014/03/03/daughters-facebook-brag-costs-dad-80000/

Oscar Host DeGeneres’ Selfie Crashes Twitter (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2023034559_apxoscarsellensselfie.html

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State Archives Running Out of Room (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Washington-State-Archives-running-out-of-room-248106971.html

Fight for Doc’s Congressional Seat Begins (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/1943870-8/fight-for-docs-congressional-seat-begins

The Power Team of Cantwell & Murray (Seattle Post Intelligencer, WA)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2014/03/01/the-advent-of-sen-maria-cantwell-a-power-team/

The Washington State Congressional Delegation - Episode 2: The Freshmen (KCTS-TV< Seattle, WA)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE3egvcWHP4

GENERAL NEWS

Heavy Snow, High Avalanche Danger Close I-90 across Cascades (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/komo/article/Heavy-snow-high-avalanche-danger-close-I-90-5284175.php

Walloped Again: Another Storm Hits Much of U-S (Associated Press)

http://news.yahoo.com/walloped-again-another-storm-hits-much-us-175754718.html

Editorial: The $30 Million February Snowstorms (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://blogs.seattletimes.com/opinionnw/2014/03/03/the-30-million-dollar-february-snowstorms/

Shelton Hills Development Meeting Delayed to March 17 (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/12290-shelton-hills-development-meeting-delayed-to-march-17

Shelton Man Accused of Voyeurism in Thurston County (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/12367#more-12367

Despite Banning Legal Pot, Yakima Seeks Tax Money (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/despite-banning-legal-pot-yakima-seeks-tax-money/nd4Zh/

DIVERSIONS

I’m Alive! Man Wakes Up In a Body Bag as Funeral Home Prepares to Embalm Him after Being Declared Dead

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2570049/Rumours-demise-exaggerated-Man-wakes-BODY-BAG-funeral-home-preparing-embalm-declared-dead.html

The Amazing Ancient Machines of Hero of Alexandria

http://gizmodo.com/the-amazing-ancient-machines-of-hero-of-alexandria-1533213972

Experts: Do Dogs Feel Shame? Probably Not

http://www.kgw.com/news/247574491.html

Major City Government Screw Up: Street Signs Installed All over Town with the Wrong Info

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/oddnews/major-city-government-screw-up--street-signs-installed-all-over-town-with-the-wrong-info-215457268.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Five Man Electrical Band - Signs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzaZkRnrQA8

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.

Energy News Digest for February 28, 2014

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

THE NEWS DIGEST WORD CLOUD

Energy News Digest Word Cloud for February 28, 2014

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/02/energy-news-digest-word-cloud-for_28.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Grant PUD Investigating Crack in Pillar at Wanapum Dam (iFiber One News, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/grant-county-pud-investigating-crack-in-pillar-at-wanapum-dam/article_44305c3c-a018-11e3-be39-001a4bcf6878.html

Port Angeles: Nippon Temporarily Shut Down Because of Biomass Fuel Problems at Power Plant (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20140228/news/302289964/nippon-temporarily-shut-down-because-of-biomass-fuel-problems-at

Bully for Biomass: Washington State Supreme Court Rejects Greenhouse Gas Claims, Upholds Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact for Biomass Facility (GTH Energy & Natural Resources Law Blog)

http://www.energynaturalresourceslaw.com/2014/02/bully-for-biomass-washington-supreme-court-rejects-greenhouse-gas-claims-upholds-finding-of-no-signi.html

Bonneville Power Administration, Public Power Beat 2013 Conservation Targets (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/BPA-public-power-beat-2013-conservation-targets.aspx

Washington State Supreme Court: People Have Right to Privacy in Texts (Associated Press)

http://www.kapptv.com/article/2014/feb/27/washington-state-supreme-court-people-have-right-p/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Grant PUD Investigating Crack in Pillar at Wanapum Dam
• Pacific Gas & Electric Wants to Lower Electricity Rates for California’s High-Use Customers & Raise Rates for Low-Use Customers
• Cowlitz PUD/U-S Forest Service Officials to Celebrate Power Line Transfer
• Utility CEO: Generators Will Soon Make Electric Grid an ‘Antiquated System’
• News Release:  ComEd Seeks Faster Schedule to Deliver Smart Meters & Consumer Benefits to Customers
• Oregon: Mt. Hood Snowpack Doubles in One Month
• Skokomish River Information & Meeting Announced
• Warnick, Manweller Secure Moses Lake Dam Funding in Washington State House Capital Budget Proposal
• Port Angeles: Nippon Temporarily Shut Down Because of Biomass Fuel Problems at Power Plant
• Bully for Biomass: Washington State Supreme Court Rejects Greenhouse Gas Claims, Upholds Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact for Biomass Facility
• Energy Storage: California’s New Green Tech Battleground
• Op/Ed: Wind Industry Study: Electricity Prices Skyrocketing in Largest Wind Power States
• Bonneville Power Administration, Public Power Beat 2013 Conservation Targets
• Opower Launches Platform Update Ahead of IPO
• American Public Power Association Says the Use of Estimates of the Social Cost of Carbon Should Be Limited
• America’s First Carbon-Trading Program Can Boast Some Impressive Numbers
• Environmental Group Pushing Washington State Governor to Adopt Clean Fuels Standard
• Is the Future of Clean Energy in the Janitor’s Closet?
• CenturyLink Service Restored to North Mason Customers
• New $18 Million King County Phone System Dropping Calls, Causing Other Problems
• Push for Web Addresses in Era of Search, Apps
• Washington State Supreme Court: People Have Right to Privacy in Texts
• Amazon Mulls Streaming Music Service for Prime Subscribers
• Tokyo Bitcoin Exchange Files for Bankruptcy, Significant Amount of Virtual Currency Missing
• Using Skype to Build a Business
• Woman Spends Harrowing 45 Minutes Locked Inside Department Store, Live-Tweets the Experience
• Washington State Senate Passes Budget Proposal
• Editorial: Proposed Washington State Law Overreacts to Signature Gatherers
• Unauthorized Video of U-S Supreme Court Protest Posted Online
• Special Weather Statement - Lowland Snow Possible in Western Washington this Weekend
• Chance of Snow in the Weekend Forecast for Puget Sound Area
• Kitsap Sheriff: No Foul Play in Women’s Death near Hood Canal Navy Base
• Shelton Police Chief Announces Retirement
• Marijuana Business Means Big Business in Washington State
• What Part of the U-S Has Perfect Weather? Nowhere

WORD OF THE DAY

Semiotics • \sem-ee-AW-ticks\ • Noun - The study of signs & symbols & how they are used; a general philosophical theory of signs & symbols that deals especially with their function in both artificially constructed & natural languages & comprises syntactics, semantics, & pragmatics.

Calling professor Langdon.

The symbols on the alien restrooms on this spaceship have no resemblance to the male & female icons for washrooms on earth.

Can your vast knowledge of semiotics determine which is which?

No. Ask the Doctor.

Who?

Exactly

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Local Weather Forecast for February 28, 2014

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Grant PUD Investigating Crack in Pillar at Wanapum Dam (iFiber One News, Ephrata, WA)

http://www.ifiberone.com/news/grant-county-pud-investigating-crack-in-pillar-at-wanapum-dam/article_44305c3c-a018-11e3-be39-001a4bcf6878.html

Pacific Gas & Electric Wants to Lower Electricity Rates for California’s High-Use Customers & Raise Rates for Low-Use Customers (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/rss/ci_25243311

Cowlitz PUD/U-S Forest Service Officials to Celebrate Power Line Transfer (Vancouver Business Journal, WA)

http://www.vbjusa.com/news/news-briefs/9907-officials-to-celebrate-power-line-transfer

Utility CEO: Generators Will Soon Make Electric Grid an ‘Antiquated System’ (U-S News & World Report)

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/02/27/utility-ceo-generators-will-soon-make-electric-grid-an-antiquated-system

News Release:  ComEd Seeks Faster Schedule to Deliver Smart Meters & Consumer Benefits to Customers (Electric Energy Online)

http://www.electricenergyonline.com/detail_news.php?ID=472296&cat=;90

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Oregon: Mt. Hood Snowpack Doubles in One Month (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/news/Mt-Hood-snowpack-doubles-in-one-month-247676891.html

Skokomish River Information & Meeting Announced (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/12253-skokomish-river-information-and-meeting-announced

Warnick, Manweller Secure Moses Lake Dam Funding in Washington State House Capital Budget Proposal (Washington State House Republicans)

http://houserepublicans.wa.gov/news/warnick-manweller-secure-moses-lake-dam-funding-in-house-capital-budget-proposal/

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Port Angeles: Nippon Temporarily Shut Down Because of Biomass Fuel Problems at Power Plant (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20140228/news/302289964/nippon-temporarily-shut-down-because-of-biomass-fuel-problems-at

Bully for Biomass: Washington State Supreme Court Rejects Greenhouse Gas Claims, Upholds Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact for Biomass Facility (GTH Energy & Natural Resources Law Blog)

http://www.energynaturalresourceslaw.com/2014/02/bully-for-biomass-washington-supreme-court-rejects-greenhouse-gas-claims-upholds-finding-of-no-signi.html

Energy Storage: California’s New Green Tech Battleground (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/uciliawang/2014/02/28/energy-storage-californias-new-green-tech-battleground/

Op/Ed: Wind Industry Study: Electricity Prices Skyrocketing in Largest Wind Power States (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamestaylor/2014/02/27/wind-industry-study-electricity-prices-skyrocketing-in-largest-wind-power-states/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Bonneville Power Administration, Public Power Beat 2013 Conservation Targets (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/BPA-public-power-beat-2013-conservation-targets.aspx

Opower Launches Platform Update Ahead of IPO (Washington Business Times, DC)

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/techflash/2014/02/opower-launches-platform-update-ahead.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

American Public Power Association Says the Use of Estimates of the Social Cost of Carbon Should Be Limited (American Public Power Association)

http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=255758&issueID=34804

America’s First Carbon-Trading Program Can Boast Some Impressive Numbers (Grist Online)

http://grist.org/news/americas-first-carbon-trading-program-can-boast-some-impressive-numbers/

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Environmental Group Pushing Washington State Governor to Adopt Clean Fuels Standard (KPLU Radio, Tacoma, WA)

http://kplu.org/post/enviro-group-pushing-gov-inslee-adopt-clean-fuels-standard

Is the Future of Clean Energy in the Janitor’s Closet? (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Energy-Voices/2014/0228/Is-the-future-of-clean-energy-in-the-janitor-s-closet

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

CenturyLink Service Restored to North Mason Customers (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/12258-cable-restored-to-north-mason-customers

New $18 Million King County Phone System Dropping Calls, Causing Other Problems (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/new-18-million-king-county-phone-system-dropping-c/nd28C/

Push for Web Addresses in Era of Search, Apps (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/technology/article/Push-for-Web-addresses-in-era-of-search-apps-5276054.php

SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING

Washington State Supreme Court: People Have Right to Privacy in Texts (Associated Press)

http://www.kapptv.com/article/2014/feb/27/washington-state-supreme-court-people-have-right-p/

Amazon Mulls Streaming Music Service for Prime Subscribers (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2014/02/amazon-mulling-streaming-music-service.html

Tokyo Bitcoin Exchange Files for Bankruptcy, Significant Amount of Virtual Currency Missing (Associated Press)

http://news.yahoo.com/tokyo-bitcoin-exchange-files-bankruptcy-102841684--finance.html

Using Skype to Build a Business (NY Times)

http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/28/using-skype-to-build-a-business/?_php=true&_type=blogs&partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

Woman Spends Harrowing 45 Minutes Locked Inside Department Store, Live-Tweets the Experience (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2014/02/27/woman-spends-harrowing-45-minutes-locked-inside-department-store-live-tweets-the-experience/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State Senate Passes Budget Proposal (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/feb/28/washington-state-senate-passes-budget-proposal/

Editorial: Proposed Washington State Law Overreacts to Signature Gatherers (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/feb/28/editorial-public-needs-relief-from-signature/

Unauthorized Video of U-S Supreme Court Protest Posted Online (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/28/us-usa-court-video-idUSBREA1Q2AD20140228

GENERAL NEWS

Special Weather Statement - Lowland Snow Possible in Western Washington this Weekend (National Weather Service, Seattle, WA)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/02/special-weather-statement-lowland-snow.html

Chance of Snow in the Weekend Forecast for Puget Sound Area (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2468346/Chance-of-snow-in-the-weekend-forecast-for-Puget-Sound-area

Kitsap Sheriff: No Foul Play in Women’s Death near Hood Canal Navy Base (Associated Press)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Sheriff-No-foul-play-in-womens-death-near-Navy-base-247802461.html

Shelton Police Chief Announces Retirement (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/12285-shelton-police-chief-announces-retirement

Marijuana Business Means Big Business in Washington State (KNDO/KNDU-TV, Tri Cities, WA)

http://www.nbcrightnow.com/story/24847913/marijuana-business-means-big-business-in-washington-state

What Part of the U-S Has Perfect Weather? Nowhere (Northwest Cable News Network)

http://www.nwcn.com/news/Nowhere-to-hide-from-extreme-weather-247583671.html

DIVERSIONS

Fecal Fest - Get Your Hands on the Most Desired Dung in Seattle

http://q13fox.com/2014/02/28/get-your-hands-on-the-most-desired-poop-in-seattle/#axzz2udVyykyI

‘Citizen Kane’ Script Up for Sale at Sotheby’s

http://news.yahoo.com/citizen-kane-script-sale-sothebys-134915554.html

Local Company Creates Music Using Electric Spark

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Local-company-creates-music-using-electric-spark-247804151.html

Gigabit IPA Revival? With Google Fiber on Tap, Hopworks Says the Beer Could Be, Too

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2014/02/gigabit_ipa_revival_with_googl.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Bernard Herrmann - Citizen Kane Suite – Soundtrack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0sPzQWCHPE

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.

Energy News Digest for February 27, 2014

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

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THE NEWS DIGEST WORD CLOUD

Energy News Digest Word Cloud for February 27, 2014

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/02/energy-news-digest-word-cloud-for_27.html

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Bonneville Power Administration: Mainzer Firms Up BPA Front Office with Appointment of Delwiche & Andrews (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/Mainzer-firms-up-BPA-front-office-with-appointment-of-Delwiche-and-Andrews.aspx

Yakima Basin Snowpack Now Just Above Average (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/1961248-8/yakima-basin-snowpack-now-just-above-average

Spokane Trash Burner Power Bill Dies in Washington State Legislature (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/spincontrol/2014/feb/26/trash-burner-power-bill-dies/

Oregon Energy Department Allows Transfer of $10 Million Tax Credit for Solar Project – Again (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/oregon_energy_department_allow.html

Another Scam is Targeting Lewis County PUD Customers (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/02/another-scam-is-targeting-lewis-county.html

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Bonneville Power Administration: Mainzer Firms Up BPA Front Office with Appointment of Delwiche & Andrews
• Another Scam is Targeting Lewis County PUD Customers
• Consumer Alert — ‘Phony Utility Bill’ Email Scam Heating Up in Washington State
• Cowlitz PUD Expands Online Billing System
• IDACORP, Inc. Announces Year-End & Fourth Quarter 2013 Results, Initiates 2014 Earnings Guidance
• Michigan: Consumers Energy-Funded Group Running Ads against Electric Choice/Deregulation
• Illinois: ComEd Customers Refusing Smart Meter Will Be Charged $21.53 a Month
• Natural Gas Prices Break $6.00 per MMBtu to Reach a Five-Year High
• Living Smart: Electrical System
• Columbia Basin’s Chinook Boom: Could Wild Salmon Be Fair Game?
• Scientists Solve Mystery of Chile’s Massive Whale Graveyard
• Yakima Basin Snowpack Now Just Above Average
• California’s Drought is Extreme; But the Government is Making It Worse
• Fertilizer Limits Sought Near Lake Erie to Fight Spread of Algae
• How Much Energy are We Flushing Down the Drain?
• Oregon Energy Department Allows Transfer of $10 Million Tax Credit for Solar Project – Again
• Spokane Trash Burner Power Bill Dies in Washington State Legislature
• Utility Interests Push for Protectionism in State of Washington
• Massachusetts Legislation Raises Question: What Is Clean Energy?
• Energy Dept.: Non-Hydro Renewables Are on a Roll
• Massachusetts: Cape Wind Project Gets Major Boost with $600 Million Loan from Danish Agency
• Offshore Wind Farms Could Knock Down Hurricanes
• What If Money DID Grow on Trees? Powerful Advice – Energy Insights from Mason PUD 3
• Op/Ed: California Carbon Tax Proposal Shines Light on Climate Change Policies
• Op/Ed: The Unscientific Consensus
• Editorial: Climate Science, Inescapable Truths
• Tesla Unveils $5 Billion Plan for Massive ‘Gigafactory’ to Manufacture Batteries
• Harsh Winter Brings Shortage of Pellet Fuel for Pellet Stoves
• Op/Ed: Why Super-Fast Internet Is Coming Super Slowly
• Target CEO Promises “Eye-Popping Irresistible Deals” after Profits Destroyed by Data Breach
• Washington Legislature on Collision Course over Tax Breaks
• Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill on Refusal of Service to Gays
• More Snow Possible This Weekend - Early Summer Forecast Looking Warm & Dry
• Special Weather Statement for Possible Lowland Snow in Puget Sound Region
• Victims’ Relatives Criticize Inslee’s Death Penalty Moratorium
• Lawsuit: Washington State Patrol Breaks the Law When Hiring Veterans
• Warehouses to Open Across State for Marijuana Businesses to Share Space
• States Push Public Lands for Designation as Monuments – Includes Sites in Oregon & Idaho

WORD OF THE DAY

Solatium • \so-LAY-shee-yum\ • Noun - A compensation (as money) given as solace for suffering, loss, or injured feelings.

“We’re sorry for your loss,” grinned the golden-toothed attorney to the bereaved energy trader. “Here’s your settlement for your poor decision making.” The solatium included a box of out-dated Snickers bars and a ten million dollar check.

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Bonneville Power Administration: Mainzer Firms Up BPA Front Office with Appointment of Delwiche & Andrews (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/Mainzer-firms-up-BPA-front-office-with-appointment-of-Delwiche-and-Andrews.aspx

Another Scam is Targeting Lewis County PUD Customers (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)

http://energynewsfeed.blogspot.com/2014/02/another-scam-is-targeting-lewis-county.html

Consumer Alert — ‘Phony Utility Bill’ Email Scam Heating Up in Washington State (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20140227/NEWS/140229980/consumer-alert-8212-phony-utility-bill-email-scam-heating-up-in

Cowlitz PUD Expands Online Billing System (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/cowlitz-pud-expands-online-billing-system/article_5b120532-9f54-11e3-8d3b-001a4bcf887a.html

IDACORP, Inc. Announces Year-End & Fourth Quarter 2013 Results, Initiates 2014 Earnings Guidance (Electric Energy Online)

http://www.electricenergyonline.com/detail_news.php?ID=471163&cat=%3B90

Michigan: Consumers Energy-Funded Group Running Ads against Electric Choice/Deregulation (MLive Media Group, Lansing, MI)

http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2014/02/michigan_consumers_energy_elec.html

Illinois: ComEd Customers Refusing Smart Meter Will Be Charged $21.53 a Month (Chicago Tribune, IL)

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-02-06/business/chi-comed-smart-meter-fee-20140206_1_comed-meters-energy-infrastructure-modernization-act

Natural Gas Prices Break $6.00 per MMBtu to Reach a Five-Year High (Market Realist)

http://marketrealist.com/2014/02/natural-gas-prices-hit-5-year-high-since-end-2008/

Living Smart: Electrical System (Olympian - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.theolympian.com/2014/02/27/3006915/living-smart-electrical-system.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

Columbia Basin’s Chinook Boom: Could Wild Salmon Be Fair Game? (Bend Bulletin, OR)

http://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/1826698-151/columbia-basins-chinook-boom-could-wild-salmon-be#

Scientists Solve Mystery of Chile’s Massive Whale Graveyard (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/national/scientists-solve-mystery-chiles-massive-whale-grav/ndzzL/

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Yakima Basin Snowpack Now Just Above Average (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/1961248-8/yakima-basin-snowpack-now-just-above-average

California’s Drought is Extreme; But the Government is Making It Worse (Washington Post)

http://knowmore.washingtonpost.com/2014/02/27/californias-drought-is-extreme-but-the-government-is-making-it-worse/

Fertilizer Limits Sought Near Lake Erie to Fight Spread of Algae (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/27/us/fertilizer-limits-sought-near-lake-erie-to-fight-spread-of-algae.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0

How Much Energy are We Flushing Down the Drain? (The Energy Collective)

http://theenergycollective.com/catherinewolfram/345391/how-much-energy-are-we-flushing-down-drain

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Oregon Energy Department Allows Transfer of $10 Million Tax Credit for Solar Project – Again (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/oregon_energy_department_allow.html

Spokane Trash Burner Power Bill Dies in Washington State Legislature (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/spincontrol/2014/feb/26/trash-burner-power-bill-dies/

Utility Interests Push for Protectionism in State of Washington (Renewable Energy World)

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2014/02/utility-interests-push-for-protectionism-in-state-of-washington?cmpid=rss

Massachusetts Legislation Raises Question: What Is Clean Energy? “…would allow utilities to meet the state’s mandates to cut greenhouse gases by acquiring power from large-scale hydroelectric projects…” (Boston Globe, MA)

http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/02/26/legislation-would-increase-clean-energy-requirements-for-utilities/xrcj54IRKPudoYjmPZAFCK/story.html

Energy Dept.: Non-Hydro Renewables Are on a Roll (Sustainable Business Oregon)

http://www.sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2014/02/feds-non-hydro-renewables-comprise.html

Massachusetts: Cape Wind Project Gets Major Boost with $600 Million Loan from Danish Agency (Boston Business Journal, MA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/mass_roundup/2014/02/cape-wind-lands-600m-loan.html

Offshore Wind Farms Could Knock Down Hurricanes (Scientific American)

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/offshore-wind-farms-could-knock-down-hurricanes1/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

What If Money DID Grow on Trees? Powerful Advice – Energy Insights from PUD 3 (Mason County PUD 3, Shelton, WA)

http://www.masonpud3.org/newsdisplay.aspx?NewsID=1351

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Op/Ed: California Carbon Tax Proposal Shines Light on Climate Change Policies (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/27/6192372/viewpoints-carbon-tax-proposal.html

Op/Ed: The Unscientific Consensus (Forbes Magazine)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexepstein/2014/02/27/the-unscientific-consensus/

Editorial: Climate Science, Inescapable Truths (The Economist Magazine)

http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2014/02/climate-science

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Tesla Unveils $5 Billion Plan for Massive ‘Gigafactory’ to Manufacture Batteries (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/rss/ci_25234367

Harsh Winter Brings Shortage of Pellet Fuel for Pellet Stoves (WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY)

http://www.wgrz.com/story/news/tipline/2014/02/26/wgrz-winter-pellet-stoveshortage/5850473/

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Op/Ed: Why Super-Fast Internet Is Coming Super Slowly (Wall Street Journal)

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304315004579381463769362886?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304315004579381463769362886.html%3F

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Target CEO Promises “Eye-Popping Irresistible Deals” after Profits Destroyed by Data Breach (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2014/02/26/target-ceo-promises-eye-popping-irresistible-deals-after-profits-destroyed-by-data-breach/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington Legislature on Collision Course over Tax Breaks (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwpr.org/post/washington-legislature-collision-course-over-tax-breaks

Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill on Refusal of Service to Gays (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/27/us/Brewer-arizona-gay-service-bill.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

GENERAL NEWS

More Snow Possible This Weekend - Early Summer Forecast Looking Warm & Dry (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2466692/More-snow-possible-this-weekend-but-early-summer-forecast-looking-warm-and-dry

Special Weather Statement for Possible Lowland Snow in Puget Sound Region (National Weather Service, Seattle, WA)

http://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WA125143152FC4.SpecialWeatherStatement.12514322B900WA.SEWSPSSEW.b3cca49ca002a7af3d58ff253240fd68

Victims’ Relatives Criticize Inslee’s Death Penalty Moratorium (KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Governors-death-penalty-move-criticized-by-victims-relatives-247378511.html

Lawsuit: Washington State Patrol Breaks the Law When Hiring Veterans (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Lawsuit-WSP-breaks-law-hiring-veterans.html

Warehouses to Open Across State for Marijuana Businesses to Share Space (Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal, WA)

http://kpbj.com/business_daily/2014-02-26/warehouses_to_open_across_state_for_marijuana_businesses_to_share_space

States Push Public Lands for Designation as Monuments – Includes Sites in Oregon & Idaho (USA Today)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/27/stateline-public-lands-wilderness-national-monuments/5860291/

DIVERSIONS

Purge These Redundancies & Needless Phrases

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-reinalda/purge-these-redundancies-_b_4746250.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

This Is What Happens When You Put Pit Bulls in a Photo Booth

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/25/pit-bull-photo-booth_n_4848766.html

Talking Parrot ‘Helps’ UP Police Crack Murder Case

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Talking-parrot-helps-UP-Police-crack-murder-case/articleshow/31057661.cms?

Shelter Dogs’ Before & After Photos Will Fetch Your Feels

http://mashable.com/2014/02/27/shelter-dogs-before-after/

SONG OF THE DAY

Toby Keith - Every Dog Has Its Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks8j99ckhzA

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.