I recently sent this letter to the Editor of the Ely Times:
The General Manager of Mt.
Wheeler Power (MWP), Randy Ewell, recently wrote an article titled
“Co-op Advocates for Members” in the Ruralite. In my opinion, Mr.
Ewell could do a much better job of advocating for MWP members by
focusing less on minimizing rates and more on maximizing value.
In his article, Mr. Ewell
noted that “utilities have proposed the Ratepayer Protection Act”
as a counter to living by standards of the Clean Air Act. Moreover,
he wants politicians to legislate coal ash as “nonhazardous.” Now
wait a minute. Shouldn't scientists be deciding whether coal ash is
hazardous or not (it is). And the highly respected journal SCIENCE
has just published a prediction that “one out of every six species could face extinction if global warming continues on its current path.” Let's face it, you shouldn't feel protected by this Act...
And to advocate the extinction of the Sage Grouse by denying its
classification as “endangered” is much worse than irresponsible.
Yes, the EPA seeks to
“fundamentally change how electricity is generated, distributed,
and consumed.” That's a good thing. Besides, the coal-fired power
plant we rely on is reaching the end of its projected service life –
which means rates are bound to go up do to increased maintenance
costs. Consequently, MWP co-op now has an extraordinary opportunity
to focus more on what this community really needs.
MWP has already become a
power broker for distributed renewable energy by paying low rates for
net-metered power. When my solar panels generate more power than I
use, MWP can sell that power to others, with a higher mark-up than
coal-fired power. Energy storage is becoming a reality for utilities.
MWP can store excess renewable power for use during peak hours (when
costs for fossil fuel generated power is the highest). And also, MWP
can finance the installation of solar panels and windmills. Don't
panic Mr. Ewell. MWP will still be making money. Besides, our need is
growing. Many of us will be buying electric cars, and will want even
more electricity.
Someday, MWP might want to
purchase a small fleet of electric cars to taxi people around town
(or ride share). MWP will have access to the cheapest electricity,
which will keep costs down. Not as many people will need cars,
keeping money in the community. And MWP's need for an electric car
mechanic will result in a shop to fix electric cars locally –
meaning more people will be willing to buy electric cars here.
MWP might even be
interested in leasing use of electrically powered manufacturing
equipment (3D printers, CNC milling machines, etc.) The community
will benefit by manufacturing things here – and MWP will sell more
electricity.
MWP's future looks bright.
We just have to be willing to consider multiple income streams and
the changing economic paradigm that can make this community more
self-reliant.
