Give consumers simple tools and they will jump on the green bandwagon. For one more proof, see my latest post on Environmental Graffiti, inspired from New York Times article:
‘Pioneering Energy Saving Program in Seattle Puts Consumer in Control‘
They would, if only the state utility companies went along . . .
Great post, Marguerite. Yes, I think that giving people control, EASY one-stop control, in a people-friendly way, as well as the relevant (and simple) information, could lead to great benefits. Right now, we don’t have easy access to information showing how much energy we use, and we don’t have one-stop control, and it’s all complex. So, we tend not to pay much attention to household energy.
Although I’m not an expert on the matter, I also agree that the methods for measuring the profitability of utilities, and rewarding them, have to be better aligned with reducing energy use.
That said, these types of inventions/improvements/changes should take place as quickly as possible, i.e., faster than the normal cycle. The Earth can’t wait three years for such systems to be launched or ten years for utility profitability measures to be changed. Excellent entrepreneurs AND government policy change will both be necessary and need to work in a good degree of harmony.
Agree. Business, policy, technology, and individuals all need to work together. Otherwise, it’s not going to work.