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Abe Scarr

@abescarr.bsky.social
393 followers 605 following 216 posts

Illinois PIRG director PIRG Energy and Utilities Program director

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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 11h
Read MASSPIRG’s Dierdre Cummings on the need to end GSEP and its incentives for wasteful gas utility spending www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/20/o...
bostonglobe.com
Questions raised over state’s gas safety program - The Boston Globe
"When utilities are allowed to spend wastefully, we pick up the tab," writes one stakeholder. Another: "Upgrading pipes to more modern materials improves reliability of energy delivery and lowers emis...
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Capitol News Illinois @capitolnewsil.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Dozens of Chicago-area elected officials penned a letter Tuesday urging regulators to reject Peoples Gas’ recent rate hike request and reform the company’s approach to system maintenance. @maggiedough.bsky.social reports. buff.ly/FWJWh6k
buff.ly
Not ‘one more cent’: Chicago-area elected officials rally against Peoples Gas rate hike
Chicago-area officials are urging regulators to reject Peoples Gas' $144 million rate hike and reform its pipe program.
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Capitol Fax @capitolfax.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Isabel’s afternoon roundup
dlvr.it
Isabel’s afternoon roundup
* Capitol News Illinois… Dozens of elected officials penned a letter Tuesday urging state regulators to reject Peoples Gas’ $144 million rate hike request and reform the company’s pipeline retirement program. Several officials joined utility watchdogs at a news conference at Chicago City Hall announcing the letter. “If a company is delivering a service to us, we should [...]
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CBS News Chicago @cbschicago.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Chicago elected officials and other representatives from Illinois are pushing back on Peoples Gas' proposed $144 million rate hike.
cbsnews.com
Chicago officials to urge Illinois Commerce Commission to oppose Peoples Gas $144 million rate hike proposal
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Press event happening at City Hall now: Thirty-eight alderpersons and state legislators representing Chicago sent a letter to state regulators Tuesday opposing the Peoples Gas rate hike. pirg.org/illinois/med...
pirg.org
State, local electeds release letter opposing Peoples Gas rate hike
Thirty-eight alderpersons and state legislators representing Chicago sent a letter to state regulators Tuesday opposing the Peoples Gas rate hike.
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Utility Action Alliance @utility-action.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
🚨NC regulators blocked Duke Energy's gas plant meant to cover surging AI data center demand because Duke couldn't prove customers wouldn't end up on the hook for the bill. Utilities think they can keep using the AI boom to pickpocket you. Nice try.
Blue background with a headline stating: "NC regulators deny Duke Energy’s $584 million gas turbine proposal near Amazon data center." The article is by Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Change Reporter. Logo at the bottom reads "Utility Action Alliance.
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Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 27/09/2026
The overwhelming problem of plastic
chicagotribune.com
The overwhelming problem of plastic
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Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 26/09/2026
Today in Chicago History: Sting beat New York Cosmos to win North American Soccer League title in Toronto
chicagotribune.com
Today in Chicago History: Sting beat New York Cosmos to win North American Soccer League title in Toronto
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Justin Gundlach @justingundlach.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
We at the Future of Heat Initiative published a Gas Distribution System Regulatory Handbook. thefutureofheat.com/handbook It's the 2026 edition -- we'll refresh it next year. Authored by the analytical ninjas at Synapse, it's the reference guide that everyone in the gas game needs. Enjoy.
The Future of Heat Initiative
Gas Distribution System Regulatory Handbook
2026
Prepared for the Future of Heat Initiative by Synpase Energy Economics, Inc.
August 2026
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
👀👀Regulators should lower BGE’s rates by $43.9 million instead of raising them, OPC tells regulators content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDO...
content.govdelivery.com
Regulators should lower BGE’s rates by $43.9 million instead of raising them, OPC tells regulators
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Chicago Bike Sox @chicagobikesox.com · 24/09/2026
😗👌
An hourly weather forecast for Sunday showing 69° from 1 to 3. 68 at 12 and 4, 67 at 5. Sunset at 6:41, 66 degrees.
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Loyolla student Jalia Robinson making a public comment before the Illinois Commerce Commission (over webex) against the Peoples Gas rate hike
A student on a web meeting making a public comment before the Illinois Commerce Commission
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Governor Andy Beshear @govandybeshear.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Two Kentucky icons are turning 100! Celebrate Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Ale-8-One with the Natural Bridge 100-Year Adventure Photo Challenge. Complete six categories for a chance to win various prize packs. Learn more: tinyurl.com/89mb2dsw
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
🔋🔋🎉
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
In good company with @kgeorgebagdanov.bsky.social & @justingundlach.bsky.social discussing wasteful gas utility pipe replacement spending and the regulatory treatment that facilitates it - reacting to new @buildingdecarb.org report. @nickcunningham.bsky.social gasoutlook.com/analysis/gas...
gasoutlook.com
Gas pipeline replacement driving up customer bills - Gas Outlook
Utilities are spending billions of dollars replacing aging gas lines. But experts question the safety benefit even as ratepayers are picking up the tab.
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Justin Gundlach @justingundlach.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Our report, Spending and Safety Outcomes in U.S. Gas Distribution Systems, finds that the answer posed in the headline -- for Massachusetts and other states with similar programs -- is "probably not" and "in some ways it might have even made things worse"
bostonglobe.com
This program is driving up gas bills in Massachusetts. Did it make customers safer? - The Boston Globe
A recent study found there is no statistical evidence that increased spending on replacing old gas pipes has improved safety.
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Shana Tova. Back on my bs (canning tomatos)
Garden tomato’s quartered in a pot on an induction rangeTomato’s cooked a little too long. Honestly I forgot, we had a block party going on. But nothing burned, it worked out fine. Pot with simmering tomato juice. A wooden spoon is resting on the rim. Canned tomatos
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Morgan Watkins @morgreports.lpm.org · 10/09/2026
The layoffs today at the Lexington Herald-Leader are brutal. A personal loss for great journalists I know, and a community loss for the Kentuckians they've worked hard to report local news for.
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Capitol News Illinois @capitolnewsil.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul secured a settlement with Nicor Gas that will remove 63% of the utility’s rate request if approved, but consumer advocates say it’s a mixed bag. @maggiedough.bsky.social reports. buff.ly/9qxPQ51
capitolnewsillinois.com
Attorney general reaches settlement to reduce Nicor Gas request by 63%
A settlement cuts Nicor Gas’ proposed Illinois rate hike by 63%, reducing the increase for residential customers.
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Building Decarbonization Coalition @buildingdecarb.org · 10/09/2026
💲 BDC Report: Pennsylvania’s “Big Six” gas utilities spent $11 billion on Act 11-enabled gas pipeline replacement programs from 2013 to 2025, driving 67% surge in gas utility bills. bit.ly/4xkVfDV #EnergySky #ClimateSky #BuildingDecarb #HeatPump #CleanHeat #ThermalEnergyNetworks
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Mia Berrios from People For Community Recovery speaking out against the Peoples Gas pipe replacement program at today’s ICC meeting.
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Good news: we're part of a proposed settlement of the Nicor rate case that cuts the increase by nearly 2/3 & lowers the fixed monthly charge by more than $6 Bad news: A side deal committs Nicor to wasteful spending on unneccessary fossil fuel infrastructure www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/09/n...
chicagotribune.com
Nicor Gas agrees to lower proposed rate increase by $140 million
Nicor Gas has reached a settlement with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office to reduce its pending rate request for next year by nearly $140 million, or 63%.
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Patrick De Haan @gasbuddyguy.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
MAXXED OUT at $9.999!! GasBuddy data showing 5 stations in California that have hit the limit and are selling diesel at the dispensers highest possible price: $9.999/gal
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Rory Johnston @roryjohnston.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Crude flying this morning—Brent now above $104/bbl. Wheels coming off.
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Chicago Reader @chicagoreader.com · 07/09/2026
Surveying the mess that the best human minds had made of the world, the bandleader, pianist, electronic musician, composer, and philosopher known as Sun Ra took a dim view of consensus reality. bit.ly/4xHjnl9
chicagoreader.com
The Sun Ra Arkestra brings its message of transcendence to Constellation and the Armitage County Fair - Chicago Reader
Surveying the mess that the best human minds had made of the world, the bandleader, pianist, electronic musician, composer, and philosopher known as Sun Ra took a dim view of consensus reality.
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
We’re calling for a two year moratorium on the construction of new 50 MW data centers. If we trash our planet with data centers, all of the potential benefits of AI will be useless. Let’s slow down and try to get it right instead. pirg.org/articles/dat...
pirg.org
Data center moratorium now
The rush to build large data centers to meet demand for AI computing power is causing big problems. We need to hit the brakes on big data centers to make sure we can get this right.
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Eric Allix Rogers @ericallixrogers.com · 02/09/2026
Live look at DLSD traffic with the bridge stuck up.
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Be joyful though you have considered all the facts. dn720001.ca.archive.org/0/items/free...
dn720001.ca.archive.org
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Joe Sonka 😐 @joesonka.lpm.org · 01/09/2026
Kentuckian Wendell Berry has died at age 92
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Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
🇺🇸 Sources: Everton agree to a deal to sign USMNT forward Flo Balogun from AS Monaco. Fee in the region of £40million ($54m). Personal terms still being finalized. Balogun, 25, close to a return to England www.nytimes.com/athletic/755...
nytimes.com
Everton reach Folarin Balogun agreement with Monaco (Gift Article)
Everton have reached an agreement with Monaco for the signing of U.S. men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun. Monaco sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships...
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Maters
A pile of garden tomatoes with 3 ping tung eggplants in the backSliced tomatos to sauce Stewed tomatos
Tomato juice and food mill
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Emily Moore @emilymoore.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
CA legislature just passed the Home Energy Choice Act, giving people the choice to electrify with the $$ utilities would have spent digging up and replacing their old gas pipe. A simple, no-brainer policy. WA and OR up next? earthjustice.org/press/2026/c...
earthjustice.org
California Legislature Passes the Home Energy Choice Act
AB 2313 will give Californians the freedom and funds for non-polluting appliances with money that would otherwise be spent replacing gas service lines
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Washington Gas not entitled to bill surcharge recovery for costs denied in rate case, OPC filing says content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDO...
content.govdelivery.com
Washington Gas not entitled to bill surcharge recovery for costs denied in rate case, OPC filing says
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Edwin Lyman @nucsafetyucs.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
So let's do the math here for the Army JANUS program. $2.2 billion of our money for 5 microreactors with a total power capacity of 32 MW-electric. That works out to a mere $68,750/kW. That makes the $15,000/kW Vogtle disaster look like pocket change. www.army.mil/article/2948...
army.mil
Army reaches agreement with private industry for nuclear micro-reactors
WASHINGTON — The Department of the Army is announcing today that the Janus Program has selected five nuclear energy vendors, and five initial locations.
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Soccerwise @soccerwisehq.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Take a bow, Maren Haile-Selassie 🔥
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Ketan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 18/08/2026
Incorrect! China consumes ~half of what the US does in terms of per-capita KWh of electrical energy! China also has far lower data centre energy consumption both in absolute, grid % and per-capita terms! These people are just making things up and that's the story! bsky.app/profile/keta...
The biggest impediment, at least according to North America’s quasi-governmental grid watchdog, is power. “The only thing China is ahead of us in the AI race is power,” Jim Robb, the chief executive of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, told reporter Arianna Skibell on the Politico Energy podcast episode that went live Monday. “We have better models, we have better engineers, we have better scientists — but we’re challenged in our society to build the infrastructure that’s going to be required to support the growth.”a chart showing US per capita kwh higher than china
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Edwin Lyman @nucsafetyucs.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Yesterday operators manually scrammed the St. Lucie-1 #nuclear reactor in #Florida at full power after three (!) control rods accidentally dropped into the core. The reactor is still down today.
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derek guy @dieworkwear.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
I enjoyed this. ordinaryabundance.com
ordinaryabundance.com
Ordinary Abundance
A walk through a modern apartment, through the eyes of the people for whom everything in it was new.
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Severe weather making insurance costs soar as key info is kept under wraps www.dispatch.com/story/opinio...
dispatch.com
Severe weather making insurance costs soar as key info is kept under wraps | Opinion
Homeowners and renters can't make informed decisions as they face increased risks and insurance costs.
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Carl Quintanilla @carlquintanilla.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
RBADVISERS: “.. Yet another inflation impulse. The US basically has NO STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE (SPR) anymore.”
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Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 12/08/2026
Illinois law is the first in the Great Lakes region to designate industrial plastic pellets as pollution
chicagotribune.com
Illinois law is the first in the Great Lakes region to designate industrial plastic pellets as pollution
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
In both home and auto insurance, consumers are paying more and getting less. Even just delaying claims is a win for insurers, who reap higher investment returns each day of delay.
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The Wall Street Journal @wsj.com · 11/08/2026
It's getting harder to get paid out on car accident claims. Here's why.
on.wsj.com
If You Get in a Car Crash, the Risk Is Growing Your Insurance Won’t Pay
Auto insurers didn’t pay out on 45% of auto liability and medical claims they resolved last year, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis.
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Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 08/08/2026
A federal judge ruled that Oak Park’s ordinance requiring new buildings and residences to be all electric rather than run by fossil fuels is not preempted by a federal law, rejecting a legal challenge from the natural gas industry.
chicagotribune.com
Federal court upholds Oak Park ordinance requiring new buildings be all electric
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
static.klipy.com
Sun Ra Drinks Coca Cola
ALT: Sun Ra Drinks Coca Cola
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Nick Cunningham @nickcunningham.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
War-time profits for Big Oil has led to some angry comments from Trump. No longer out of the realm of possibility that Trump curbs oil (or gasoline/diesel) exports. It has the industry worried gasoutlook.com/analysis/oil...
gasoutlook.com
Oil industry fears export limits in U.S. - Gas Outlook
Trump is under pressure from high gasoline prices. Industry analysts warn that he may turn to limits or even a ban on oil and gasoline exports.
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Gah!
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Governor JB Pritzker @govpritzker.illinois.gov · 04/08/2026
Today, we’re putting the public interest over special interests in Illinois. We aim to bring down costs for families, keep corporations accountable, and instill confidence in consumers who’ve been asked to shoulder a financial weight unreasonably imposed upon them.
CBS News Chicago Article Headlined: Gov JB Pritzker signs bills protecting consumers from unfair home and auto insurance premiums and rate hikes.
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Abe Scarr @abescarr.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
All ages Budos! #milenniumpark
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Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 02/08/2026
An Indiana pastor became an Illinois oilman. Spills and pollution followed.
chicagotribune.com
An Indiana pastor became an Illinois oilman. Spills and pollution followed.
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