Re: theWatt Podcast 77

Christopher,
I think the price of electricity in Boston and CA are about the same. Hawaii has the highest prices in the USA at about US$0.23/KWH.

My understanding about California's situation is somewhat different. I don't think the reduction in usage has much to do with price. California had a serious energy crisis. They could not meet demand. This was not a joke or a trick, there was a serious problem. So the government put forth a comprehensive effort to reduce consumption rather than build new plants. It is called "Flex your Power". Much of this was a strong public education campaign at many locations including in the workplace and schools, etc. They also offered some type of rebate (the opposite of a tax) to residential customers that reduced consumption by 20%. Anyway, the California model is one to consider seriously. They have definitely succeeded and I don't think increasing prices was they way they did it.

For me, I have decreased my electricity consumption by 66%. I am using 33% of the electricity that I used to use and now get that from PV solar panels. Aside from hanging up my laundry to dry (which is a pain) the rest of the improvements don't impact my quality of life.

Thanks
John C. Briggs