MettaWorldBeFree

I have a weird theory where we basically designed ourselves in a loop. Kinda explains parallel universes, the whole “we live in a simulation” thing, the missing link, etc. Basically, we evolved from apes, then kinda doomed the world in an original timeline. AI tech was coming along, however, and while we couldn’t fix all the issues capitalism has caused, we could design AI that’d basically take our memories and replay the world on infinite loop. Y’know, Matrix-esque but slightly different. But every timeline is limited because the original ended pretty quick-like, so it’s just inevitable that we build AI even as the world falls apart, and we’re kinda towards that end part now. Idk, hope that makes some semblance of sense, I’ve tried to write it out in various ways and it’s just too much, makes my head hurt.

PG&E hiked rates 13% to start the year, then they leave folks without power for 24+ hours. Awesome. Obviously extreme weather, but add the worst run of monopolies to the mix and it’s going great.

Amen- I got into teaching thinking I’d change some things, but really I just jumped from greedy private business to greedy private business, burning jet fuel along the way. Then I consider teaching public school in the US, but have you seen that shit!? I just want to ethically make a living. This is better than most, but man, what a world.

Thanks! You seem knowledgeable on this- ya, microgrids. And exactly, I figure it helps this community, but it’s a case of the rich getting richer (or at least surviving). There is interconnection with the primary energy company, basically selling kWh back at peak hours- is that helpful, or not really what you mean? Would like to learn more.

Nope, just vaguely knew he inspired Artest! Cool stuff, good to know the guys who thought uniquely back in the day are influencing things in small ways today.

Thanks, and ya, just liked Ron’s turnaround and his message towards people. Also kinda fits with my idea that nations are anachronisms, free the people, etc.

Good to know, ya, thought it was more the scarcity that was an issue there, and the largest deposit was just found in the US. There’s still issues with mining it, Native American groups aren’t happy and have of course been ruled against in court (surprise), but I’d have to look more into that specific moral concern.

Good to know! I talked to one realtor who would never work with us because she had clients who had been bilked under a different program in a different state, but still- sucks a part of my company worked that way previously, just want to make sure this version is as solid as it seems. I’d say a good 75%+ of the customers I talk to are really happy, which is nice feedback.

Not PACE, PPA (power purchase agreement)- the idea is we take the state rebate, that helps provide all the equipment at no cost (and we actually own it, so there’s no loan, lien, or anything)- we then just charge for electricity and break even down the line. But ya, there’s definitely horror stories depending on where and what company, so any knowledge you have of the above is helpful. My understanding is this system really does work, but obviously outright scams have poisoned the industry to a degree.

Thanks, but it’s complicated. 1) The program I sell only works for homeowners who use enough power and have enough good roof space. So like- you can’t save everyone, obviously, but it’s an example of how the well-off can buy their way outta this. I hate reminding renters that prices are rising and there’s nothing they can do, for example (by the way, renters are almost always nice, owners almost always dismissive). 2) Part of me wants to let people be naive, they’re happier that way. I think what I do is a band-aid on a bullet wound, societally, I do it because it’s good money, and I don’t care who you vote for or if you’re even a good person/selfish person. If you have the roof for it, I will explain the program and the imminent collapse of the world, and will try and get you cheaper energy. So- I guess I feel good/better about what I do, thanks y’all, but the above is just some more of my bellyaching, the psychology of it that hits me sometimes. Hope it makes sense, good to get it out there in some form.

Interesting! They changed the laws back in April because the previous agreements made no sense and actually strained the grid more, so now you pretty much have to have a battery. Those are expensive, though, so companies have gotten creative- mine identifies homes that might qualify for no-cost solar. We charge per kWh. It’s actually a cool system, fun challenge to explain it in 2 minutes on a front door. And.. ya, money is good if you can talk to people.

That’s awesome! But ya, the overall grid scares me as well. Could always go with a battery or generator, just in case.

Thanks, just gets into your head after a bit!

It’s gonna be so weird living out the dystopian reality as it’s also in movies and media. Think “Elysium”, “Don’t look up”, “The Handmaid’s Tail”, every episode of “Black mirror” that hasn’t already occurred to a degree.. strange times. But ya, don’t be rash because the broken system crumbles slowly- think of intelligent ways to increase independence away from broken capitalism to a small local group you can work with, is my understanding of what makes sense.

Right, but the increasing relevance/obviousness of the situation means it comes up more often, in my experience. The comic exaggerates some interactions I’ve had, with the other party being the awkward one- which is weird, because I learned to stop doing that awhile back. But now regular convos turn into talks of climate change, or like- I taught kids in Mongolia, and they know it’s fucked. 9th grade, they know this. They’re particularly vulnerable to climate change and geopolitics, the kids still enjoy being kids to a huge degree, but they’re also in 9th grade and much more jaded than I was then.

“Stark” is a bizarrely accurate satire by Ben Elton. Not the greatest story, but it’s funny how spot-on some aspects are: Spoiler- the rich escape, and are absolutely miserable living the last of their lifespan on the moon. Like, that’s how I see it going. There’s no humanity’s last chance sorta space exploration, it’ll be the desperation of the richest individuals left alive, dying in the vacuum of space.

It’s called Elon Musk.