Massena, a small town in upstate New York, recently finalized its acquisition of the local power grid from National Grid after a decades-long struggle. This move creates a publicly owned electric utility, allowing Massena to control its energy future and pursue lower rates, renewable energy development, and improved reliability for residents. The transition signifies a significant victory for municipal control and potentially provides a model for other communities seeking energy independence.
Starting a city-owned utility is a viable option for municipalities seeking more control over energy prices and reliability. The article uses the example of several Northern California cities exploring the creation of a public power agency, highlighting how it could provide cheaper, cleaner energy than incumbent investor-owned utilities. By leveraging existing infrastructure and focusing on bulk power purchases, cities can significantly reduce costs, potentially offering substantial savings for residents and businesses while facilitating the transition to renewable energy sources. This approach also allows for greater local control over energy policy and priorities, aligning with community goals for sustainability and affordability.
HN commenters generally support the idea of municipally-owned utilities, citing potential benefits like lower costs, greater local control, and faster deployment of renewables. Some raise concerns about the complexities and costs involved in starting a new utility, including navigating regulations and acquiring infrastructure. Several comments highlight existing successful municipal utilities as examples, while others emphasize the need for careful planning and execution to avoid mismanagement. The potential conflict of interest between a city government both regulating and operating a utility is also noted. A few commenters express skepticism about the feasibility and efficiency of such ventures compared to existing private utilities, citing potential bureaucratic inefficiencies. Some suggest that community choice aggregation (CCA) might be a better alternative to starting a completely new utility.
Summary of Comments ( 4 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42992032
Hacker News commenters generally praised Massena's move to municipalize its power, viewing it as a successful example of a community reclaiming control over essential services and potentially lowering costs. Some highlighted the long and difficult process involved in such transitions, noting the legal battles and political maneuvering required. Others pointed out the potential benefits of publicly owned utilities, including greater transparency, accountability, and reinvestment in the community. A few commenters offered cautionary notes, emphasizing the need for competent management and the potential for local politics to interfere with efficient operation. Some expressed skepticism about the replicability of this model in other locations due to varying regulatory landscapes and the entrenched power of private utilities. Several commenters also discussed the broader implications for energy independence and the transition to renewable energy sources.
The Hacker News post titled "An Upstate Town Took Back Its Power (2023)" linking to an article about Massena, New York's public power utility, generated a moderate number of comments, with several offering interesting perspectives and details.
A few commenters focused on the economic benefits of municipal broadband, with one noting that Massena's electric rates are about half the state average due to its municipal utility. This commenter also expressed hope that the town might expand into municipal broadband, seeing it as a potential economic boon. Another commenter built on this, highlighting the conflict of interest private telecom companies have in preventing municipal broadband initiatives, given their desire to maintain market share and pricing power. This commenter suggested that municipal broadband often provides better service at lower costs.
Another thread of discussion revolved around the technical and logistical aspects of running a power utility. One commenter with apparent experience in the power industry provided a detailed explanation of the challenges faced by smaller municipal utilities, such as limited resources for dealing with major outages or specialized maintenance. They explained that relying on mutual aid agreements with neighboring utilities can mitigate some of these challenges, but these agreements are not always sufficient or reliable. They also noted the potential difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified personnel in smaller, more remote locations.
Some comments touched on the historical context of municipal utilities. One commenter mentioned that many towns in New York already have municipal power, suggesting that Massena's situation, while positive, isn't entirely unique. Another commenter briefly highlighted the history of rural electrification in the US, pointing to the role of the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) in bringing power to less populated areas, often through the formation of cooperatives or municipal utilities.
A few commenters offered personal anecdotes or local perspectives. One, claiming to be a Massena resident, expressed pride in the town's utility and its ability to provide reliable and affordable power.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post provide a mix of personal experiences, technical insights, and broader economic considerations related to municipal power and broadband. While not an overwhelmingly extensive discussion, the comments offer valuable context and perspectives that enrich the original article's narrative.