Every community and every region has different skills and energy resources to work with. They know best what these are. My next step is to allow them to interact in "smart" ways with their local grid so they best meet their basic needs. Communities can combine their strengths and share their solutions and work together to ensure the main grid is designed to optimise regional assets. This way we can all enjoy the benefits of PLC, “smart’ dwellings and DG. It’s back to the future with Consumer Advocate Buyers based in every region. 

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Communities used to be able to work directly with the grid until the Electricity Reforms of the 1990s in New Zealand. Some sixty community-based organizations participated in the Electricity Market and purchased electricity on behalf of consumers.  These organizations were in the form of local community trusts or City Council facilities. Consumers could vote directly for the Trust Boards or through their City Councillors. The Reforms effectively excluded communities from participating in the Electricity Market.

Those interested in the idea of sustainable models of local electricity purchasing and distribution may wish to read a Comparison of a Community-owned Model with a Private Corporation-owned Model. Since the comparison 1998 Electricity Reforms forced the separation of the local distribution and retail activities, thereby compounding the inefficiencies and wastage.

Definitions:

Smart technology. In the past electrical gear contained many delicate, moving parts and fragile wiring made them dangerous to handle. However now we can "solid state" technology with few moving parts and safe push button and remote controls. The difference is equivalent to the difference between the old valve radios and the modern transistor or between the old mechanical clocks and modern digital displays.

DG stands for Distributed Generation. This is small scale electricity generation close to the point of use. It compares with bulk-generated electricity that is often transmitted long distances to point of use.

PLC stands for Power Line Communication. Electricity wires traditionally used for transmitting are used for transmitting broad band.

Chapter Seven - The House of Life -Grid Smart House Power.        

Bonus Joules and the Knowledge Economy: All images on this site are copyright.