Daily Score Blog

An excellent report from the researchers at Climate Solutions arguing for speedier implemention of Smart Grid technology in the Northwest's electric transmission system. Smart Grid refers to a host of technological updating that the current electrical system sorely needs. By integrating more advanced computers and digital processing, the electricity transmission can improve its efficiency and resilience.

In the event of disruption, such as a storm or even a terrorist attack, the Smart Grid would be capable of "healing itself" by redistributing power to where it's most needed. It will also allow operators to pinpoint interruptions more quickly so that they can fix the problem manually. Even better, by creating a more efficient system that wastes less and responds faster to changing conditions, the Smart Grid reduces the need for expensive new power plants and infrastructure. (In one case in Utah, a utility was able to save $4.3 million using new technology and was able to avoid building a new plant and transmission lines in environmentally sensitive areas.) And if that's not enough, a Smart Grid would allow true interface between distributed forms of eletricity generation like small-scale wind, solar, and fuel cell generators.

But enough blathering from me. The researchers at Climate Solutions have the low down: go read about it for yourself.

Postscript: In our latest book, Sightline also argued for Smart Grid technology. It's an exciting reform for both environmental and security reasons and even more exciting because the Smart Grid is already on its way. Still, as the Climate Solutions report details, there are plenty of ways that the Northwest's leaders can hasten its arrival.

A recent article highlights yet another benefit of energy-efficient homes: they could qualify you for an energy-efficient mortgage (EEM).  Since an energy-efficient house costs less to operate, Fannie Mae, the government-established private company that backs mortgages for low- to moderate-income homebuyers, recognizes that the money saved can be spent on housing costs. Thus, it adds the projected savings to the borrower's income, raising that income and qualifying them for a larger mortgage.  Built Green has a nice example how this can work on paper.

While the EEM has been around since 1979, it was little used until Fannie Mae reduced the complex paperwork a few years ago.  To qualify these days, a borrower must buy a new energy-efficient home--or commit to upgrading an existing home--and pass a Home Energy Rating System inspection.  The borrower then gets a one-page report to show to lenders when applying for a Fannie Mae-backed loan.

Feeling overworked? Join the Take Back Your Time movement at the national conference in Seattle this week. The people at Take Back Your Time want to challenge the notion that success should be primarily measured in economic terms and bring work and life back into balance. (Good thing, because research in the growing field of happiness economics suggests that the link between money and happiness is weak.)

As it is, Americans are putting in about nine weeks more per year than our European counterparts, and more than the citizens of any other industrial country. With all the hours we put in working (and hours--or make that days--spent commuting to work), there isn't much time for other pursuits such as connecting with friends, spending time with family, and just kicking back.

The conference examines ways to reclaim time, and supports policies such as guaranteed paid childbirth leave, three weeks vacation, and capping overtime.