Of course it is about value for everyone which is only expressed in dollars for most. But their are even dollar nuances that can't be captured by a calculation on what it will cost to purchase generation equipment versus purchasing energy from the utility long term (one is like buying cookware and the other is like eating out every day). Dollar comparisons will also depend on many assumptions on both sides of the equation. Owning equipment provides a level of control in decision making and theoretically a fixed cost long term (the exact reason why utilities themselves are electively hedging with wind energy contracts). Purchasing from the utility sometimes means paying a "fair share" tax to cover poor utility decision making regarding nuclear plant decisions, pension liabilities, etc. I get that some here don't think net metering is fair when considering the utility cost to deliver, but it seems silly to suggest that we should always pay these corporations whatever they claim they need to continue delivering profit or revenue growth in the case of "non-profits".
No doubt most well in line with consumerism mentality are going to be better off purchasing from a utility with bulk generating/purchasing power. But maybe there is a better path for those who are keyed in and have the opportunity to do something better (like reducing their energy needs when building or replacing capital-intensive systems).
No doubt most well in line with consumerism mentality are going to be better off purchasing from a utility with bulk generating/purchasing power. But maybe there is a better path for those who are keyed in and have the opportunity to do something better (like reducing their energy needs when building or replacing capital-intensive systems).
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