Power to the people
I'd like to 'Float' this idea...
The purpose of the project is to help reduce peoples dependency on mass produced unsustainable energy sources through the provision of locally sourced and produced solar/wind energy packs that could be fitted to existing houses.
Simply, each member of the community based project would agree to contribute one monetary unit each month (ie; 1$/£/€ etc or more the monetary unit should be determined by the poorest member(s) of the community). The money is used to place a solar/wind energy pack onto each subscribers house. Once a pack has been fitted, the subscriber would pay a higher subscription per month, as they would now be receiving the benefit of reduced energy costs. Units are fitted to the most economically disadvantaged members of the community first. Subscriptions are taken until each of the community of subscribers has a pack installed.
This is pretty rough I agree and I can immediately see some issues with it, but I just want to get the idea out there. I'm no economist, green guru or expert on the technology needed, but I do like the idea and I'm sure it or something like it could work.
Power to the people!
Geoffrey Smith Belgium
In our community, really island, we are moving towards a public utility district. As the planning moves toward the ballot, we are starting to hear voices talk of becoming our own energy generator, with solar/wind/tide being used as the sources. The initialcost might be high, but we already make a monthly energy payment anyway, and utilizing the current grid infrastructure, then we simply subsidize our own hardware, and connect everyone into the grid.
I would really like it if we could down the wires, but with everyone on the grid, and given our island's weather zones, it has a benefit to be gridded together.
posted by Rob on 9/12/2008 7:51 am