Quoted from GregCon:"Since you're from Texas perhaps you can understand this. Those smart thermostats are to reduce demand on the grid. The exact opposite of the end of civilization. It can actually make the grid more stable. Or you can enjoy freezing your ass off when ERCOT can't supply enough energy. Have fun with your economic freedum."
I love it...The idea that 'they' know what's best for me...
Here's a more enlightened idea - there is no need to reduce demand on the grid. Why would there be? It's not like there is a deficit if generation capability. What you're really seeing, again, is how people are led like sheep by the nose. The reason they want to reduce grid demand is purely economic...they had their MBA's do all the math and they've figured out that they can maximize their profits (and drive tree-hugging goals) by limiting power.
Why lay out more capital to invest in additional generation when you can make sure the generation you already have is running with its tongue hanging out, 24 hours a day? The idea that the power company has a responsibility to serve the market is old school; now nothing matters but making sure the profit stays above 25%.
Why maintain a staff of experienced plant engineers and grid operators to keep everything running smoothly, when you can reduce staff count, hire people off the street, and let the shit roll downhill? Out of chaos comes profits.
The power grid problems we've seen are a 100% result of incompetence married to greed. The grid can be as stable as it was 10 or 30 years ago....no need to reach into people's houses.
No, you have it wrong. I don't understand (nor do I care to) how folks mind's have this pathological thought process where everything is political and think that "they" (the bad guys) know what is best for you. Not the point in this instance, at all.
In this case, "they" are the power company and are trying to protect "their" grid. It is a numbers game, economics as you mention. Not some sort of "agenda" from the people you don't like.
If folks in on my grid, Ameren, do this they get a subsidized T-stat and an annual rebate. It is much less expensive to do this than build another power plant. This is America, what do you have against profits? Based on some of the rhetoric you are spouting off, I am scratching my head that you are acting like this is a bad thing? Profits matter, everything else be dammed, right? Anything other then that is (you fill in the blank)!
That being said, the current and inevitable continual population increases will keep stretching the grid. No, I'm sure the number of electric meters, heaters and air conditioners are much higher now than they were 10 to 30 years ago. But hey, you are Texas! No need to interconnect to other grids, rugged individualism right? You won't be told what to do! Well, the past few hiccups in the power supply have shown that maybe working together might be a better way to go. Or you can just go to Cancun when things get cold.
Ballwin, MO
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