📈 PECO bills are going up again; PJM auction locks in prices

​Energy prices are going up again, based on the latest PJM capacity auction (the market event where energy generators bid for commitments to supply our electricity grid). This latest auction is for two years in advance, so there's no "overnight, immediately" reduction in prices, as Craig Williams suggests his legislation will accomplish. (Does he think he has a magic electricity wand 🪄?)

He's going to tell you that there's only one way to fix this: his legislation (more natural gas plants + long-term contracts between PECO and the power generators). Don't be fooled. There are lots of levers to pull. New natural gas plants are one option, but they're much slower than other alternatives we could implement in the meantime. How about pursuing the quick clean energy options, too? Just a thought...

🚗 Speaking of energy and electrification...

Maybe not a popular opinion, but I think EVs are coming for the gas-guzzling cars. And... I think you're gonna love it! The latest industry data on EVs shows a recent drop in sales, but I don't think it's indicative of long-term trends. Dive into my reasons why I think EVs are going to pull into more garages. 🚘 Some of these reasons might surprise you.

💵 Have you heard about the UCFSD school tax rebate?

Unionville-Chadds Ford School District is offering a new property tax rebate this year that could put up to $1,000 back in the pockets of qualifying neighbors. Want to know if you qualify? Check out all the details here.

Want another car wash?

If you were thinking we needed that car wash in the proposed shopping center at Ridge Rd and Route 202, have no fear. Yet another car wash will be here! 💦 Concord Township welcomes a new car wash at Route 202 and Route 1.

Honestly, I'm kind of confused. There's rarely a line at the car wash on Route 202 near Goodwill and Naamans Creek Rd. Do we really need that many more? Are we laundering cars and money?! (I'm kidding... the pun was just too easy). But really... do that many people who aren't already washing their cars want to start washing their cars?

Let's take a hike to... 🛝

I haven't added many hikes to the Hike of the Week series lately, though there are so many great options in the area. This past week, we visited an old favorite, Alapocas Run State Park in Delaware. Definitely stop by for a walk, a bike ride, or a visit to the playgrounds (Can Do for the littles and the Ninja Park for the older ones). More details here!

Local Concord Farmers' Market reminder

Leaving this here as a reminder to support our local food folks this summer. 🍓 In its second year, the Concord Farmers' Market continues to grow. They have several food and produce vendors, as well as flowers, honey, candles, coffee, baked goods, fresh bread, fun drinks, and more. The market runs every Sunday from 10 am - 1 pm at Concord Township Park through August 30. BYO Bag (if you want, not required) and meet your neighbors.

These sandals are not made for walking 👣

Summer vacation for the Chadds Ford Walking Club. ☀️ We'll skip July and August as the heat peaks and vacations are aplenty. Then we'll put our walking shoes back on after Labor Day.

💭 Ponder This

In this section, I share book recommendations, articles, podcasts, quotes, and other links I think Chadds Ford neighbors might find interesting. Let me know what you think.

👴🏻 “Trump’s conception of the American economy has always been rooted in the economy of his formative years,” Swan said. What do we do when our elected officials are so old (they're literally dying in office, regardless of party), and their nostalgia for a bygone era directs policy in a market and culture that have wholly moved on from the days of old?

📚 On my reading list lately... I finished A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. It was a fun, historical fiction novel about an unlikely pair who team up to take down organized crime in New York City.

I also read Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson (in anticipation of her new book, which came out a couple of weeks ago). It's a light, feel-good fictional read about bougie New York City life, perfect for summer.

📗 I mentioned recently reading the book, The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali. This book couldn't be more timely. A view into Iran through the last 70 years. The violent and oppressive nature of theocracy. The fallacy that progress only moves forward.

Let us not forget. Our work to protect rights, freedom, equality, and liberty in the United States requires continuous vigilance and diligence. Even freedom follows the physics of entropy (without sustained energy put into an ordered system, it will inevitably fall into a state of disorder over time).

Don't fall for the belief that the United States is too far down the path towards progress to go back. Progress is not a linear process. Rights, once established, are not guaranteed into the future. Democracy, equality, and prosperity our ongoing projects, not destinations.

In the United States, we've already started sliding on many metrics, including the quality of our democracy. Let this book be a reminder of what we've worked hard to earn and that it requires hard work to keep. Don't get too comfortable. 💔

That collective effort is for our country and the American people, not a particular leader or person in power. As Theodore Roosevelt said, "Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the President."

Regardless of who is President or who is in power, our country is governed by the people, not by a person. As we slide through our shared 250th national birthday year, let's all own the celebrations collectively and commit to the work together, as a testament to the possibilities and ideas of a country not yet achieved but forever worth fighting for. 🫶🏻

⚡ Want to nerd out on the intersection of clean energy and geopolitics? This podcast series, called Electric World Order (episodes listed here), will rev your energy-nerd engines.

🎧 Is this the end of social media? One can hope? But be careful what we wish for.

✨ Loving Connect Chadds Ford ✨

While I don’t have any secrets behind paywalls, did you know you can choose to become a paid subscriber if you value Connect Chadds Ford and it’s within your budget? No pressure, but if you feel compelled to upgrade to a paid subscription, I won’t be mad. And if you’re already a paid subscriber, thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

Looking ahead

Here are a few events you might want to add to your calendar. Several require registration in advance. Double-check dates and times in case they’ve changed since I shared.

I feel like most of us are traveling, at the beach, at the pool, or hanging with family and friends during this season. If you're looking for something to do, here are a few places around town that always have some great events on the calendar:

• Rachel Kohl Community Library
• Kennett Library
• Penns Wood Winery
• Chaddsford Winery
• Brandywine Museum of Art

Take a peek at their event calendars for something fun. I included a bunch of ideas for family adventures in the Summer Adventure Series. You can also sign up for the Along the Arc newsletter, which highlights several live music events in the area.

Other events to add?

Feel free to share any other events happening in and around Chadds Ford (just reply to this email) that you think our neighbors will enjoy!

Got a question or a comment? Hit reply to this email. It comes right back to my inbox. 👋🏻

Did you get this from a friend and want to sign up yourself? If so, you can get more information and sign up here!

From your Chadds Ford Neighbor,

Jen