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The Grid is not there because it assembled itself. The Grid is there because people had to build it. And The Grid did not control people into building itself, The Grid was built because people wanted and needed it. The Grid did not exist on its own in all these failed developments in Puna, it was people occupying arbitrary Socal suburb layouts that wanted and needed The Grid. The Grid does not control people, people control The Grid. The Grid, for now, has not achieved self awareness.
So just get over this simpleton approach to demonize The Grid.
There are lots of alternative energy issues going on everywhere. The point is to not lose focus. The focus is lower electric rates, just for Puna. The focus is to see that an Electricity Generation Source District (EGSD) has the preeminent right to be charged at the non-ACC industry rate for the alternative energy source originating from that district. The focus is getting enough people to focus on that target. There are zillions of other distractions but Puna district has the right to the non-ACC power that is coming out of PGV. Otherwise, that would be a very questionable billing irregularity.
"This island Hawaii on this island Earth"
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*
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The grid is there because 120 years ago someone thought it was a good way to transmit electricity. The grid is still there because it ensures that power companies maintain control over consumers.
The grid is horribly susceptible to mass power outages due to Natural disasters, mechanical failures, and terrorism.
Unhook; The technology is there. A modest solar array, augmented by a biofuel generator, will power your freezer for less than HELCO, and without being a national security liability.
Break the HELCO monopoly.
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quote:
Originally posted by Greg
The grid is there because 120 years ago someone thought it was a good way to transmit electricity. The grid is still there because it ensures that power companies maintain control over consumers....
Yes, I just read an article about Tesla. He figured out a way for power to transmit not via a metered grid. The robber baron funding him pulled funding when they found it it wouldnt be useful as a commodity in the form Tesla proposed. He died penniless in a flea bag hotel.
Wonder what would happen if Tesla's work was brought forward and it could be powered by all the solar panels around on the Big Island? "See yah, Helco".
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Maybe the Telegraph is some more 19th Century technology we should be hanging onto. Imagine a world where everyone could communicate by a network of attractive poles and wires. Some things just can't be improved upon!
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Actually Tesla's work and research was more advanced than the system we use today. That was the gist of the article - that if his system had been allowed to advance we would not have the archaic electric delivery system we have now.
Why do I think Hei would not fund any research like that? Hmmmm.....
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HelCo will only allow a certain percentage of any area to be solar. So once they reach that number, they will cut the number of permits they issue for solar to connect to the "grid". Imagine if they took the money they spent on PGV and bought solar panels for 20K homes? Maybe they could totally fund all new construction with solar panels instead of planning on diesel or coal generators.
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Anyone creating their own grid in Puna? Shared solar/battery power? Shared water catchment and treatment? Community broadband?
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Hmmm. Not yet...
....though I
am thinking about sending this kid a ticket to the Big Island!
http://www.nbcnews.com/video/rock-center/52207962
Rock Center | June 14, 2013. --
19-year-old hopes to revolutionize nuclear power
How do you raise a genius? At age 11, Taylor Wilson told his parents that he wanted to build a nuclear reactor in the family garage. His parents never guessed he would do it, but three years later Taylor made history as the youngest person ever to build a fusion reactor. Since then he’s continued to amaze everyone around him with inventions like a cheaper way to make medical isotopes to treat cancer, and a better way to detect dirty bombs. Rock Center’s Harry Smith hikes in the mountains of Western Nevada with this boy wonder to learn what makes Taylor Wilson tick.
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Can't bring him here,it is illegal to do any of his work here.
Hawaii county ordinance:
Section 14-48. Nuclear energy facilities, prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to locate or build a nuclear energy facility which utilizes nuclear
material for the production of energy within the County.
(1981, Ord. No. 665, sec. 1.)14-48
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How far out in the ocean does the county go?
Puna: Our roosters crow first