Decouple the Electric Company

Michael King,
    I have read an article in the October issue of The Atlantic magazine (p.69, fifth paragraph) about decoupling the electric company. What this does is provide a financial incentive to the power company to facilitate decreasing power usage by its consumers and still profit.
    I realize Austin Energy is going that way, but to actually put in place a signed document by the City Council that states the goal would be a real commitment.
    This article covers the need to reduce consumption, as opposed to covering the earth with solar panels and windmills. There are now five or six states that have officially adopted this program. After this year's grueling heat and associated utility bills, a program to reduce rates make sense.
    As a side bar, I have built a SIPs home in Austin, despite great difficulty from the city, and my utility bill this month was $77.80, and the entire summer the bill was never more than $110. The ability to build structures to drastically reduce consumption has been around for some time.
    After building this home and with a history of low energy usage, I attended a meeting to be able to build low-income housing for the city and was told that my method would not be allowed. This method is outlined in the international building code book, unlike straw bales or rammed earth.
    I have been told of some of the energy bills this summer and cannot believe having to pay a bill of $300-400 a month.