Hit and runs

I don’t know what it is, but it looks hungry. (©image)

In this whiplash world, there’s rode rage (surfacing way too often on multiple subjects) leaving a few hits and misses along the trail, Mr.

Some head spinning buzz just for you. (It’s busy here, so this is as good as the blog gets right now.)

• “Not a shot! Anti-vax movement prompts Brooklynites to withhold inoculations FROM THEIR PETS“ It’s autism. They worry their pet might become autistic. My question is “How would you know?” Most dogs are already pretty ADHD. And cats? They all stare into corners and focus on the tiniest bit of dust no one can see. Neither species seem overly interesting in responding to requests by owners. Seriously.

Sometimes you can see the sun going down. No way of stopping it. (©image)

• Enough Bills already. Hard to focus, but try.

Amid all the foolishness for photo ops and political coin, serious legislation slips by undercover. Currently (hmmm, that’s an appropriate word choice) TX HB199 was introduced during the Special Session of the Texas House. So?

Looks like big business public utility monopolies companies are protecting themselves the little people. We all know how benevolent those giant companies are. Really concerned about income equality and social justice.

Basically this bill means if you have solar panels or wind turbines, the electric company can charge you a fee for simply having and using them. After all, the alternative energy owner produces much of their own electricity using less of theirs, and, therefore, will not be paying their fair share of maintenance of power company equipment/infrastructure/new generating plants. A monthly surcharge fee ($20-$40 a month) or charging solar contractors a fee when they install equipment quickly erases any benefit of buying or using solar/wind systems.

Been done in other states. Where does yours stand?

“Following customer backlash, Wyoming Utility withdraws proposed solar surcharge“

“Kansas utility pursues surcharge on solar customers” It was called “punitive” by solar advocates.

“Arizona OKs rate hike, new fees for solar customers.“

Anti-Net Metering campaign by Utah Solar Energy Association (facts), Utah Clean Energy: Analysis of net metering proposal “Rocky Mountain Power proposed new net–metering fees and bill increases specifically for solar customers. Collectively, RMP’s proposal threatens to stall further rooftop solar development in Utah.”

Public Service Co. of New Mexico proposed solar fees ranging from about $20 to $35 a month, and Wisconsin utility We Energies had similar fees approved.

“Eversource rate case poses woes for solar projects” Massachusetts. (July 19, 2017)

“Utilities wage campaign against rooftop solar.”  (Washington Post, March 7, 2017)

“Nevada Energy CEO: Solar has gotten a Free Ride on the Grid” He asks, How fair is it that non-solar customers, mostly the poor who cannot afford solar panels, pay for most of the infrastructure everyone uses? (Similar argument of electric/hybrid car owners who use little or no gasoline so they don’t pay gas taxes which are used for road construction and maintenance.)

“Nevada solar industry collapses after state lets power company raise fees.” Read to understand potential. Recent adoption by Utah’s legislature of Solar Bill of Rights (2017) is now reversing the punishment of solar panel owners.

“Rooftop solar dims under pressure from Utilities Lobbyists.” (Times, July 8, 2017)

“Why is the Electric Utility Industry fighting solar customers?” (July 21, 2017)

Chasing rainbows on the wall. It don’t bother me at all. (©image)

Yep, in public and in front of cameras, benevolent electric companies urge customers to “Go, go green and save the environment! Even if rates are more expensive!”  But in private they are doing their darndest to squash individuals attempting to install solar panels or wind turbines. Could put the brakes on alternative energy progress.

Gosh darn. Let’s dance square to the hysteria about bathrooms.

• Now if that don’t give you a headache, the darn LED lights we are being pushed to use will. (As I said, too many bills missing with us)

Hitting you with all of this is pretty hard, so before I run, I’ll leave a little energetic fun.

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

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