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Is it really financially worthwhile to go green? By Eytan Avriel Tags: Israel Electric Corporation  I am, to put it mildly, no fan of the Israel Electric Corporation. It's nothing personal, I have no enemies there. But every time I am forced to deal with the company, I end up the loser. It all started with my monthly bills, which came to thousands of shekels. I tried everything. The normal bill was steep, so I transferred to billing based on use and demand - but the bill didn't change. I tried saving electricity by turning off the lights and electric appliances in the evening, but the bill still didn't budge. Plus, IEC employees are infuriating as well, with their free electricity and their nepotism, their hidden pension funds, salaries and permanent tenure, and the widespread feeling that you just can't beat them. Their finger is on the country's light switch, they and their families are worth a few seats in the Knesset - and no one is willing to mess with them. Advertisement So no one was happier than me last month, with the publication of details of ordinances that enable any resident in the country to install solar panels on their roofs and become electricity producers. You must admit, there could be nothing sweeter than the combination of making your own electricity, not being dependent on the IEC and their services, and taking part in the battle against pollution and global warming. Losing no time, that very day I drew up a list of companies that install solar panels and invited a representative of one of them to inspect my home. The inspection started out promising: The roof of my house is slightly inclined, and one side faces south (more sunshine), and is large enough to contain the panels. A thing of beauty it wouldn't be, because of its metal structure, but for the future of planet Earth (and breaking up with the IEC) I'm willing to make an effort. I'll do almost anything to become a green electricity producer. Then came the small print. It's not a simple matter. The panels are very expensive, starting at NIS 40,000 and going as high as hundreds of thousands of shekels. Also, there are a few different technologies to choose from. Then there is the matter of financing. And tax issues. And licensing issues. And there is the very problematic issue of service and warranty. After an hour-long explanation came the first disappointment: I may become an electricity producer, but I won't be getting rid of the IEC. The reason? The electricity I will produce from my new solar panels isn't for my own use, but for sale - to the IEC itself. And worse still, even though practically speaking, it is possible to collect and even store solar electricity by installing an additional system of connections and batteries, the IEC won't let me. Its excuse is safety concerns. On the day there is an electricity blackout, they say, neighbors are liable to think that there is no electricity, will then touch the electrical connections and be electrocuted by the very electricity I produce. The bottom line is, my relations with the IEC only become more complicated. From now on, I'll have to haggle with them not only over my electricity usage, but over my production as well, to make sure they aren't cheating me on that end too. From now on, I will have to obtain a whole other set of permits. The dream of disengaging from them is over. The green facility can't save you any money. And there is no disengaging from the embrace of the IEC. Related articles: What's green, grows and isn't a bubble? The sudden greening of everyone Not just for the birds... Bookmark to del.icio.us   Staying out Rice on possible IDF Iran strike: U.S. has no veto over Israeli military operations. Ganei Tallywood Hamas transforms former Gaza settlement into movie lot.   1.   excellent article 07:58  |  ka 07/08/08   2.   Turning green IS financially possible, IEC tyrany shouldn`t exist 09:43  |  Alain 07/08/08   3.   Financially Worthwhile to go green? 09:53  |  Aleph 07/08/08   4.   Stupid article 11:04  |  Yoni 07/08/08   5.   Solar Energy Initiative 11:29  |  Moshe 07/08/08   6.   Great start - now lets deal with the problem 12:04  |  EJ 07/08/08

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