Holly HannaDec 27, 2022
Dr. Elizabeth Sawin✨

The smart grid is cool, but I'm really excited for the wise grid.

Is the energy use a need or a luxury? Have all avenues towards efficiency been explored to meet the most need with the least energy? Is this energy deployed equitably? Who or what was harmed to make this energy and how could that harm be prevented?

Let's not settle for a smart energy system when we really need a wise one.

Dec 26, 2022 at 9:20pmWeb
Show threadDr. Elizabeth Sawin✨Dec 26, 2022
Folks, this was more of a "let's think about it differently" post than an actual policy proposal post. Of course I don't actually think the site of wisdom will be the grid, it will of course be wise people thinking wisely about the grid. I do think it's worth imagining and holding out for a wise energy system not just a smart one though!
Show threadSionaDec 26, 2022
@bethsawin Yes! I read it as a reminder that *we* are (or have the potential to be) the wise grid-- at least insofar as we pay attention and remain thoughtful and caring in our decisions, both individual and collective. It's a beautiful thing to consider.
Show threadcostrikeDec 26, 2022
@bethsawin Always, "Can we?"
Never, "Should we?"
Ever in search of profits, seemingly at any cost.
Show threadCatherine BrownDec 26, 2022
@bethsawin genius! Love this!
Show threadWes MontageDec 26, 2022

@bethsawin In the US, the economics of scarcity will make those decisions for most of us another 10 years. That has always been the case in some places, but the EU and UK have started coming up the learning curve quickly.

ICYMI, Simon Michaux sketches out how civilization might have to operate in order to survive.
https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/49-simon-michaux

Simon Michaux: "The Arcadians" | The Great Simplification

Episode 49

The Great Simplification
Show threadmarymessallDec 26, 2022
@bethsawin This needs wise political leaders, not a wise grid.
Show threadPhil Thane ✅Dec 27, 2022
@bethsawin You're right of course but given the level of wisdom applied to other systems, health, education, social care, economy etc I don't think it's likely to happen. Most political systems in the developed world are wedded to the idea of the wisdom of crowds and the supremacy of the free market.