Private Sector Leading on Energy Efficiency

In today's business section, the Minneapolis Star Tribune features efforts by Best Buy to develop a market for home energy efficiency equipment.  The Minnesota-based national electronics retailer is leading the way at a retail level into the electric utility concept known as "Smart Grid".  Writes the Star Tribune,

"Best Buy Co. Inc. plans to start selling home energy management products and services next month in what could be a significant new market for the Richfield [MN]-based consumer electronics giant.  Stores in three test markets--Chicago, Houston and San Francisco--will roll out smart thermostats and outlets, energy usage monitors, and possibly a home security/alarm system.  Though Best Buy declined to disclose specifics, the retailer suggested it will devote prominent and sizable space to its new 'Home Energy' section."

The paper quotes Best Buy's Kris Bowring on the retailer's plans,

"We began to recognize the technology movement that was about to begin.  Understanding [energy use] could change energy consumption."

We were pleased to have Kris at one of our Citizens League events last year as well as Best Buy's hosting another event at their headquarters, in conjunction with the Galvin Initiative, exactly one year ago.

As readers of this space will know, I am a big supporter of Smart Grid, as a means of developing real competition in a sector dominated by state-granted monopolies.  Some of my good friends are wary of the concept, because of the "big brother" concerns around the technology and the cost of switching to new gear.

But having a private company leading the way, with all buyers being voluntary participants, should allay those fears.  We should all wish our hometown company nothing but the best of luck.