I work for a large independant power producer so I know a thing or two about electric power generation.

There is a valid peak power usage concern with plug in cars, but it should be solveable.

The peak grid load is just after 5:00pm when folks start coming home from work and turn on their air conditioners. Obviously this is a bigger concern in the South, but I imagine there are similar peaks in the North.

One solution would be to have plug in outlets that are deactivated by the power companies during peak load. There's a little bit of big brother concern with the approach, but it keeps us from having to build more power plants for an hour or two of peak demand.

One of the best justifications is moving to add, off-peak, plug-in load will allow replacement of inefficient, peak power systems with capital intensive, higher efficiency plants. I've always loved the compact size of a gas-turbine powered, peak generator but remain appalled by the thermodynamic (in)efficiency.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
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