A Step in the Right Direction

Smart Grid technology continues to move to the forefront as our aging electric infrastructure has already passed functional obsolescence. Still an expensive proposition, the migration to a smart grid system will be a benefit for all involved, especially in the long run. Customers, utilities and the environment will benefit from the efficiencies created by an intelligently distributed electrical system.

NvEnergy in Nevada is getting a little closer by offering it's customers a 'Time of Use' alternative to save an estimated 15% on their energy bill. Successful in other states, by offering a lower rate to entice customers to shift their heavier usage to off-peak hours, it reduces the utilities cost and that savings gets past on to the consumer ( for more info go to NvEnergy TOU)

It's a step in the right direction. We still have a long way to go.

Replacing the decaying grid that has served it's purpose for nearly a century to a more de-centralized, smart grid is the only make-sense option. We actually lose more power through transmission than we use (why do you think it unhealthy to live near a transmission line?) The money saved in power loss is a substantial down payment on the smart grid system. Once at the customer, smart meters are the next step (available today and in use where utilities offer bidirectional power monitoring (i.e., the customer's right to sell excess power back to the grid)). There are a number of companies at the forefront of offering smart meters.

Take that one step further and you have smart appliances. These appliances, already available, make Energy Star compliance look rather stone age.

We are heading in the right direction. As always, it takes a concerted effort, from consumers to manufacturers to utilities to the government to make it work. We all need the energy to see it through!

PIMBY

Since the devestating hurricanes of 2005, wind energy has taken it's place amongst viable energy sources in the US. States including Colorado and Texas saw a multi-fold increase in businesses and consumers signing up to energy produced by wind. This tipping point, of course, was created by the spike in gas and coal fired plants due to the damage these hurricanes cost. Many stayed signed up, as power companies offered a fixed rate for a period of time, say, 10 years. Available wind-generated electricity reached 100%, creating waiting lists. Land owners were lining up to lease their non-productive property to wind farm manufacturers and installers.

Put It In My Back Yard (PIMBY) is the new battle cry in the energy war.

Every state has wind. Some more than others. It is up to leaders of the public and private sectors, as well as grassroot efforts of consumers and small business to continue the Wind of Change.

What are you doing today to be a catalyst?

Enormous Potential in the Infinitely Minute

The more I read and understand about nanotechnology, it becomes very clear what this discipline has done and it's increasing role in renewable energy, not to mention most facets of everyday life. The link above will take you to one of the better sites providing a very thorough introduction for the neophyte and a great connection portal for all things Nano.

One very exciting area in nanotechnology is in the use in developing next generation solar collection. The traditional photovoltaic (PV) cells have been around some 40+ years and, until the recently seemingly world adoption of all things green, solar energy has made considerable market-changing evolutions to the technology just in the last 5 years. Consider companies like Altair Nanotechnology, whose continued work in the creation of viable smart electric grids and what that means from a national and very local (right in your home) level. Take a look at Konarka with their work on a flexible solar panel (flexible enough to roll up and stick in your shirt pocket).

These are just a few examples of the tremendous impact the world of the infinitesimally small has on our world, today and ever more so in the future.