OUR VIEW: Conserve, because who knows what could happen
When you flip a light switch or plug in your computer you expect something to happen. That wasn’t the case for people yesterday in Northern California, where the utility crisis has led to forced blackouts.
But just because it’s not happening at your house doesn’t mean the problem is isolated to the Golden State. Prices went up here, too, and who says a blackout isn’t around the corner for Utah?
Conservation seems to be a foreign idea. Whether it be with water or electricity, recycling or fuel, it’s hard to change from convenience to a practice where the benefits may not be immediately seen.
But perhaps the ramifications of our instant gratification attitude are not as far off as we might think.
The population is growing steadily, urban sprawl is already a recognized issue and perhaps rolling blackouts in California won’t be the end to power problems in the United States.
California’s crisis hit hard and fast, and soon their governor may be reading his speech to the state by candlelight.
Growing population means an increased need for power, and that means a need for more power plants at the expense, perhaps, of Mother Nature’s plants.
So lets make the most of our power and appreciate what we take for granted every time the light comes on. What is happening in California does not stop at the state line.
Take heed to the advice to conserve energy, not only to keep your monthly bills down, but to avoid a larger problem that may be down the road.