A 15-year study by researchers in South Australia and Germany mapped the source, journey and effect of ultrafine particles in the lower troposphere. It found that filtration systems on modern coal-fired power stations are the biggest individual source of ultrafine particles (UFPs) ahead of urban road traffic.

Results were gathered using ultralight research trikes and other small aircraft around the world, including Mongolia, Germany, Mexico, China and Australia. The flying laboratories are equipped with highly sensitive instruments and sensors measuring dust particles, trace gases, temperature, humidity, wind and energy balances.

The research aircraft followed the ultrafine particles for more than 1000km and could still identify from which power plant they originated.

The paper, published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, identifies ultrafine particles as particles smaller than 100 nanometres.

Although the pollution isn’t visible to the naked eye, and they don’t generate haze and are difficult to detect with optical equipment – these particles have been previously linked to respiratory issues.

The new research also links the ultrafine particles to weather disruptions such as a lack of rainfall near the power stations and increased rain intensity in pockets further away.

The study was led by Professor Jorg Hacker from the Adelaide-based Airborne Research Australia, which is affiliated with Flinders University in South Australia, and Professor Wolfgang Junkermann from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany.

Professor Hacker said when emitted, the miniscule particles could travel hundreds of kilometres and grow by coagulation and chemical processes. He said the ultrafine particles grew to sizes of about 40 nanometers after two to three hours of travel and became additional cloud condensation nuclei, which then leads to a much larger number of small cloud droplets to form than from natural processes.

“These cloud droplets are too small to fall out of the cloud immediately, whereas further away you can get very intense rainfalls,” he said.

“If you change the rainfall distribution, that is a dramatic effect. It changes the hydrology of the land.

“The effect is that you do not get less rain but the distribution is different. That means that there can be less rain close to the power station and more intense rain further away.”

Coal-fired power plants generate UFPs through a filtration system developed to combat sulphuric acid, also known as acid rain.

South Australia leads the nation in the uptake of wind energy and roof-top solar with renewable sources accounting for more than 50 per cent of the electricity generated in the state.

This followed the closure of two coal-fired power stations in recent years, which has forced up electricity prices and increased South Australia’s reliance on energy supplies from the eastern Australian states, particularly in times of peak demand.

The researchers tracked UFPs emitted from the Port Augusta coal-fired station in South Australia before it closed in 2016. They found ultrafine particles at elevated levels at Chinchilla in Queensland, which they were able to trace back to Port Augusta more than 1400km southwest.

“Although the Port Augusta particles had decreased to relatively low concentrations by then they were still clearly identifiable,” Professor Hacker said.

“When we then investigated the particle plume from the Kogan Creek powerplant about 20km upwind from Chinchilla, we looked at the instrument readout and said ‘well, we should really wear masks here’ because the particle concentration had shot up to 70, 80, 90 thousand particles per cubic centimetre.”

Specifically, in regions with conspicuous precipitation trends such as inland southwestern Australia and Queensland, the researchers found that UFP concentrations have increased constantly and could be linked to emissions made by coal-fired power stations and refineries.

Many parts of Australia are experiencing severe drought conditions at the moment while other areas, particularly along the east coast are being hit by heavy rainstorms.

Professor Hacker said coal-fired power stations should be modified to collect ultrafine particles but conceded that it would be very expensive to do so.

He said meteorologists should also take these emissions into account when predicting rain patterns.

“We are not saying all droughts are caused by ultrafine particles – that’s unrealistic,” Professor Hacker said.

“But there definitely is an influence, and there is a statistical increase of intense high rainfall along the Queensland coast.

“There must be some connection between them – the physics are clear.”

There is no limit to the usage of electricity at home. Usage of high energy rating appliances can save your bill, if it’s not possible to change the appliances then it’s time to find out which appliances are shooting your electricity bills. List down the appliances that are most hunger for power and plan how you could reduce its usage. Seeing your electricity bills you may wonder why you are getting higher bills, although you would have taken a few steps in consuming less energy.

Residential energy consumption is the third largest user of energy wherein nearly 65% of energy is used and 35% of energy is wasted. Cooling and heating appliances use 48% of energy, water heater uses 13% of energy, lighting, washer, and dryers use 12% of energy, Refrigerator, electric oven, the TV uses nearly 3-4 % of the energy. Turn off the appliances when not in use is the better solution to save energy.

Impacts of High Energy consuming appliances:

Energy saving is vital for the environment, more than 50% of the emissions are from the higher utilization of electricity. The organization for economic co-operation and development warns that by 2050, the energy-related emissions will increase up to seventy percent which impacts the environment.

Following are the consequences that occur due to high energy consumption:

Carbon Footprints: Increase in the emissions levels of carbon dioxide and methane. Carbon footprints are the sum of all the emissions through various activities in a given time. The better way to avoid is to unplug the devices when not in use. Plugging laptop, charger washing machine, the microwave uses electricity which amounts to greenhouse gases.

Climate Change: According to the surveys, it is believed that more than 50% of the energy from natural gas and coal contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. There was a gradual increase in methane and carbon dioxide levels due to the careless utilization of electricity.

Scarcity in Energy Supply: There is an increase in supply and demand as there is an increase in consumers and this is a greater threat to the environment in the future. Generation of electricity through natural gas and coals will impact the environment and leads to deforestation.

High energy Cost: Overuse of energy leads to paying higher bills. This will risk the lifetime of the appliances and end up purchasing the new one.

Reasons for High Energy Consumption:

Paying electricity bills are quite challenging, there are lots of troubleshooting to check electrical usage has to be done which will determine the consumption of power. Following are the reasons for high energy consumptions:

• Devices that are plugged continues to suck lots of energy hence unplug them when not in use
• Lights and fans aren’t strategically used. Eliminate unnecessary lights when not in use.
• Non Usage of energy efficient lights. LED lights consume less energy than traditional bulbs
• Improper insulation of house: Whether usage of energy in summer or winter, if the house is not properly insulated there will be a loss of energy
• Appliances which have old makes and models tend to suck more power and increase your electricity bills
• Run washing machines, washer and dryers when they are completely full.
• Extreme weather conditions consume lots of energy and lead to emissions. Keep the temperature inside the house consistent that is suitable.
• Charging the devices more than the required time leads to unnecessary charging and consumes more power.
• Turning on the air conditioners when windows are open consumes more energy and you end up paying more.

8 high energy consumption appliances, let’s learn how to save energy:

Cooling and heating systems:

During summer, implement natural ways to make your dwelling place cooler. Insulating the roof helps to maintain the temperature inside the house and saves energy bills. During winter ensure that chimneys are sealed with a damper, doors, and windows or properly sealed. Turn on the air conditioner earlier, such that it doesn’t consume more energy and start using the heater before the building turns really cold.

House appliances:

Unplug the appliances like TV, computer or laptop, refrigerator, washing machines, and microwave when not in use. Buy appliances with higher ratings, usually, the bigger appliances have a higher rating but higher the size energy consumption will also be more.

Fridge and Freezer:

Buy the fridge and freezer with minimum energy performance standards. A refrigerator that uses the hydrocarbon such as pentane or butane as a refrigerant for the insulation foam consumes less energy. Get the smallest size that fits your needs. The fridge which is smaller consumes less energy. Control the temperature of the refrigerator, ensure the fridge and freezer door are closed properly when not in use.

Washing Machine:

The front loader washing machine is energy efficient than the top loader as they use less water, detergent, and power. Most of the energy is consumed by the water heater that is connected to the washing clothes. Reducing water consumption by the washing machine saves energy.

Programmable Thermostat:

Don’t forget to turn off the thermostat before you leave your home. A programmable thermostat sucks your money. Get suggestions from the utility company or a hardware store person can help you out with the right appliance. Set sixty-eight degrees when you are home at and fifty-eight degrees when at night. Set the thermostat at fifty degrees when you aren’t at home, this saves lots of energy

Other electrical appliances:

Installations of downlights consumes lots of energy, compact fluorescent lightbulbs are food choice for lighting. Another effective way to save energy is to stop air leaks, shade your windows and doors. During winter it will keep heat in and during summer when not used it will keep the heat out. Installation of ceiling fans helps to get enough breeze and are environmentally friendly. Use the high material that is weather friendly and energy efficient. Get double or triple pane windows with low-E argon-filled glass and insulate it well.

Showerhead and sink aerator:

Your shower uses around 22 percent of the total water you use in your home (if your home is average). A large amount of warm water flowing through the showers or sink will add your energy bill. A low-flow showerhead restricts the water flow than the higher shower which uses more than 50 gallons of water.

Sustainable Energy:

Households emits more than 15 tonnes of greenhouse gases, 50% is from electricity generation which impacts the earth and contributes to global warming and climate change. Generation of electricity through renewable resources like water, sun, wind, and waste are environmentally friendly. But the green power might cost more than the electricity, one-time installation of green power will fetch you lifelong benefit. Use the natural lighting and ensure your house is well ventilated. Wind technology can provide nine percent of global electricity, The global warming emissions associated with renewable energy are minimal, it reduces the emissions by approximately eighty-one percent. Coal and natural gas associated with a health problem, like breathing problems, cancer, heart attacks, and premature death. All the negative impact of health come from emissions like air pollution and natural gas-fired plants.

Energy saving tips at home:

• Use energy efficient appliances and generators like the like the Goal Zero 1250. (Look for the energy label “Grade 1” products which are the most energy efficient).
• Replace incandescent lamps with more energy efficient lamps (e.g. Light
• Emitting Diode (LED) lamps or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)).
• Minimize hot water usage for bathing and cleaning purpose.
• Maintain appliances regularly before or after use for optimal energy efficiency performance.
• Use appliances with timer control or automatic power-off function. Don’t leave the appliances in standby mode for a long time.
• Set and maintain an air-conditioned room temperature between 24 degrees and 26 degrees C in summer.
• Use appliances of appropriate capacity and features best suited for home.

Energy saving tips at the office:

• Set and maintain an air-conditioned room temperature between 24 degrees C and 26� in summer.
• Switch off office equipment that is not in use.
• Use appliances with timer control or automatically switch-off control
• When leaving office, arrange for the last-man-out to check and switch off the power source to all air conditioning, lighting, and office equipment that are not in use. Avoid leaving appliances in standby mode for a long period.
• Procure energy-efficient office equipment.
• Carry out regular maintenance on office equipment for optimal energy
• efficiency performance.

Energy Consumption Calculation:

Electrical energy consumption is calculated by multiplying the power draw of equipment by the number of hours of use, Energy consumption (kWh)= wattage*hours of use* 1kw/1000w.

Establish the energy baseline and calculate accordingly: An energy baseline serves as a reference point for evaluating future energy-saving efforts. A baseline period: Daily, Monthly, Annually Can be used for predictive purposes. The ongoing review of your facility’s energy consumption to determine if its energy performance is getting better or worse in comparison to yourself, other facilities in your portfolio, and/or your peers.

How to find the best energy deals?

There are various suppliers in the market, who provide online energy comparison that helps to determine your average electricity usage along with the cheapest energy deals.

While choosing the energy deals you should not only compare the cost but also consider the following factors:

The mode of payment: Prepaid and postpaid are the two options few suppliers provide for the consumers. Often prepaid tariffs are expensive than postpaid tariffs. You can either opt for credit payments or choose direct debit from your account for postpaid energy consumption tariffs.

Choosing the energy plan that is affordable: Energy supply can be categorized into three types the help to save the electricity bills:

Duel fuel: Few of the household prefer to have a dual supply of energy, either gas or electricity. It is better to choose one energy supplier that supplies both gas and electricity. Choosing the dual supplier has a lot of benefits, you tend to get more discounts on your annual bills. Though it’s not cheaper, the discount plays a major role.

Fixed and capper energy tariffs: These tariffs have the usage limit, which offers a set unit price for a certain period of time. Fixed tariffs won’t change, when there is a rise in prices or when there is a dip in prices. Sometimes, fixed rates can be more expensive than standard variable tariffs. Wanting to save energy millions of consumer has switched to capped or fixed tariffs, that controls the usage of energy.

Standing charges: They are charged flat on daily rates, it also covers schemes like green energy subsidies. Standing charges are applicable for daily household usage but if it is rarely used maybe 6 months in a year then its utter waste in choosing this tariff.

Opting green energy: Energy from renewable resources can be expensive but saves money for the future.

Electricity and gas supply from one provider

Duration of the contract

Exit fee when you vacate the place or transfer fees when you shift.

It only takes a few minutes to compare your electricity bills, the online comparison is free, fast and easy, you can get great deals from the multiple suppliers. You would get the best advice on switching or saving energy.

Switching to energy suppliers:

Switching to small suppliers are bound with the same set of rules, but they can supply energy cheaper than the large suppliers, but security is less as they tend to be in bankruptcy. Larger suppliers will have lots of customers and supply energy efficiently and they are a reliable supplier. Medium energy suppliers often charge nominally. Following are ways to switch energy suppliers online:

Step 1: Go to an online energy comparison website like Electricityrates.com. The website will contain all the information related to energy.

Step 2: Enter your zip code, as the gas and electricity rates vary as per the regions.

Step 3: Enter the current usage information, you need to enter the current tariff details and answer all the questions.

Step 4: Choose the right plan: Review your comparison bills and choose a better rate plan.

Bills depend on the supplier and how they cost on consuming the energy, there are a lot of jargons used in the bills which you may not be able to understand, but seeking online advice will clear your thoughts. Switching the supplier could make you save huge money. Fixed tariffs offer consumers greater discounts.

Energy performance assessment: You can track your energy performance by following the below steps:

• Collect and track facility energy data
• Benchmark your energy performance
• Internal comparisons
• Comparison against similar facilities
• Identify areas of high-cost energy
• Develop an energy baseline
• Take necessary action

The lesser energy we use the lesser we pollute our environment. Use renewable resources like solar, water and wind energy, they produce less pollution. By understanding the current environmental issue, take steps to avoid usage of non-renewable energy. Renewable energy builds the community to accept nature and build resilience, it meets all the energy needs. Saving energy saves money and nature. Utilize the energy well and build an eco-friendly environment.