Suppose your region is facing power shortages (brownouts). How would you propose solving the problem? Defend your proposed solution on both economic and environmental grounds
What will be an ideal response?
One method to regulate energy use and to reduce the impact of power shortages would be to install thermostats that could be controlled by utility companies. If a power shortage is imminent, the thermostat settings could be lowered or raised by a few degrees. This would reduce the energy demand tremendously but would not be as noticeable to the individual as rolling brownouts or blackouts. This method could also be used to reduce peak loads, thus reducing the number of power plants needed.
It would also be possible to alter pricing. To use power during peak demand times would cost the consumer more. Dishwashers could be run at night when demand was less, and the cost to run the dishwasher would be less. Some businesses could alter when they use the greatest amount of electricity (e.g., automated production runs could occur at night rather than at peak demand times).
Consumers and businesses could be encouraged to switch to energy-efficient appliances and lighting. A program to pay a portion of the cost of the new appliance or lighting would encourage the switch. A recycling program for large appliances (refrigerators, washers, and dryers) could be instituted with the recycling of copper and other metals paying for the recycling operation, and possibly offsetting the costs of the program.
A program to increase the efficiency of electronics and computers could be instituted. A recycling program for these consumer goods would reduce the impact from switching and could offset the cost of the program.
Reducing the number of power plants needed or the amount of energy that is produced would reduce the quantity of air pollution (all but hydroelectric). The amount of environmental damage from siting the power plant and from extracting the fuel (all but hydroelectric) would be reduced. Recycling appliances and other consumer goods would reduce the impact of disposal of the discarded appliances and the manufacture of the new appliances.
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