As the country moves towards clean energy, electricity will be increasingly utilized as a main source for how Americans power their lives, but with that are concerns that an increase in electricity reliance will result in many consumers paying more for their energy needs.
Recently, Dominion Energy and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority ceremonially broke ground on plans to install 200,000 solar panels around Dulles International Airport outside of Washington, D.C., the largest renewable energy project ever built at a U.S. airport. By 2035, the solar panels will be able to supply enough power to 4 million homes while eliminating carbon emissions altogether.
However, many have addressed concerns that an increase in electricity usage will mean higher bills for consumers. According to the Associated Press’ reporting on the issue, “Dominion and the State Corporation Commission have estimated a 72% increase in electricity costs between 2020 and 2035.”
Electricity usage can be offset if a home’s building envelope is designed to be as efficient as possible. The most effective building envelopes are insulated and air sealed – as required by the International Energy Conservation Code. By using building materials, such as spray foam insulation, homeowners and small business owners can easily insulation and air sealing their buildings to they can rest assured that the energy used to power their lives is maximized, reducing energy usage and cost.