Alternative Power Vs Power Companies....(The On-Going Saga) Part 1.
By Mark L Pedersen
As we roll into the 21st century in earnest we should sit back and think about where we are, where we are heading and what was our expectation of living in this so called utopia of a technological age….
Although we are no closer to many of the futuristic ideas that were thrown about last century, many of them we are. One of those is of course creating your own electricity for the home, not only efficiently and effectively, but also in a far more environmentally sustainable way.
We have managed to work through the misconceived notions of battery storage units being the holy grail of all the answers to freedom and independence from energy companies and found a way of being able to co-exist……..or so we thought…….
In the last 18 months all electricity suppliers have cut the rate in which they will pay for alternative power from a once fair rate of 20-24cents per K/w, down to a more moderate 15-17 cents, to finally (if in fact this is the case) sitting at a paltry 6-8 cents per K/w (http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/63050340/buy-back-cuts-dim-solars-allure). All the while consumer reports that there is still a lack of transparency in the electricity sector, despite 2 decades of reform (https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/electricity-prices). Profits and costs seem to continually soar in tandem with each other, one day we might get a break.
The argument that this power generated is not used by householders at the time it’s produced is true……..but what about the commercial sector? They would happily use all of the power these households produce and more, every day. We are told it’s not as simple as that……why not?? We are living in the 21st century, we are planning a manned mission to mars, we have a picture of a galaxy over 13.4 billion light years away, we can produce a thin sheet of transparent film out of carbon that can capture sunlight and convert it to electricity……Why is it then that we can’t seem to be able to turn power on and off from different sources as it’s required?
Finally, to add insult to this already mass injury, line companies are now starting to penalise alternative energy producers by making them pay more for their line maintenance! It used to be a user pays system didn’t it? Now if you’re using the line less you are required to pay more……?? (http://www.seanz.org.nz/News-Events/News/-Unison-Energy-tax-on-solar-and-batteries-shocks-industry-green-and-consumer-groups).
Really now, how does that work?
Surely if you’re being penalised already for trying to do your bit for the environment by producing environmentally friendly electricity and at the same time trying to ease the continual strain on the family finances. You shouldn’t be stung again from a phoney baloney increase in your power bill because you’re using their services less??………Or is this just me thinking like this?
Really, it’s time for a change……..Part 2 coming.