While I like the idea of "off-the-grid" utilities, I am afraid that I won't have power when I need it.
There will be sufficient power for any home or business need. Our
project will incorporate standard electric supply by Alliant Electric
Company. On the sustainable side, our homes are designed to be
70% more energy efficient than standard homes meeting Model Energy
Codes! We also offset utility usage through Photo-Voltaic panels on
most homes, and a community wide wind generation system is planned. The
final result is that we should achieve Net-Zero usage of electricity,
and no natural gas.
Note that many communities that
are "off the grid" only mean off the electrical grid. Propane gas
is used for approximately 75% of BTU's in rural homes, supplying energy
for the Furnace, Water Heater, Stove and Clothes Dryer. These
costs are increasing each year. Cypress Villages homes are
designed to be completely economical, with clean indoor-air, with
all-electric buildings that will soon be Net-Zero.