by steven on January 7, 2011
Colorado seems to be on the forefront of living off grid and searching for the best sustainable energy habits that we all can follow. Recently, the federal government gave $6.3 million dollars to RDSI for developing new electric grid technology.
A handful of Colorado dignitaries got a first look at the future of utilities, electricity generation and energy management as the Spirae hosted its “Smart Grid LIVE” invitation only event this morning at the Rocky Mountain Innosphere, 320 E. Vine Drive.
The morning included tours of three RDSI participates: Spirae, New Belgium Brewing Co. and the Engines and Energy Conversions laboratory at Colorado State University.
RDSI came out of the DOE grant awarded to the City of Fort Collins, Fort Collins Utilities and a group of partners to develop and demonstrate new electric grid technologies.
The smart-grid demonstration is aimed at a 20 percent to 30 percent peak electric load reduction and will be the first phase of implementing FortZED.
FortZED is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of our nation’s new energy economy. We’re moving beyond electrical energy to include thermal energy and transportation linkages, while developing key industries and new business opportunities
The district includes CSU and part of downtown, and will be the largest of its kind in the world. The district is funded through DOE grant and $4.9 million in local support.
In all, more than 20 projects are installed as part of RDSI that were implemented over the past two years.
by steven on January 6, 2011
The shortage of power, the rapid consumption of non-renewable resources, the ever-increasing demand for power supply, the consistent warnings about our world are enough signs to tell us that it’s time we do something. So, what can we do? For starters, how about living off the grid? If I have startled you with that proposition, let me tell you that living off the grid not only helps the environment and helps save power; it also cuts down our electricity bill substantially. Now, that’s a tangible benefit apart from all the good you will do to the world. Trust me, you will feel good doing this.
Let’s discuss some pros and cons of living off the grid:
- Reduced dependability on exhausting resources: Who wants to depend on public utilities all the time? Living off the grid helps you rely only on your resources and not the ones supplied by governments or big businesses. How often have you cursed when faced with a power outage in the midst of some important work or a party? Wouldn’t you like to take charge of such factors affecting you life? With alternate power solutions, you can.
- Freedom of usage of naturally available resources: How would you feel when you don’t have to pay for the power you use? Wouldn’t it be delightful to use as much power as you want without worrying about the electricity meter? You can make use of the abundant power available in the nature to light up your home and make your food. The solar power solutions and the wind power solutions are the answers to your power quest (well, literally!).
- Reduced power costs, helping save your money: How would you feel if the electricity bills stop coming in your letter box? The alternate power solutions give you a return on investment very soon, thus making the power supply to your home eventually free!
- Making way for a healthier environment: Don’t you bless the people who planted trees years ago not expecting them to miraculously grow? They planted those trees for the future generations. Make the future of your future generations secure by giving them a greener, healthier world. Cut down on the usage of non-renewable sources of energy. Try to use water minimally. There is not much drinking water left for the next generations.
If you are thinking it is not very feasible to live off the grid, don’t think that you have to dress in loin cloth and run around with a bow and arrow. That is not what I’m talking about. You can live very comfortably off-grid while still maintaining sustainable habits.
