Inform yourself about energy alternatives

Town meeting Monday: Consumers have an opportunity to weigh the pros and cons of energy choices

Citizens concerned about the cost and availability of energy should take advantage of a special opportunity to do something other than complain. They may discuss and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various energy options.
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What: "Powering Iowa," one of a series of town-hall meetings to discuss energy issues. The forums will include the "Energy Ed" software exercise.
Who: The public is invited.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday.
Where: The University of Dubuque's Hadley Auditorium.
Sponsors: Presented by Blue Spark, in cooperation with Alliant Energy and the Telegraph Herald.
Registration: Phone 800/419-0279 or log onto www.bluesparkgadgets.com.
On Monday, Dubuque is the first of seven Iowa sites of town meetings on energy. The free program features a computer simulation, "Energy Ed." Organized by Blue Spark, of Madison, Wis., the series is cosponsored by Alliant Energy. The Telegraph Herald is a sponsor of the Dubuque session.
Seldom do consumers have recourse beyond complaining about the cost of electricity. Yet here is a chance for citizens to be part of the process in determining the state's energy needs and infrastructure.
As renewable energy sources play an increasingly bigger role in Iowa's energy picture, the industry is on the cusp of change. Maybe you think wind is the way of the future. Maybe your money is on nuclear power as the cleanest large-scale energy source.
Energy sources could include biomass, coal, clean coal, wind, solar, hydroelectric and nuclear power. The choices are not simple. With efficiency comes expense. But if holding down prices were the only concern, pollution would spike.
This meeting, using objective data installed in "Energy Ed," an innovative computer program, helps consumers weigh the advantages and disadvantages of wind, nuclear and other energy sources.
Through this Sim City-style exercise, consumers can weigh in on balancing cost and convenience, efficiency and environmental impact.
This week's arctic blasts might have you dialing the thermostat to the three-sweaters-and-wool-socks setting. But while many of us try to conserve energy, Iowans continually increase their energy consumption each year.
It is time for Iowans to get involved in sorting out the challenges of power management. You don't even have to go far. Join us Monday, and add your voice to the discussion of the problems and promise.