Frequently, I am asked why I chose to pursue a career as an energy consultant and what it is I enjoy about the industry. I suppose I could come up with any number of reasons to explain why I like my job, but at the end of the day, energy and I click because I am a nerd. There, I said it. I am a nerd. A very cool nerd, mind you, but a nerd nonetheless.
You see, I studied economics in college, so from my perspective, the energy industry is like one giant, totally awesome economics experiment. Everywhere you look, you will witness economic principles in action: from deregulation and competitive choice, to monopolistic utilities, oil cartels, elasticities, incentives and price controls. I bet this industry would have given even Adam Smith, the widely cited father of modern day economics, a run for his money. continue
November 23, 2010 • Perspectives, Sustainability
by Ann Barczak
Me in Sea Isle City with my first flounder!
A recent conversation with a client regarding their corporate sustainability strategy brought to mind one of the smartest people I have ever met. He was generations ahead of his time. His daily life was a practice of sustainability and energy management before those words would even become relevant. He had no more than a sixth grade formal education, but my Grandfather Jim, or “Red” as everyone knew him, learned his trade through apprenticeships, on the job experience and observation. He ended up becoming a valued electrician and member of the AFL – CIO, but more important was the value he gave to his 30 plus grandchildren.
As many summers as we could, my family would make the long trek from Roswell, Georgia to Sea Isle City, New Jersey. Sea Isle was home to Pop Pop’s “Beach House”, as we Southerner’s call it, or “Shore House” as my northern relatives would refer to it. It was a duplex with a ringer washing machine, one shower and a screen door that had a distinctive latching sound that would rat you out at night if you dared to come home late. continue
