At first glance, alternative energy systems are more expensive than conventional, grid power. Most utility companies only charge about 10¢/kWh. But how much does utility power really cost? Not included in that 10¢ are the tons of carbon dioxide going into our atmosphere. Not included are the repairs to our highways from trucks carrying coal and gas thousands of miles each day. Not included are the pollutants to our water, earth, and air. Not included are the health care expenses resulting from pollution - asthma, emphysema, the unknown effects of proliferating cancer producing chemicals. Not included are the costs of toxic waste dumps, acid rain, smog, ozone depletion and global warming. Most of these hidden costs are subsidized by our government and paid for by our taxes. But they're real costs. And how long before the government with its astronomical deficit has to give these costs back to where they belong - to the people using energy?

Think of these real costs when you consider using more energy efficient lights or appliances. When you consider building a passive solar house or installing a solar electric system. When you consider extra insulation, water saving fixtures, a greywater system, a demand water heater or an electric vehicle.

We tend to look at decisions from a purely personal point of view. With just a little more perspective, though, it's not hard to see how our choices influence taxes and where federal and state dollars go. For example, conserving water may not directly effect our monthly utility bills at all. But think of the tax dollars that go into purifying it, pumping it, dispersing it, and disposing of the waste water.

Although more than 10¢/kWh, alternative energy is both an economical solution and a sound investment in the future.

Steve Troy