Optimize for universal service, not just green privilege
The self-sufficiency of grow-your-own electricity is a wonderful path for those who possess the necessary resources but unfortunately isn’t practical for everyone. An equitable modern society will maintain the current social compact for universal service. Renewables are more cost-effective at utility scale. Large-scale, long duration storage allows green power to be available to everyone.
Universal service to keep the lights, heat, or AC on 24 x 7
Recall a time when families ate what they grew on their own property or traded with neighbors. What if you don’t have land, good weather all year, or time to cultivate a garden? Should society eliminate supermarkets, restaurants, and industrial farming if their owners do not follow sustainable best practices?
In the U.S., we take for granted that electricity is a commodity available everywhere 24 x 7 in urban, suburban and rural areas. It’s easy to forget it took over a century of collective investment in the grid and utility-scale generation to make this possible. The self-sufficiency of grow-your-own electricity is a wonderful vision for those who possess the necessary resources but unfortunately isn’t practical for everyone.
Those with green privilege have the luxury
of choosing a Net Zero lifestyle
Energy efficient residences
Access to solar, storage, and EVs
Net metering payments to offset their total bill
Walk or cycle to work, school, leisure activities
Access to EVs and public transportation
Organic food available from garden, farmers market, local suppliers
Native, drought-tolerant plants in garden
However, millions of people will continue to depend on the societal compact for universal service to keep the lights, heat, or air conditioning on 24 x 7.
Disadvantaged communities face particular risk if the compact for universal service is broken