Classical Liberalism and Electricity: First Principles Please
By Robert Bradley Jr. -- July 27, 2023“The separation of government and electricity (six words) or, more precisely, the separation of government and the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity (twelve words) is simple enough…. Why deny this Political Economy 101 definition between free-market reliance and government intervention?”
The separation of government and electricity is a straightforward, time-honored application of classical liberalism (or the free market). It has existed as long as I have been in the debate (the 1990s) and probably since the beginning of the industry. In contrast, restructuring, partial deregulation, or reregulation connotes the mixed-economy alternatives of market here-government there in this sector.
Deregulation as an escape from public utility regulation harks back to the Reason Foundation and Robert Poole Jr. in the early 1980s. In 1985, Poole’s Unnatural Monopolies: The Case for Deregulating Public Utilities (Lexington Books) challenged the “natural monopoly” case for franchise protection and rate-and-service government regulation in the different industries.…
Continue ReadingPool Chillers: Don’t Whine, Adapt! (and get those ‘cheap’ renewable rates)
By Robert Bradley Jr. -- July 26, 2023Ed Note: Climate alarmists/forced energy transformationists are out in force during the current heat wave, wagging fingers at skeptics and pounding the chest about “low” rates for wind/solar electricity in Texas. With pool companies in the state advertising chillers, here is one adaptation opportunity.
“The most obvious reason for a pool chiller, of course, is comfort: A good chiller can help take your swimming pool water from too hot to just right.”
“While there’s no true ‘magic number’ when it comes to swimming pool water temperature, most pool professionals agree that the ideal temperature is between 78 and 84 degrees.”
Pool Chillers: The Best Way to Keep Your Swimming Pool Cool
When temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like a dip in your cool, refreshing swimming pool to beat the heat.…
Continue ReadingITER Fusion Energy Project: ‘Record-setting Disaster’
By Kennedy Maize -- July 25, 2023“With each passing decade, this record-breaking monument to big international science looks less and less like a cathedral—and more like a mausoleum.” — Scientific American
The 35-nation International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, advertised as “the way to new energy,” has hit another snag. “The world’s biggest fusion experiment,” Bloomberg reported, “faces new delays and potentially billions of dollars in extra costs after defective pieces and broken supply chains disrupted the reactor’s construction in southern France.”
It was bad news at the 32nd annual meeting of the ITER, with a bland press release describing activity but little else. “Council Members reaffirmed their strong belief in the value of the ITER mission and resolved to work together to find timely solutions to facilitate ITER’s success.”[1]
The week before the meeting, Scientific American exposed problems in the article, “World’s Largest Fusion Project Is in Big Trouble, New Documents Reveal.”…
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