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In 2000, the Ann Arbor community used 1,500,778 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity, up from 1,214,897 MWh in 1990. Electricity use in Ann Arbor is growing at approximately 2.1% annually. Per capita electricity consumption of 13,162 kilowatt-hours (kWh) is slightly above the national average of 12,810 kWh.
Source: Ann Arbor Energy Office |
What is electricity?
Electricity is a flow of energy in the form of electrons that can be used to power a wide range of devices—from cell phones to cars to ovens. It is an energy carrier and not an energy source, so it can be used the same regardless of what the source of the electricity is. Most of the world’s electricity is generated at large central power plants by combusting fossil fuels (coal and natural gas) or splitting atoms (nuclear power). However, energy companies and individuals are starting to build more wind turbines to generate electricity from the wind and residents are installing photovoltaic panels on their houses to make electricity from the sun.
How does electricity use affect the Ann Arbor environment?
Our electricity is provided by DTE Energy, which generates electricity from 98% non-renewable resources, including 79% coal, a major contributor to both regional air pollution and global climate change. (Every kilowatt-hour of electricity we consume in Ann Arbor generates about 2 lbs of CO 2-equivalent emissions.)
All forms of electricity generation have some level of environmental impact, but the degree varies considerably from one fuel source to another. Burning coal creates significant carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and mercury emissions that contribute to global warming, acid rain, and public health concerns, respectively. Nuclear generation produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, but poses difficult waste disposal and non-proliferation challenges.
In contrast, the environmental impact of wind generation is considerably less than coal or nuclear, but care must still be given to siting issues in order to mitigate wildlife impacts. Solar electric (photovoltaic) generation has even fewer environmental impacts, but is currently more expensive than other options.
City Initiatives
The City of Ann Arbor Energy Office is responsible for energy efficiency projects and consults to Service Areas on energy puchases. Ann Arbor’s 1981 Energy Plan set forth a goal to, in part, “increase energy efficiency and use of renewable resources in existing and new construction.” That statement is still as valid today when it was written. Reducing electricity use will also be an important component in achieving the City goals of zero net greenhouse gas emissions and 100% renewable energy use. The city captures landfill gas from our closed landfill and generates electricity that is purchased by DTE. Hydropower is generated at Barton and Superior dams and sold to DTE.
Ann Arbor's Energy Office is working with DTE to increase the availability of Michigan-based renewable energy to Ann Arbor residents.
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