North American versus European distribution systems (2011)

Re:North American versus European distribution systems (2011) by jandrewrogers on Monday August 26, 2019 @09:45AM (#20799814)

Supporting this model, the Pacific Northwest traditionally uses electricity for everything because it is extremely inexpensive. This part of North America has seemingly limitless hydroelectric power, and consequently having some of the lowest electricity rates in the world.

At $0.08/kWh, Washington not only has the cheapest electricity in the US, it is also much cheaper than any part of Europe. It makes sense that local building would take advantage of that.

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Re:North American versus European distribution systems (2011) by maxerickson on Monday August 26, 2019 @10:21AM (#20800061)

Natural gas is still popular in colder parts of the country that have cheap electricity, because it's much cheaper to heat with.

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Re:North American versus European distribution systems (2011) by jandrewrogers on Monday August 26, 2019 @10:38AM (#20800226)

Fair point. The PNW has both mild winters and mild summers, which moderates energy requirements for temperature control.

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Re:North American versus European distribution systems (2011) by Aloha on Monday August 26, 2019 @12:26PM (#20801122)

I was paying a whole lot more than 8c kWh in Seattle, my rates are actually lower in Texas, and my new roommate was paying less in New Mexico.

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