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Issues With
only 4% of the world’s population, the U.S. consumes more
petroleum than any other country on the planet—about 24%.1
In 2007, we imported 58% of the petroleum we consumed.2
Since we produce less than half of the oil we use, we must
rely on other countries for imported oil—oil that is currently
essential to the continued growth and function of our society.
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In the United
States, we spend more than $200,000 per minute on foreign
oil.3 That’s about 13 million dollars an
hour. President Obama recognizes the threat of this
energy dependence, and addressed our country’s oil addiction
in a recent speech.
"At a time of
such great challenge for America, no single issue is
as fundamental to our future as energy. America's dependence
on oil is one of the most serious threats that our nation
has faced... It puts the American people at the mercy
of shifting gas prices, stifles innovation and sets
back our ability to compete."4 |
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We as a society must learn how to do more with less—and
quickly. This is where smart grid has a role.
Opportunities Smart grid enables
us to do more with less and reduce our addiction to foreign oil
through increased energy efficiency on the grid, by facilitating
the acceptance of clean renewable energy resources and
electric cars, and by empowering consumers to manage energy
usage, helping them decrease consumption and save money.
These smart grid solutions can slow our country’s consumption
of fossil fuels and foreign oil, contributing to greater energy
independence. In addition, carbon emissions and greenhouse gases
will be reduced, ultimately helping our environment. |
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