Great Green Idea: Green Technology: The Smart Grid: The Greening of Electricity

The Smart Grid: The Greening of Electricity

The high cost of electricity reflected in more than just the outrageous utility bills that consumers receive each month. Although many people do struggle financially to pay these bills, the real cost of electricity cannot be measured in dollars and cents. Coal generated electricity accounts for half of the energy use in the United States. This dangerous unsustainable way to power the country has caused immeasurable negative impact to the environment. As such, the greening of electricity is a necessary that must be done, but how do we get it done is the question.

One means of delivering green electricity is by the use of smart grids. These grids use digital technology to deliver electricity to consumers. This grid is actually an intelligent monitoring structure able to track electricity that flows through the system. It can sense when power is less expensive, which allows consumers to choose when they want to run certain appliances. Through the use of an electricity distribution grid and a net metering system, the smart grid can control appliances and respond to changes in the grid's condition. Smart grids are also capable of delivering green electricity through the integration of renewable electricity such has solar and wind power. There are some who see this technology as invasive. However, the cost for this measure of privacy is risking the future of this planet's resources. Interestingly, these same people eagerly share private information on the Internet through social networking websites and the like.

Lawmakers have taken action to address the desperate need to make the switch to green electricity. The recently signed Energy Efficient and Smart Appliance Agreement calls for new minimum efficiency standards and more at credits for appliances with high efficiency. Qualifications for Energy Star appliances must now include their ability to be used with smart grids. This agreement contributes to the greening of electricity, jobs in this country, and drives the down the costs of appliances. The long term effect is carbon emissions are expected to be reduced by 550,000,000 metric tons. Other results are a savings of nearly 5 trillion gallons of water and 46,000 American jobs retained.

Technology and government have made advances to contribute to the greening of electricity but what can the average person do? Starting at home, replace old inefficient furnaces and air conditioners. Windows that are not properly insulated wastes tons of energy daily. The return on investment with these changes is shorter as the price of energy goes upward. Buy newer, energy efficient appliances which are proven green electricity products.

Reduce the amount of electricity used by unplugging electronics that use power even when not in use. This would include unplugging cell phone chargers, power tools and digital cameras. When televisions and computer monitors are plugged in, even when they are turned off, power is being used. Ten percent of home electricity use is from leaving unused appliances plugged in. This is also known as phantom energy, and unplugging them is useful in the greening of electricity. Other simple ways to conserve energy in the home include switching to LED bulbs or compact fluorescent lighting and simply turning off the lights when leaving the room.

Any effort to adopt a lifestyle that includes the use of green electricity helps to reverse the negative effects decades of energy consumption. There is not a single person who can afford not to take steps to reduce energy, not the poorest nor the wealthiest. There are some things money can't buy, and a future is one of them.