The Oil Drum

107 comments on Wind power: some lessons from 2006

Comments can no longer be added to this story.

WNC Observer on June 3, 2007 - 7:33pm

We have the same free rider problem in NC. One can pay increments of $4/mo on top on one's normal bill for 1KW/mo of "green" energy (a basket of wind, solar, hydro, etc.) Unfortunately, this is just structured as a "contribution". The big problem, as I see it, is that if (or rather, when) there are price increases or service curtailments down the line due to FF supply shortages, those will be distributed equally to all residential customers, regardless of participation or non-participation in the NC GreenPower program.

This program would be a lot more attractive if participation could secure one a preferential claim upon power generated by renewable sources in the future. If one is making an investment, it only seems right that one should expect some return on that investment.

Comments can no longer be added to this story.

DelusionaL on June 4, 2007 - 7:03am

WNC,
I really like your idea of invest/return on power. It would be the best way to deal with a lack of leadership/foresight on the part of our gov./population

However, I would question if the returns of power might be taken away from you in an energy constrained future. Given that the purchasers would be a small minority of the population they would hardly have a strong political voice.

The same could be said for personal power generation investments but that is where I will be investing. I think it will be too easily justified to keep essential goods and services running that any grid tied power will be used there first.