Personal Energy Independence refers to the process by which an individual or legal entity makes themselves no longer dependent upon the energy produced by the Energy Industry. Personal Energy Independence is extremely popular in large economically stable countries such as the United States where resource abundance makes the concept of energy independence an attainable goal.
While there are arguments that point to the use of non-renewable supplies in this bid for energy independence, the concept brings with it numerous advantages not only for the individual but for countries as a whole.
It should also be noted that while the energy used to gain such a form of independence can be obtained from non-renewable sources, there are also numerous sources that are natural and beneficial to the environment.
It should also be recognized that large energy industries are also guilty of using non-renewable sources such as crude-oil to provide energy on a much wider scale than most energy independent sources.
There are numerous safe and sustainable ways in which energy can be obtained from sources independent of large energy industries.
Energy can be obtained by capturing light and heat from the sun via solar panels which can then be converted into enough electricity to run households or businesses. Water is another source that can be utilized to produce energy that is classified as hydroelectricity. In addition to water and light, larger companies have used waste as an energy supply by burning waste in an effort to produce heat. The heat gained from this process is then used to change water into high-pressure steam that provides electricity by rotating the blades of a turbine generator.
One of the main benefits of personal energy independence is the fact that, when operated on a wide-scale, it reduces a country’s reliance on foreign parties as an energy source. In the case of the crude oil industry, North America has had to rely on countries that oppose US foreign policy and are complicit to poor human right’s practices for years. This is due to the fact that North America has not been able to procure an energy source for this material for its own use. However, if North America was to gain energy independence, it could potentially terminate these turbulent relationships, putting itself at a firmer political standpoint for future interactions with these foreign territories.
On a lesser scale, the use of independent energy sources also has numerous advantages for the individual.
In countries such as the United Kingdom, homeowners who have purchased and installed solar panels on their properties are not only able to save money on energy bills as they are operating off the grid, so to speak. These homeowners are also able to gain another source of income by selling the excess energy that they haven’t used directly to large utility companies. This benefit also extends to select American citizens and has led to an increase in the purchasing of solar panels.
The use of personal energy sources also reduces the financial instability inflicted upon the general populace by the fluctuating energy costs offered by utility companies.
In addition, using an independent energy source provides a level of security from power outages caused by wide-sweeping damage due to failing infrastructure, storms, poor maintenance, vandalism and acts of God.
In conclusion, personal energy independence is a rapidly growing market driven by the need for financial security, independence and political freedom. And while there are some disadvantages to the practice the benefits cannot be ignored and as such if the opportunity is available it would be foolish to not grab the chance with both hands.
