It would definitely be simpler to run the meters backwards, but I assure you they don't intend to pay the same as they charge. If they are paying 17 cents per kilowatt hour, they are charging well over 20 cents to the customer. If they allow the meter to run backwards, they are paying exactly the same as the are charging. And on top of that, California will definitely be adding some taxes to this, so they will have to have a method of taxing the producer of the electricity. California will tax the producer, the electrical company and the consumer. They have far too many social programs to allow someone to get by without being taxed in every possible way.

I agree we need to produce oil now to impact the future. We can't keep putting things off just because the results may not be immediate. Keep posting.

Agree with your post on ethanol.