?Photo: astrosurf.com

You can calculate how much you will spend on gas for a given trip and find the lowest gas prices for different areas of the country at AAA’s online travel adviser. Another resource is GasBuddy, where individuals constantly monitor local gas prices and post the cheapest places to buy gas.

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Our recent story about descending gas prices got good response, with one reader saying that though we’re relieved at prices under $3 a gallon today, two years ago, gas prices were roughly half what they are today ($1.60 to $1.80 a gallon nationally in early 2004). Alas, too, too true.

Photo: akasa.ca/smart

Surprisingly, the answer is “buying a fuel-efficient vehicle,” according to Sean Comey, spokesman for AAA of Northern California. “In the short term, people can reduce their consumption through relatively easy steps like telecommuting, carpooling, taking mass transit,” Comey says. While this in itself is a great idea, and would make a significant impact, “in the long term the biggest impact most of us can have is by choosing to drive a more fuel-efficient vehicle,” Comey said. Who knew?

Photo: photo.net

Labor Day weekend drivers may be able to put the pedal to the metal with less pain in the next few days, with gas prices dropping locally and nationally.

Average prices in the Bay Area are approaching $3 a gallon, with gas going for as low as $2.75 a gallon. Regular unleaded gas was selling today for $3.08 on the Peninsula, $3.04 in the East Bay and $3.03 in the San Jose metro area, according to AAA.

Motorists gearing up for a last blast before the end of summer will find the news a pleasant surprise. Just weeks ago, BP Plc announced it was closing Prudhoe Bay in Alaska, one of California’s biggest oil suppliers, for repairs. Luckily, BP reconsidered and decided to keep half the field open. Read the rest of this entry »

Once a month, the Energy Blog features an Energy Superstar - an individual or individuals who have made a valuable contribution in the area of energy in the Bay Area. This month, Gary Gerber of Berkeley gets the nod as our superstar.

Gerber drives an electric car and wears a solar-powered watch. He’s president and founder of a company that installs solar energy panels for homeowners, Sun Light and Power, in Berkeley.

The company’s trucks run on biodiesel fuel, and the conference room table is made of recycled glass; the floor is made of recycled soda bottles. (We’re not making this up, honest.) Kudos to you, Gary!

Do you know someone who has made a valuable contribution in the area of energy in the Bay Area? If you do, e-mail jmara@angnewspapers.com with their name and accomplishments, or just click the “Comment” button and post the info here.

Photo:Alternativesolar.com

Readers had good things to say about Tuesday’s article (see below) on Berkeley solar design and installation firm Sun Light and Power. One reader who didn’t leave his name said, “Excellent article today on sun power. Wouldn’t it be great if somebody would put solar energy cells on top of all the BART sun roofs?”

?Staff photo by D. Ross Cameron

WITH SOARING electricity bills in the wake of the recent heat wave, business is shining at alternative energy companies like Berkeley solar installation and design company Sun Light and Power Co.

“We thrive on disaster energy disasters, anyway,” said Gary Gerber, who founded the 40-employee company 30 years ago. Revenue this year is expected to reach about $9 million, up more than 70 percent from last year’s $5.2 million.

Sun Light and Power has installed solar panels in homes and other structures all over the Bay Area. If you’ve driven down University Avenue in Berkeley recently, you may have noticed the company’s sign on the University Avenue Senior Housing building under construction near Sacramento Street.
Read the rest of this entry »

Our story about hybrid vehicles drew a number of responses. Among others, two readers called and e-mailed to suggest that after 100,000 miles, it might be necessary to replace the battery on a hybrid.
Jim Korn of San Leandro said, “Good article on the hybrids. Some months ago I came to the same analysis and decided hybrids are not all that great an advantage. In addition, after six years, just when they start to pay off, they will likely need a battery pack replacement at a cost of several thousand dollars on a car that’s almost seven years old. And, that’s a REAL bad investment!”
Bill Hellinge in Pleasanton mentioned the same thing.
What do you think? Do you have a hybrid? Would you ever buy one?

 Reeling from sticker shock at the gas pump, you’ve resolved to do everything you can to save on fuel. Depending on the variables, a hybrid vehicle could help keep your fuel costs down and also benefit the environment, though it’s not the best solution for everyone.
Is a hybrid the best vehicle for you? The pros and cons vary considerably from person to person. For example, Bob Marsh of Berkeley got a $2,000 tax credit for his hybrid SUV and is pleased with the purchase.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is offering help with those scary bills from the recent heat wave. PG&E will increase funding to its Relief for Assistance through Community Help (REACH) program, which makes grants of up to $300 to customers. Also, the utility will provide more flexible payment arrangements to aid customers with their higher bills. More details are available on the company’s Web site, or you can call 1-800-PGE-5000.