As the long-term effects of climate change impacts natural resources, one study says it might also dig into the pocketbooks of energy consumers.
With energy costs rising due to rising global temperatures, more entities are turning to renewable technologies to help their customers.
According to the fourth National Climate Assessment, residential and commercial electricity expenses are projected to increase anywhere from four to 18 percent by 2040 nationwide. Those projections include a reduction in electricity used for heat in states with warmer winters, and associated increases in electricity demands during the summer months.
However, entities such as Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) are investing in solar technology, which not only is a proactive conservation measure, but a way to help their members to possibly defray some energy cost.
Read more from Exsar Arguello with the Hays Free Press News-Dispatch here.