Concerns over plan to switch off household solar panels when grid is unstable

Should the government have the ability to control the energy grid? This week's artifact, originally posted on ABC News Australia, talks about a current issue they are facing where the government is trying to control the ability to use solar energy because of grid instability.  People seek to use solar panels as an alternative form of energy because it’s not only sustainable but because of cost savings as well.  A new proposal planned by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) means to “switch off or constrain output from household solar systems as an emergency measure to stabilise their nation's electricity grid.” This solution would only be needed in case of grid instability and to manage issues. Australia has the most rooftop solar in the world, with new panels being installed by the thousands monthly. “Since 2010, the number of panels across the nation has grown from 100,000 to 2.2 million.” With this much renewable energy, it is inevitable that it can lead to instability, which is why the AEMO is proposing this plan to have a backup just in case the grid fails. According to AEMO "This is very temporary, very limited and really, what we would say, a last resort control we need if we were worried the system would otherwise go black."  This brings up the question of whether it is fair for governments to control energy and what are our energy rights? If citizens are trying to be sustainable by having an alternative source of energy, is it okay for the government to regulate and take away that energy if needed? Solar power is unpredictable so it has the capability of being a risk to the national electricity grid and the government feels responsible for avoiding a national issue.  The government is trying to get a grip on solar energy and control it because it is predicted that renewable energy will supply up to 75% of Australia’s power by 2025. They want to distribute solar inverters that can be controlled remotely and allow citizens to still have access to the electrical grid. Citizens are worried that once the government gets involved, the lower prices that they have been able to achieve by having solar power will rise back up to what they once were. This brings up what we have been learning in this class about the right to electricity and fuel poverty being caused by high electricity payments and government regulations/power company monopolies. It’s important for people to have options and be in control of their energy rights, but having government as a contingency plan may also be necessary, especially in terms of low income households and funding.