When we think of Off Grid living, we generally think of remote places,'preppers', self sufficiency and those who want to regain some level of independence into their lives. Some might even see it as some level of 'paranoia'. We take so much for granted in our lives; our food, our comfort, our security that we don't see how we are becoming more and more dependent and controlled with each passing day. We also don't see how fragile and overworked our electrical grid is becoming and don't often consider how our lives would be impacted should it not be available. Sure, we have all experienced the occasional inconvenience of a power outage, but that is generally a minor inconvenience of a few hours. What would happen to us if that inconvenience lasted days, weeks, or longer? Being able to not only survive but to thrive is extremely empowering. When we refer to being Off Grid, there is no 'one-size fits all'. For some it is not a choice , for others it is a choice of varying degrees. A backup generator might be sufficient for some, an independent power and water system for others, others would supply their own food. Off Grid can be as much or as little as you need, depending upon your specific circumstance and available resources.
It is estimated that there are about 1.7 Billion people living off grid worldwide. For the majority of this population it is not a choice, but a necessity given the lack of an infrastructure and electrical grid, mostly in Africa. By comparison in the US , there are an estimated 180,000 people living off grid, a population that is increasing each year. The majority of these people live off grid by choice. While there are plenty of people living off grid in remote areas, there is an increasing number of urban off grid families. These people have access to and are generally connected to the grid, but deploy one or more alternative energy systems (Solar, Wind) to augment their power system. These systems are referred to as 'Grid Tie' systems, where the home owner can actually sell power they generate on their own back to the utility power grid for credit. These grid-tie systems can reduce or even eliminate a home owner's electrical bill. This urban off grid population is increasing each year.
Rolling Blackouts
More and more cities in the US (and other countries) are experiencing increasing levels of 'Rolling Blackouts', whereby power is intentionally cut off in different areas at different times of the day to better manage the power demands on the utility grid. These rolling blackouts are in increasing indication that our electrical grids are being overwhelmed and at risk. Companies like Tesla have taken notice and are marketing home battery systems (Tesla Powerwall ) that can be programmed to provide continuous power to a home during blackout or to disconnect from the utility during peak hours when rates will be the highest. Tesla is also marketing a new generation of Solar panels that are an integrated part of the roof. (Tesla Solar Roof ) .
Off Grid Bans - Increasing threat
This growing interest to remove ourselves from the grid and regain some level of independence in our lives is not going unnoticed by the government and utility companies. While utility companies initially embraced the idea of having these 'Grid-Tie' systems as a means of supplying additional power to the grid, there is now increasing concern about this level of independence going too far. There are numerous and increasing examples in both the US in Canada, where the government is putting in bans and restrictions against off grid living. People wanting to provide their own power, water, septic are getting fined, building and occupation permits denied, and even harassed for attempting to assert this level of independence. The thought of a large part of the population not being 'connected' to the grid is being seen as a threat to the sustainability of the grid itself.
Off Grid living is and should continue to be a personal choice . We should all be free to pursue the life we envision at whatever level of independence we choose. Today we do have this right, however as they say, a right not exercised is a right lost. Off Grid living is an empowering and rewarding decision that we each get to make based upon our own goals, values and lifestyle choices. We should also be aware that this may not always be the case and be aware of those looking to restrict our rights and increase our dependence.
No comments:
Post a Comment