We have entered uncertain times at the very least. The world is in a precarious position with Russia invading Ukraine and attacking civilians with weapons that are so lethal they have been banned by the Geneva Convention. Not to get dramatic but there is a threat to the world order and the free world needs to react.
In response to an independent country overrun without provocation the free world has invoked sanctions and limitations on Russia’s ability to conduct business as usual. How does that effect energy users in the US? is the question on many people’s minds.
What do the oil sanctions mean for us?
The fact is energy is moved across the world and if something goes out of balance, like a seesaw, when you jump off there will be an impact to an unassuming person on the other end. We are that person. Russia is the number three supplier of oil after the United States and Saudi Arabia. So, we are number one but cannot supply the world to make up for number three. Natural gas has Russia at number two in the world, again behind the United States.
This has the United States as a major user and major supplier. Yet we import from around the world. Any world price impact will impact us as well as other countries. Collateral damage has the wholesale price that Ariba pays going up at such a rate that we sell oil one day and the next day Ariba is paying the same amount to replace that same gallon. For instance, we were selling oil for $ 3.50 one day and the next we were paying $ 3.50 per gallon to replace that same gallon. And then it went up another twenty cents.
So today we are all victims of collateral damage from the war in Europe.
I appreciate all this stress for worry and extra fuel costs for a basic human need. Food and shelter. Fuel to stay warm and heat water is a necessary need for our shelter.
Luckily, we are less than three weeks from spring. Temperatures will be erratic at this time of year but on a moderating and upward slope.
What steps can we take to lessen the impact?
When temperatures are moderating saving on heat will be easier.
Moderating temperatures means that recovering your home temperature to normal levels will be much easier if allow your home to cool.
Homes will not freeze water pipes at temperatures above 32 degrees. Knowing this you will not need to heat your home when not home when temperatures are above 32. Simply shutting off or turning down to the lowest will not do any harm. When daytime temperatures are above 45 you will not lose a lot of heat now that the sun is out for much longer and there is no shade from deciduous trees.
Sleeping with cool temperatures is not unhealthy and often comfortable. An extra blanket can go a long way to stay warm when you turn the thermometer down to the low sixties. With overnight temperatures not very cold you should be able to wake up at the desired temperature with a programmable or WiFi thermostat.
You might want to lock all your windows.. A daft idea – you might say. Yet I have been told that many of your homes have the upper window slipped down a quarter inch or so letting in the cold. Simply locking your windows will avoid the window coming down a fraction with gravity. And the bonus is you can tell everyone that you have their security in mind when you locked the windows.
In any event common sense of shutting down the heat and hot water when you do not need them, turning down the heat can really save energy. You do not leave your car running overnight to jump in the following morning.
Ariba is also working on a plan to aid the Ukrainian people and war effort. Let us know of any ideas you may have.
