The problem in Europe (and California) is a lack of generating capacity and reduced access to fuel. Public utilities in the US have long tried to reduce the MegaWatt peak demands by urging users to set hvac thermostats higher during the summer months. In addition, your electric bill includes a summer surcharge during June, July, August & September. If utilities build power generating capacity sufficient for summer peaks, the overall utility cost must rise to include the additional construction and operating costs. The public service commissions determining the rate structure want to protect the consumers by limiting excess capacity. Her point is correct, but she doesn't appear to understand what she is talking about.
As I said during the vaccine rollout, you can’t fix stupid, but you can kill it. And boy howdy, are they going to kill.
The next 6 months are going to be interesting. Get your supply of popcorn ready.
The problem in Europe (and California) is a lack of generating capacity and reduced access to fuel. Public utilities in the US have long tried to reduce the MegaWatt peak demands by urging users to set hvac thermostats higher during the summer months. In addition, your electric bill includes a summer surcharge during June, July, August & September. If utilities build power generating capacity sufficient for summer peaks, the overall utility cost must rise to include the additional construction and operating costs. The public service commissions determining the rate structure want to protect the consumers by limiting excess capacity. Her point is correct, but she doesn't appear to understand what she is talking about.