California Seeks to Turn Thermostat Control Over to Utility Companies

They want it where you can't smoke inside your own home in Cali too. But hey this type of fascist control is what some of yall like.

Your energy usage should be easy to see and understand. The meter should be indoors and easy to monitor. Nobody really knows how much they are using until the bill comes. And I really don't understand the bill besides the dollar amount.

 

you do understand that issue is trying to keep the lights on for everyone?

 

You cannot possibly be for this, can you?

 

I'm just responding to that post, they aren't trying to control people's energy consumption for the sake of controling it. They are trying to prevent blackouts.

As far as the issue is concerned, I don't understand how california can have a much tougher time providing energy than say texas in the summertime. what's the real issue, not enough plants?

 

There are three separate and (I believe) unconnected power grids in the country - the western half, the eastern half, and Texas. I believe the growth in population and energy consumption in the West has challenged that power grid over recent years.

 

obviously a plan by the bush admin and evil energy companies to further tap into and control our lives.

the intentions to prevent blackout is good...this idea, however, is not.

 

This is already in place in Austin, by the way. This isn't particularly revolutionary.

http://www.energyvortex.com/pages/headlinedetails.cfm?id=3153

Austin Energy Electric Rates Among The Lowest

Customers of Austin Energy continue to enjoy some of the lowest electric rates in Texas. The utility has not increased its base electric rates since 1994. Austin Energy has also maintained one of the lowest fuel charges in the state due to a diverse generation portfolio and a hedging program that protects Austin Energy customers from extreme spikes in natural gas prices. The fuel charge is a dollar-for-dollar recovery of the cost of fuel required to meet the electric needs of its customers.

In addition to competitive rates, Austin Energy has built one of the most comprehensive energy efficiency programs in the nation, providing rebates and low-interest loans to assist with energy efficiency improvements. Last year, more than 43,000 Austinites made efficiency improvements through the Power Saver™ energy efficiency program. These customers will collectively save 92 million kWh of electricity annually, or as much as $8 million on their electric bills.

Still, in an effort to reduce peak demand on some of the warmer days this summer, Austin Energy coordinated the cycling of Power Saver™ Program

Coordinated Cycling – Big Savings

Still, in an effort to reduce peak demand on some of the warmer days this summer, Austin Energy coordinated the cycling ofthe 65,000 air conditioners participating in our free thermostat (Power Partner) program. Participating customers receive a free programmable thermostat, free installation and as long as they stay in the program, free maintenance. In return, Austin Energy, through a radio device in the thermostats, coordinates the cycling of tens of thousands of air conditioners on selected afternoons, generally between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Customers do not notice because the coordinated cycling mimics the normal operation of the units – but peak demand was cut by up to 37 megawatts (power sufficient for 7,000 homes on a summer afternoon) through the cycling activity.

 

I get a 100 dollar rebate for allowing them to put a governor on my AC. They're allowed to shut it off 1 hour for at most 15 days during peak hours during the summer season.

This is far better than rolling blackouts.

 

It may or may not lower consumption at all.

A/C's naturally kick on and off at intervals.

This is just preventing all 10 million a/c's from kicking off at the same time causing a spike in usage.

It's kinkda like 2.5 million of you run now for 10 minutes., ok next 2.5 million, etc.., repeat.

 

I predict that people will cheat by installing inefficient window units if restrictions are severe.

 

I agree.

 

Yeah, regulation just screams of, "we know what's best for you, so swallow your pill".

 

LMAO -- yeah you guys, deregulation worked wonders for Cali energy.

 

... And throw in a little criminal behavior by Enron and friends.

Deregulation is working alright in Texas and 20 other states. I understand why California got scared, but it might be good for them to get back on the horse, learn from their mistakes, and make the markets work.

 

Hmm, that's quite an interesting idea.

If consumers had the option of getting cheaper bills and in return companies can turn down their thermostats, that could really improve energy efficiency.

The turning down of thermostats would probably only be necessary during peak hours.

 

not necessarily disagreeing w/ your premise, but i think its fair to point out that the energy company was being run by a bunch of criminals who were knowingly screwing people over.

 

that's totally fair... can't we assume that this is just a natural part of the unregulated market? One person's "screwing people over" is another person's profit margin. I'm not saying it will be typical, but ethics only have a seat at the capitalist table when they help business longevity or profit. See: healthcare.

Anyway, I know the Cali example is complex for the energy discussion.