Thread by @oneguynick

A thread on rural energy:

In between calls, I decided to go split some wood. I find it incredibly relaxing, and it's a great workout. I was thinking about a conversation I had with a buddy about rural communities energy needs. It is a genuine issue in Michigan.

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My "fun" activity of splitting wood is life & death for some communities here in Northern Michigan. I am incredibly fortunate that this a hobby and not required for my family's wellbeing. In all the discussions about energy, I find these communities often overlooked.

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The options are:

1 - Split & burn wood (free)
2 - Propane delivery ($500+/month)
3 - Geothermal ($$$)

In my community, the average salary is 24k/yr. A geothermal install is unfathomable, and propane is at least more amicable to personal cash flow despite rising costs.

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Companies like @BlocPower in NYC have the right idea; combine incentives and finance to these installs to remove the friction. You'd think @DTE_Energy, @ConsumersEnergy, and @UPPCO would be DYING to have this uptick in energy consumption with geothermal. Creat programs!

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We all want a reduction in GHG, and of course, a focus on cities has a big bang for your tax dollar, but these communities will end up ostracised if not included at the table. Geothermal is the energy literally untapped in our amazing soil.

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I want @GovWhitmer to talk about why it's good to shut down Line 5 AND how she will help Michiganders migrate off propane/wood stoves. Our communities are ageing, and splitting wood will increasingly not be an option for our older citizens. The defacto will be propane.

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