Part 3: The Obama Administration plans to add solar and wind power to the grid, aiming for upward of 20% by 2020. However, the existing electric grid needs additional transmission lines with $11 billion (US) of the stimulus bill set aside to increase capacity. A majority of solar energy production comes from the southwest and wind power is spread across the Great Plains. Some plans include redistributing this power across the country. However, critics argue against the long distance transmission in favor of conservation. One of the arguments against more transmission lines is that in times of increased demand, utilities are required to provide the cheapest source of energy, which is more often than not the dirtiest energy sources, namely coal. Another argument is that in times of increased demand, utilities are required to provide the cheapest source of energy, which is more often than not the dirtiest energy sources, namely coal. Ian Bowles (mentioned here in an eariler post), Massachusetts Secretary of Energy, claims that subsidized national power lines reduces the incentive for local clean energy. President Obama has tapped Jon Wellinghoff, the new chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to help resolve some of these disputes. Department of Energy Secretary Stephen Chu argues for a coordinated national grid. He estimates that the cost to green the grid, and to make it smarter, will be more than $100 billion (US) over the next several decades. Others see the cost as exceeding these figures, with no current plans to pay for the project in its entirety.

Part 4: The electric meter found outside nearly all homes in the United States stands in the way of progressing toward a clean energy future. Part of President Obama’s plan entails swapping out these devices for smart meters, which provide instant feedback on customers energy usage. To that end, the stimulus bill passed last February contains funding for 40 million smart meters. PPL Electric, formerly known as Pennsylvania Power and Light, has installed them in a number Allentown, Pennsylvania area homes. One customer interviewed has reduced her electrical bill by 20%. The customer portal (similar to the picture shown in this post) is a crucial component in helping people save energy and money. However, customers must make a habit of checking the site to learn about their consumption. Currently only 5% of the population have smart meters. Experts estimate that it will be 5-10 years until half of Americans have access to this technology.

An increase in consumer electronics, like newer TVs, cellular phones and mp3 players draws more power. This has lead to an average electricity increase of 20%per household among PPL’s customers over the past 20 years. With information from the meters, PPL is offering a new pricing program. During off-peak times they charge less, which should encourage users to reduce usage during more expensive, higher demand times. Eventually utilities may use smart technologies to remotely control appliances, thermostats and other devices to turn them off in order to lower their consumption.

For a recap of Parts 1 and 2 of the series click here.

- Eric Wilson