Live Chat
The “Power Is In Your Hands”
March 2011
I recently stumbled across a great blog entry entitled “Life with My PG&E Smart Meter after One Year.” It’s a regular blog written by a self-described power geek who is, in his words, “searching for insight on energy and environment issues and trends.” A resident of California, he is particularly impacted by rising energy prices as they relate to environmental recovery efforts, and many of his entries deal with escalating power supply costs.
There are a lot of conversations right now at the federal level about smart grids and smart meter technology. In short, a smart grid delivers electricity from suppliers to consumers using two-way digital communications to control appliances in the consumers’ homes. The smart meter records the usage data at the home, and the data can be made available to the consumer through a variety of means. Pundits believe that consumers will use the vast information available from these systems to better manage their energy consumption and collectively we will turn the tide on the adverse effects of coal-powered generation. I’ll save my opinions on that for another column.
Back to the blog. After summarizing his opinions on the installation and operation of the smart meter, the writer offered his opinion about the overall value of this technology in managing his electric usage. He found many parts of the information to be interesting, like monitoring his peak usage times and determining the drivers behind that. But, not surprising to me, doesn’t feel that it will ultimately change his habits as they relate to electricity consumption.
“My utility bills are going up because it’s California and it gets hot in the summer and my wife insists upon having the A/C on … My family and I compound the situation by living our normal lives using computers, video games and other sources of constant phantom power consumption. As for me, I am NOT willing to give up my flat screen TV or my ‘beer refrigerator’ in the garage …”
His point is one that we have addressed for many years. Many tools exist to help consumers better manage their usage. From data like that provided through a smart meter to the myriad of energy efficiency and conservation tips and programs available, you CAN implement measures to reduce your usage. But will you? What are you willing to eliminate or reduce in your day-to-day living in order to reduce your consumption? The tools are readily available, but the onus is on each of us to make the change in order to see the benefit. And, by and large, we’re just not willing to do that.
We respond regularly to members who are unhappy about their bill and lay the blame firmly at our feet as the utility. But the reality is that you and I as consumers do not buy electricity. It’s not something that we can see, smell, taste or touch. We buy what electricity provides to us in terms of solutions for everyday life. We buy the ability to heat and cool and light our homes. We buy the convenience of brewing coffee, toasting bread, drying hair and vacuuming carpets. We buy the fun of entertainment and the value of information. Midwest Energy doesn’t sell a commodity; we provide a value and a convenience. And how you choose to use or not use that as it relates to your electric bill rests firmly in each of our hands.
“Energy dieting is hard work.” That’s one of the lessons shared by the blogger. It’s like kicking a bad habit – it’s hard work that can pay off in the end, but you have to understand the trade off and be willing to accept it. The power, if you will, rests firmly in your hands. What will you do with it?
3 Responses to The “Power Is In Your Hands”
Leave a Reply
What's New with Midwest
-
Midwest Energy promotes electric safety in area schools
May 6, 2012
Safety is an important part of the culture at Midwest Energy Cooperative, and educating members of the community about [...] -
“Get Social with Facebook” at Free Community Forum
April 18, 2012
At the end of 2011, Facebook had more than 845 million monthly active users across the world. The social media [...] -
Students Selected for Annual Youth Leadership Summit
April 14, 2012
Four Midwest Energy Cooperative students will embark on a three-day adventure this week during the 2012 Youth Leadership Summit at [...] -
Midwest Energy Cooperative Employees Graduate from Management Program
April 10, 2012
Two Midwest Energy Cooperative employees recently completed an intensive program in electric utility management with the University of Wisconsin – [...]
Midwest Blogs
-
IBEC Exits BPL Business; Midwest Continues Search for Options
Several years ago Midwest Energy Cooperative partnered with International Broadband Electric Communications, Inc. (IBEC) to provide a high-speed internet option [...]
-
The “Power Is In Your Hands”
March 2011
I recently stumbled across a great blog entry entitled “Life with My PG&E Smart Meter after One Year.” It’s [...] -
Co-op Connections Card Puts Value In Your Wallet
February 2011
As your electric utility, it’s important for Midwest Energy Cooperative to provide you with safe and reliable power. But [...] -
We Make a Big Difference in our Community
January 2011
I was part of the crowd on that cold November morning – a mere spectator to the action that [...]
I couldn’t agree more!
I agree as well! Great post!
Smart Meters are NOT what you think they are.
‘Smart’ Meters Violate FCC Radiation Exposure Limits Says New Study
http://stopsmartmeters.org/2011/01/07/smart-meters-violate-fcc-radiation-exposure-limits-says-new-study/