The War Becomes Clear: It’s Utilities vs. Savvy Electricity Consumers

If you disconnect your house from the grid, do you still have to pay the local utility for the work it’s doing — for everyone, in theory — in upgrading the local/regional power distribution and transmission systems? An IEEE Spectrum article takes on the issue; here’s a slice:

Those who “unplug,” or use distributed generation, note that because they are not using the grid as much, they are preventing maintenance and saving a utility money. (Any excess power, though, is sold back to a utility through its lines.)

Power companies refute the distributed generators’ stance, noting that the billions they spend on upgrades and maintenance each year are done with everyone in mind—even those whose intent is to be self-sufficient. They point out that the sun does not always shine, and therefore they have to keep enough power available to ensure that the homes of those who use on-site power don’t go dark.

Source: http://electricalcontractor.com/?p=12875

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