Sunday, June 19, 2011

Net Metering and the Demise of Human Civilization

As readers of my Blog are aware, I am very concerned with the imminent demise of the human species and the destruction of all the marvelous knowledge gained over these last 10,000 or so years of historical civilization as a result of climate change caused by fossil fuel burning, which is of course a natural result of humans overpopulating the earth. In fact recent climate science results suggest that the  "tipping point" beyond which the changes inexorably continue increasing no matter what we do may soon be reached if it has not already occurred. Alas, such pessimism leads to depression and inaction, both of which accentuate the downward spiral.

But one must try even in the face of such overwhelming unpleasant facts, and  in any case, inaction does not imply cessation of thought. Here goes a small attempt at such thought.

It seems to me that a decentralized energy generation system such as that which would be provided by making it obligatory to include solar panels in all residential and commercial building construction is one way to decrease dependence on fossil fuel. And the rapid progress  in efficiency of solar energy conversion that is occurring can only increase the benefits from such a cultural (and political) decision.

However my own recent solar panel installation on the roof of my house made it very apparent to me that there is a real barrier probably resulting from the natural inclinations of giant power monopolies which benefit from cheap fossil fuel usage to relinquish control. This was forcefully brought to my attention when I asked my solar company whether the city (i.e. LADWP) would purchase any energy my system would generate above my own usage. I was aware of the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 regulation that all public energy utilities are required to provide this to all customers upon request. But I am also aware that the implementation of this regulation in the US  is inconsistent and differs from State to State and there are no rules determining the energy "payback" rates. In California a recent Bill, AB 510, requires net metering but  actually limits the maximum payback amount to 5% of the utilities peak demand. I assume that this is a neat political trick to follow the Federal law in principle but not in reality. And even more amazingly, this Bill excludes the LADWP from having to follow this regulation.

These thoughts were crystallized by an email from the LADWP (Department of Water and Power) asking for "Public Input into the Future LADWP Green Energy Policies". I RSVPed and will attend such a meeting next week. As a residential solar power contributor, I feel empowered to attempt to provide the input of this member of the public to these dignitaries. I want to raise the net metering issue at this public meeting and in particular ask why the LADWP is exempted.

Of course I am very aware that climate change is world wide and that any solutions  must also be world wide, but any public discussion awaits another time and place.


End of thought.

Blog Archive

Total Pageviews