U.S. wholesale electricity prices were lower and less volatile in 2024
Average wholesale electricity prices at major trading hubs in the Lower 48 states were lower in 2024 than in 2023. In addition, prices were much less volatile than they have been over the last few years. Lower and more stable electricity prices in 2024 were mostly driven by low natural gas prices, as well as increases in generation for some lower cost renewable energy sources and new battery storage capacity.
Photo and Video Chronology — January 15, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 4
Around 9:15 a.m. HST this morning, January 15, 2025, the eruption of Kīlauea within Kaluapele (summit caldera) resumed. Lava fountains are active at two vents in the west part of the caldera. Panorama image of the north and south vents in the west portion of Kīlauea caldera are erupting lava fountains during the afternoon of January 15, 2025. Lava fountains are feeding lava flows that are moving in an eastward direction on the caldera floor. USGS photo by M. Patrick. Episode 4 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption began this morning, January 15, 2025. Lava fountains resumed erupting from the
Cost-benefit study confirms coral reef restoration could be a cost-effective way to save lives and money
Researchers developed a modeling system to quantify the value coral reef restoration could provide to 1,000 kilometers, or 621 miles, of coastline in Florida and Puerto Rico. The research compared how much flooding storms could cause with and without coral reef restoration at a 10 square meter, or 108 square feet, resolution. Researchers then determined how many people and how much property and economic activity reef restoration could protect by preventing coastal flooding. "Coral reefs are natural coastal barriers that can substantially reduce coastal flooding and erosion,” said Curt Storlazzi, lead author and research geologist from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Disaster Recovery Centers in Laurens, Screven and Wilkes Counties to Close Permanently Jan. 18
Disaster Recovery Centers in Laurens, Screven and Wilkes Counties to Close Permanently Jan. 18 The Disaster Recovery Centers in Laurens, Screven and Wilkes counties are set to close permanently at 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18. They are currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The recovery centers are at these locations: Laurens County Old West Laurens Middle School 338 West Laurens School Road Dublin, GA 31021 Screven County Screven County Library 106 Community Drive Sylvania, GA 30467 Wilkes County Washington Fire Department (Training Room) 212 E. Court St Washington, GA 30673 There are other centers currently operating
FEMA Public Assistance Available for Bamberg, Calhoun, Orangeburg Counties Following November Severe Storms and Flooding in South Carolina
FEMA Public Assistance Available for Bamberg, Calhoun, Orangeburg Counties Following November Severe Storms and Flooding in South Carolina COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governmental agencies and certain nonprofits (including faith-based organizations) in Bamberg, Calhoun and Orangeburg counties in South Carolina that were affected by severe storms and flooding of Nov. 6-14, 2024, may be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance. This assistance can help cover costs for debris removal, protective measures, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, and more. This is a new major disaster declaration and separate from the declaration for Hurricane Helene. The Public Assistance Program provides federal funding on
Damaged Wells, Furnaces, Private Roads and Bridges, and Septic Systems May Be Covered by FEMA
Damaged Wells, Furnaces, Private Roads and Bridges, and Septic Systems May Be Covered by FEMA CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Homeowners typically apply for disaster assistance for structural damages to their property, such as roofs or floors. But other parts of a residence or private property, not covered by insurance, can also be repaired or replaced under FEMA programs. Damages to your furnace, septic system, private road and/or bridge, or your private well may also be covered by financial assistance from FEMA. Residents of Mercer County, whose primary residences were damaged by the Sept. 25-27, 2024, remnants of Tropical Storm Helene may be
Natural gas vehicle fuel prices rose in 2022 and 2023 after a decade of relative stability
After a decade of nearly flat prices from 2011 to 2021, inflation-adjusted fuel prices for natural gas vehicles increased in 37 states from 2021 to 2023, according to new estimates in our State Energy Data System (SEDS). Real U.S. natural gas prices for vehicle fuel remained 25% below their peak in 2008.
FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Pasco and Pinellas Counties
FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Pasco and Pinellas Counties TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available to answer questions and offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors. Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster through construction and remodeling best practices. An
Five Things to Know About FEMA, Federal and Nonprofit Support to the California Wildfires Response
Five Things to Know About FEMA, Federal and Nonprofit Support to the California Wildfires Response WASHINGTON -- As state, local and federal responders continue efforts to save lives, homes and public property in the areas affected by the wildfires, residents should remain vigilant as conditions are still dangerous and severely degraded air quality in Los Angeles county poses a threat to residents. Follow instructions from local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so. Los Angeles County Residents Can Apply for FEMA Assistance FEMA understands that you may not have all of your personal documents with you or that they
Photo and Video Chronology — January 10, 2025 — Kīlauea summit overflight
On the morning of January 10, 2025, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff conducted a monitoring overflight of Kīlauea summit. Although the eruption has remained paused since the evening of January 3, 2025, glow has since persisted from the inactive vents and lava was observed within them during the overflight. On January 10, 2025, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists (HVO) collected data from two semi-permanent GPS sites on Kīlauea's caldera floor. GPS stations record changes in elevation on the caldera floor and can track ground deformation changes that HVO uses for monitoring unrest. Some GPS stations are telemetered, meaning that their