09-02-2013, 06:21 AM
quote:
Originally posted by snorkle
Thank you for your insights, Geo.
The problems I have with your arguments are;
1. It's not just the Utility that is assuming the risk, but also the tens of thousands of customers that rely on it for power.
and
2. There are a multitude of alternatives available to Oil that don't rely on a centralized and vulnerable grid transmission system.
1) And those tens of thousands of customers are paying four times the national average for power. Again, a matter of risk - is the aggregate risk associated with economic disadvantage resulting from that high power cost greater or less than the aggregate risk of possibly losing some fraction of the generation capacity on the island to lava flows. I think it's considerably greater. You obviously have a vested interest in there being no further intrusion into your piece of paradise and maybe aren't the best person to offer an unbiased analysis of that risk.
2) That multitude of alternatives to the grid are real alternatives only to those with the net worth to take advantage of the tax credits (a government sponsored ponzi scheme if ever there was one) that cover the majority of the system costs and have the knowledge, or can afford to hire someone, to maintain the stand alone systems. I guess the poor and uneducated can go light candles and hope their house doesn't burn down.