The problem of smart energy is distributed intermittent generation laid across unmanageable power use and a fixed distribution grid. Central operators will never be able to keep pace with controlling new technologies that generate, store, and use power. Privacy demands that central operators not track and predict every activity in our homes and buildings. In economic terms, this is a knowledge problem Markets are a proven means to balance supply and demand without central control. In 1992,...

Net metering can never be more than a fantasy that dissolves once the level of distributed power generation rises beyond the level of noise. This is as true as water is wet. If any neighborhood were all generating, all houses would produce more than they need at the same time. The only “target” for the power would be a use different than the houses, which means somewhere else. The distribution infrastructure must be in place to get there. Assuming you could solve the physical problem of power transport, you are still left with...