As you may have noticed, energy consumption has become a hot topic in the last few years. It seems that not a day goes by that I do not encounter an article or a news report about how energy consumption is affecting our economy, our environment, or even just our lifestyles. Amidst all of the energy hype, you’ve likely heard stories of people who have chosen to live “off the grid,” meaning that they no longer rely on public sources for standard utilities such as electricity and water. While this idea may seem quaint and good in theory, few have actually deemed it a priority for their homes. After all, if it was such a good idea, more people would be doing it… right?
Is living “off the grid” practical? And if so, is it for you? I believe that regardless of who you are, the answer to both of those questions is “yes!” I have listed below 3 reasons why you need to gain energy independence.
Money. Imagine how your budget would look if you monthly bill for electricity was cut in half. Or imagine if it were gone completely. The money that you are shelling out every month for utility bills could be in your hands, not in the power company’s. While making the switch to energy independence will require you to spend some money up front, living off the grid will eventually pay for itself –and then some. Don’t consider this to be an expense, but rather an investment. The world’s most successful investors are considered as such for their ability to think long term and see that the rewards they will reap far outweigh the investment. Only you will not be investing in the chance of someone else’s venture, but rather
taking control of your own.
Environment. Although it seems that automobiles have received the most scrutiny from the media and the government, the largest chunk of your carbon footprint is probably not from your car but your home. According to the EPA, the average CO2 emissions caused by the electricity used in a single home are approximately 7.4 metric tons every year. In today’s day and age, the environment is not only a concern for the avid conservationist, but a concern for every person who uses electricity.
Security. Living off the grid quite literally puts the power in your hands –no pun intended! As it is now, your access to essential utilities in your home is controlled by someone else. Around this time last year where I live in Omaha, NE, a severe thunderstorm swept through the area, causing power outages all over the city. While the local power company worked around the clock to restore electricity to their customers’ homes, some residents still went 2-3 weeks before the lights came back on in their neighborhoods. Living off the grid releases you from needing to rely on the power company next time there’s a thunderstorm. After all, you have enough to worry about.
I hope that this has helped you understand how you can truly benefit by living life off the grid. If this idea has sparked your interest at all, please don’t stop looking here! You are limited only by your imagination. For more information on how to get off the grid, visit energy expert Michael Harvey's site
here. You will find some great and economical solutions to help get you off the grid and into energy independence.
Good luck!
-Jordan