1. Know what we're consuming and where it goes. There are now many devices that you plug in to the outlet you're using and tell you how much each device you're plugging in is using. This is useful in finding out which device you need to unplug when not in use. Audio/video systems, TV sets/computer monitors and chargers use a surprising amount of electricity when "off". One solution is to use a power strip for the things that you can turn off. Your computer systems, your TV, your chargers, for example.
Here's a device that can tell you how much a particular appliance is using:
http://www.p3international.com/products/special/P4400/P4400-CE.html
Here's that same device built into a surge protector power strip: http://www.p3international.com/products/consumer/p4320.html
2. We all need to do our part in being efficient and save energy. This simple idea is so simple, I don't know why Portland hasn't done it yet. Prepaid electricity! Yes you heard me right, prepaid. This will require a new meter, one that allows you to put in a long PIN that you've purchased for a certain amount of money. Let's say you put in $30 into the meter. You're then responsible to make sure it lasts as long as you want it to be, when you run out you will need to put in more money. This doesn't prevent you from consuming more, but it definitely make you more aware of your consumption. You're already billed according to consumption. The less you use than average, you get a discount. If you use more than average, you get to pay more per kW/h.
3. Localize power production. Much of the electricity used come from far away power generation plants. Even Bonneville Power Administration buys from other far away sources including gas-fired power plants. So here is the idea, each smaller communities (studies need to be done on the size of the community most economically viable to do this) buy a small power generation station to cover a certain amount of their electricity if not all of it. Again, this determination will require some economic study for long term success. Any surplus will be sent back to the grid, and the grid will supply the extra energy not covered by the station. This way the local power station can be tailored to what is best for the area. If it's in a sunny area, it could be solar power. If it's windy, wind power. On the ocean, waves. Because the need is relatively small, the footprint of the power station can also be small. This does not require any change in the existing infrastructure. Only that the power generating station be allowed to be connected to the grid as well as the homes so it can sell the surplus power. What's the advantage? Several:
- less large power stations are required. The hydro power can come from micro-hydro dams in small streams. A lot less impact to the environment
- higher efficiency because each power stations are tailored for the local conditions for local consumptions
- personal stake of the users so they're more apt to be aware and to be efficient with their energy usage. Thus reducing power consumption by consumer behavior
- a lot less transmission losses, more of the power generated are used within a short geographical distance
- ability to use smaller, more efficient power generating technologies that are currently not feasible for large operation
The disadvantage? Initial cost to the local neighborhood involved. But the net cost to the large infrastructure should be much reduced. Especially if this can mean the reduction of large power plants.
4. Publish the top 1% with the lowest consumption and the top 1% most improved homes for each month. We do need to be careful with privacy concerns when publishing this information. However the point is to identify the best performers and maybe ask them how they're able to achieve it. A compilation of best practices, as it were. From the human emotion side, we might be more receptive to receive suggestion from someone who we think are "one of us" rather than a pamphlet from "the big evil power company".
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the issues and solutions plaguing the world in regards to energy. This is focused mostly on electricity consumption. There's still the issue with oil consumption, water, forest products and many others. The concept to me is still the same. Efficiency. Using less resource but getting more out of it. Overall efficiency, not just one aspect where it might actually hurt other areas. We should use recycle as the last thing to do. Focus on reducing and reusing.
As always, I'll add more when I have more ideas.
Here's that same device built into a surge protector power strip: http://www.p3international.com/products/consumer/p4320.html
2. We all need to do our part in being efficient and save energy. This simple idea is so simple, I don't know why Portland hasn't done it yet. Prepaid electricity! Yes you heard me right, prepaid. This will require a new meter, one that allows you to put in a long PIN that you've purchased for a certain amount of money. Let's say you put in $30 into the meter. You're then responsible to make sure it lasts as long as you want it to be, when you run out you will need to put in more money. This doesn't prevent you from consuming more, but it definitely make you more aware of your consumption. You're already billed according to consumption. The less you use than average, you get a discount. If you use more than average, you get to pay more per kW/h.
3. Localize power production. Much of the electricity used come from far away power generation plants. Even Bonneville Power Administration buys from other far away sources including gas-fired power plants. So here is the idea, each smaller communities (studies need to be done on the size of the community most economically viable to do this) buy a small power generation station to cover a certain amount of their electricity if not all of it. Again, this determination will require some economic study for long term success. Any surplus will be sent back to the grid, and the grid will supply the extra energy not covered by the station. This way the local power station can be tailored to what is best for the area. If it's in a sunny area, it could be solar power. If it's windy, wind power. On the ocean, waves. Because the need is relatively small, the footprint of the power station can also be small. This does not require any change in the existing infrastructure. Only that the power generating station be allowed to be connected to the grid as well as the homes so it can sell the surplus power. What's the advantage? Several:
- less large power stations are required. The hydro power can come from micro-hydro dams in small streams. A lot less impact to the environment
- higher efficiency because each power stations are tailored for the local conditions for local consumptions
- personal stake of the users so they're more apt to be aware and to be efficient with their energy usage. Thus reducing power consumption by consumer behavior
- a lot less transmission losses, more of the power generated are used within a short geographical distance
- ability to use smaller, more efficient power generating technologies that are currently not feasible for large operation
The disadvantage? Initial cost to the local neighborhood involved. But the net cost to the large infrastructure should be much reduced. Especially if this can mean the reduction of large power plants.
4. Publish the top 1% with the lowest consumption and the top 1% most improved homes for each month. We do need to be careful with privacy concerns when publishing this information. However the point is to identify the best performers and maybe ask them how they're able to achieve it. A compilation of best practices, as it were. From the human emotion side, we might be more receptive to receive suggestion from someone who we think are "one of us" rather than a pamphlet from "the big evil power company".
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the issues and solutions plaguing the world in regards to energy. This is focused mostly on electricity consumption. There's still the issue with oil consumption, water, forest products and many others. The concept to me is still the same. Efficiency. Using less resource but getting more out of it. Overall efficiency, not just one aspect where it might actually hurt other areas. We should use recycle as the last thing to do. Focus on reducing and reusing.
As always, I'll add more when I have more ideas.
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