The Street Talk Approach To: Energy.
The following is a brief summary of comments contributed by citizens who are concerned about energy use in America and what the future holds for all of us.
Smart Grid: The term “Smart Grid” means that an electric user consumption site is tied into a remote smart computer. That smart computer communicates with a utility providers computer, which recalculates the price and demand of electricity every five (5) minutes. The smart computer controls selected end user devices and shuts them down when the price of electricity is high, and when the peak demand strains the systems supply capacity. This is a great and promising new technology that needs integration into the mainstream of energy use. But, what about doing something right now, without the high tech approach? I mean doing something important tomorrow, not next year. Currently, electric utility “generation to user costs” vary with "Time Of Use” (higher during “peak demand” day hours and less during night hours). So, what if we took advantage of what we already know about peak load demand and end user costs? What if, we used X amount of electricity (all off peak-cheaper rate at night) and our utility bills were configured by law to be much less than if we had used the same amount of electricity during the day? If that were true, based on cost alone, wouldn't everyone have an incentive to use power off peak? Wow, do you realize what a huge effect this would have on energy use in America? This is something that could be done immediately, with little cost (just need a different “Time Of Use” billing model and some rate change legislation) and we could provide immediate incentives that could minimize existing constrained electric grid loads (without forcing anyone to do anything). It would be the users choice. Simply put, you “pay a lot,” or “pay a lot less.” This simple “Time Of Use” model could be regionally implemented immediately, at minimal cost to everyone, and has the potential of saving Millions of dollars in energy costs, every day. Any takers? Just invest in a timer, and your in business. The conservation business, that is.
Wind And Solar: Currently, wind and solar are more expensive than most mass alternative energy generation sources, period! End of Story! Unless, the government throws a big “carbon tax” (artificial cost) on coal and gas. Then, coal and gas might be more expensive than the alternatives. Now, if either happens, how do we “cold belt people” cope? Sure, “put on more sweaters.” In the future, (given the rising cost of electricity and fuels) how can middle and low income citizens possibly afford to heat their homes? This energy thing could economically kill the northern states. I’m retired, old, and worried sick.
Efficiency: Just do it! The Government could pass laws this month (not 15 years from now) that says all new cars manufactured in 2012 must get a minimum of 40 miles per gallon of gas, effective immediately. The government could pass laws that all new residential and commercial buildings (as of 2011) must have R-50 insulated roofs and walls. I am tired of all this non-productive whining about global warming. Most of our energy use and carbon footprint problems could be curtailed to a great degree if we just passed some intelligent laws. As far as the new buildings and efficient technologies go, the Europeans have already put those principles into law. I don't think the people running this government really want efficiency, because if they did, it could be easily transitioned to. They just flap their mouths with useless jabber.
Fuel Cells: Something that should be discussed is Fuel Cells. These devices are not complicated, or cost prohibitive. This technology is simply being ignored. Why? Is it too efficient? Basically, everyone could have a fuel cell attached to their house, powered by natural gas (on demand) and make electricity with the byproduct being heat (like for heating the house). So, to look at it another way, with fuel cells, one can spend money to heat your house, and your water, with natural gas, (very plentiful in the U.S.) and get electricity for free. This could contribute to the offsetting of electrical demand. However, there is very little promotion of it. What is our problem? We need to encourage all innovative resources we have at our disposal.
Summary Feelings: OK! So, let me see if I have this right? Instead of being pro-reactive, (doing something reasonable about our energy needs and consumption) the electric end users (rate payers) are faced with the prospect of yet another hugely expensive, energy use promoting, carbon emission tool, that has every intent of supplying massive quantities of high voltage electrical power, (to all ends of our continent) through a new mega high voltage 425 Million dollar transmission line project cure all, (which portends to solve problems based on 8 year old "black out" nightmares) called the Wisconsin ATC-Badger Coulee line. What do you say folks? Do you want to throw Millions of your hard earned dollars at a corporate wish list? Or, do you want to first seriously deal with what is really a manageable problem that is begging all of us to just "think smart"? To me, its a “no brainer.” What about you?
Published by the Buckwheat Valley Citizens Coalition. Pub. No. 5.29.11.
Contact us at: buckwheatvalley@mwt.net
Contact us at: buckwheatvalley@mwt.net
