DALLAS, April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- On Tuesday, TXU Electric Delivery returns to the name Oncor Electric Delivery in a move to clarify its role as a regulated transmission and distribution business and set a new course for the future.

"Returning to the Oncor name helps us clearly differentiate ourselves as a stand-alone, regulated, electric delivery business," said Bob Shapard, chairman and chief executive officer of Oncor Electric Delivery. "This represents a fresh start for us and an opportunity to build even better relationships with consumers under a unique, yet recognizable, name."

Oncor first operated under the current name in 2002 and will now re-adopt the Oncor logo and colors of burgundy and red. Company materials, such as uniforms and signage, will be distributed to reflect these changes over the following months. The transition to Oncor is expected to be completed by October 1.

"Even though the company's brand is changing, its ideals are still strong," said Shapard. "Consumers can depend on Oncor to deliver reliable service that keeps the lights on and focuses on continually improving service for the millions of residential and commercial consumers across Texas. As a top performer in reliability and low-cost service among nationwide transmission and distribution utilities, we are proud of our strong track record and look forward to serving the needs of Texans under the Oncor name."

Oncor will continue to develop the nation's first smart grid, a technology-driven, automated transmission and distribution system capable of minimizing the number and duration of power outages by providing an ongoing picture of system outages and potential trouble spots.

Oncor Electric Delivery, a subsidiary of TXU Corp., is an electric distribution and transmission business that provides power to more than three million homes and businesses and operates more than 115,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas. Information about Oncor can be obtained by going directly to http://www.oncor.com/.

Utilizing Solar Power For Residential Use

Utilizing Solar Power For Residential Use
By: Wilhelm Williams

Are you afraid to open your electric bill this summer to see how much it is costing you to keep your home comfortable and cool? With oil and natural gas prices increasing, so to is the price per kilowatt of electricity.

What can a homeowner do to reduce the electric cooling bill? One option is to raise the thermostat, at the price of comfort. Perhaps consider installing more insulation in the attic or having double pane windows installed. Each of these choices will increase the energy efficiency at considerable investment cost. However, these and many other energy efficiency options will help reduce the energy demands of the home but will not counter to rising cost of electricity.

There is a rising interest in harnessing solar power for residential use. Despite the high initial investment, the long-term savings are being touted as an efficient means of beating the high cost of electric power. Look into local, state and federal tax incentives to help reduce the investment cost.

There are two main components to a solar power system.
• Solar panels forming an solar array
• Inverter to convert the 12V or 24V DC electricity into 120V AC.

Optional components are:
• Charging controller
• Storage batteries

The battery array is charged by the solar power system. During the night or on cloudy days the batteries discharge the electricity and provide power to your home. The charging controller charges the batteries and prevents an overcharge that would shorten the lifespan of the batteries.

Storage batteries do not need to part of a residential solar power system. Any electricity that is generated and is not needed to power the home can be sold back to the electric utility company. In effect, your home becomes a mini power generating station for the electric company. How would you like to see your electric meter run backwards?

How does a solar power system work and integrate into my home’s electrical system?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy. A solar panel’s electrical output is affected by a couple factors: angle of the sun light to the solar panel, number of hours of direct sunlight, and the efficiency of the solar panel. It is interesting to note that currently available photovoltaic solar panels convert about 12 percent of the sun’s energy into electricity. Although, this does not appear to be very efficient, this is a four times greater than what was available a few years ago.

Solar panels are connected into a grid often referred to as a solar array. The panels are connected electrically to increase the amperage. The solar array is mounted on the south facing side of the roof at an optimal 30 degree angle. The ideal location should be free of any obstructions such as building and trees for most if not all of the day.

Solar power for residential use has several obvious and not so obvious advantages for the homeowner.
Utilizing Solar Power For Residential Use Continued