Re:Gravity Energy Storage: Alternative to batteries for grid...
by WalterBright on Tuesday January 05, 2021 @11:43PM
(#25654727)
It's a clumsy attempt to emulate what a market does. One telltale aspect of its clumsiness is the elastic use is confined to the A/C (I listed other avenues). A market based solution would use price, and let the consumer find the best way to adapt to it.
Another complicated bit of clumsy silliness is cap-and-trade. The straightforward way is just tax the carbon.
Re:Gravity Energy Storage: Alternative to batteries for grid...
by dismalpedigree on Wednesday January 06, 2021 @12:41AM
(#25654952)
I had something similar offered by Duke Energy. They credited like $10/mo to be able to turn my AC off whenever they felt like it. It was terrible. You know when i want my AC the most? When its hot. And that is exactly when it would be disabled. That thing got removed within days.
Re:Gravity Energy Storage: Alternative to batteries for grid...
by WalterBright on Wednesday January 06, 2021 @04:34PM
(#25662843)
Turning off is a blunt instrument. A better approach is to set the thermostat higher.
Re:Gravity Energy Storage: Alternative to batteries for grid...
by dismalpedigree on Wednesday January 13, 2021 @05:53PM
(#25769115)
It has the same effect. Its hot out. I want it not hot in my house.
https://savings.austinenergy.com/rebates/residential/learn/m...
> What Is the Power Partner Program?
> The Power Partner Program is a community-wide coordination of air conditioning usage that allows Austin Energy to manage energy use during peak summer days when it matters the most.
> During a Power Partner event Austin Energy will adjust the temperature setting on your Internet-connected thermostat. Temperature adjustments up to four degrees reduce usage when the energy and cost savings are needed the most community-wide, yet do not significantly impact comfort.
It's not market-based in the way you're talking about (real-time price being pushed through to the consumer), but it may be market-based in a different way. The same page goes on to say it "helps lower the overall cost of electricity in the community". So I assume the utility uses it to reduce how much electricity it has to buy at peak prices.