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Someone once said: “Genius lies in simplicity.” This statement has obviously been ignored by the elected folks over the last few decades. It seems the key word has become “bureaucracy.” The production and delivery of electricity is no exception. In fact there should be another word included: “monopoly.” The options toward the production side of our electrical demands seem to only involve more government, which translated means more bureaucracy.
This may sound crazy to some but why not put the “power” back in the hands of the people! That’s right; the word “power” has dual meanings here. Instead of purchasing electricity from other states, even other countries (like Canada which is being suggested in Sacramento), how about taking advantage of our states natural resources. For example, there are millions of roof tops conducive to solar production. Give the private individual the attractive ability to install as much solar as will fit on the roof. Then the local utility company should purchase any excess power at a reasonable rate. This is actually on the table at the State Capitol. We’ll see how long it takes and how complicated the end result is. Another example would come into play with the Ag community. Instead of paying land owners with sub-prime soil to not grow anything, how about encouraging them to “plant” a few acres of solar or wind turbines where appropriate. Pay them a decent rate for the produced power to allow them a profit. Our answers to the future electrical demands of our state (and country) will not (or should not) come via big government.
If the “system” would promote the private sector to be involved, a lot of us could produce a little extra power that would add up to huge amounts! I know this sounds far fetched to some of you, but we have to start somewhere. As part of the “baby boom” generation, I believe it’s up to us to stop the current “bureaucratic trends” and turn this wagon around. |
Constant 
