June 22, 2010

Renewable Energy, the Simpsons' Way

I just saw a recent episode of The Simpsons (best show ever?) about renewable energy.
As usual, their take on things is hilarious, but pointed.

The family visits an energy expo in town and in one of the many quick gags, a digital sign flashes the title of a session at the conference:

"Gas, Grass, or Ass: Exploiting Petroluem, Bio-fuels, and Methane"

Homer is then talking to salesmen about different renewable energy options for his house. Here's the exchange with a sales guy (from Denmark of course):

Salesman: With tax subsidies, it will pay for itself in 12 to 18…
Homer: “Months?”
Salesman: “…lifetimes”

Ouch. As Homer often says, "It's funny because it's true." Or at least it touches on the big perception out there -- somewhat justified -- that renewals have a long payoff.

Finally, after the family buys a personal wind turbine, Homer gets mad that he has to pay anyone for energy, so he takes them off the grid. He then says, ominously,

“From now on the Simpsons are living..BUM, BUM, BUM…intermittently.”

Ok, you might have to be a renewables geek to appreciate that one. I can always count on the Simpsons for a novel look at big issues.

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