If electricity was free, how many of you would conserve it ?

Question

Of course this is purely a hypothetical situation, but is there any other concerns about conservation than saving money …

Answer 1

People try to conserve water and it's still dirt cheap.

Unfortunately, there are many people who are motivated more by selfishness and greed than a sense of responsibility.  How many people cared about fuel economy before gas prices skyrocketed?

Answer 2

I would still conserve...

This actually isn't that hypothetical - there are quite a few people who don't get billed for water or utilities like electricity (e.g. people who rent with utilities included).

I have been (and am!) in that position where I have no financial incentive to conserve but still do - same with recycling etc.

However, there are always going to be a few (hopefully just a few) who won't. We can reduce that number through education and awareness (e.g. this forum) but even then there will be a few die hards who won't.

Sad.

Answer 3

I would. Conservation can be described as wise use. That doesn't mean not using it when needed. I was brought up to despise waste.

The analogy someone made to a free buffet is an interesting one. People can eat their fill without wasting food. At most buffets, you pay a flat fee. That doesn't mean that you should fill your plate and leave it uneaten.

Answer 4

No one...

Answer 5

i would probably always use electricity but i would try to cut down on it

Answer 6

all of that Live Earth thing was about decreasing the co2 release through the electric we use.

edit: not ALL of that of course.

Answer 7

If it is free why conserve it?

This is a 2 part answer.

Point #1

All of us have recently observed how this works. Not long ago gasoline was "almost" free, well $2.00 per gallon and people purchased very stupid cars called SUVs that burned large amounts of it.

Now gasoline is over $4.00 per gallon and nobody wants an SUV, sales have fallen off the face of the planet and GM is planning of eliminating thousands of employees.

This is a real world example of "if it's free almost everyone will NOT conserve it".

Point #2

If a commodity is free it will no longer exist. If you are not paying for it nobody will provide you electricity. Power plants, power lines, etc. cost money.

Bonus "way out there" point

I guess you could say if electricity was free everyone would conserve it... it would no longer be available.

Answer 8

I would. There are two reasons why I shut off & unplug items not in use. First obviouly to save $$$. Second because I don't want a fire in my house.

I do wish though since we do have to pay for electricity that I could choose which company I want to give my money too.

Answer 9

Well, I am telling the truth...

Even if electricity was free but not renewable (I think you mean that), I wouldn't waste any of the resources. I really care for the environment. But, if it was solar or tidal or something like that, I would have rock parties each day, or maybe...hour.

Answer 10

I would. If all of the electricity was free, everyone would be taking advantage and using it all they want. Eventually, it'll run out and there will be a black out if everyone used all they want. I would definately conserve it because no matter how much there is, its a limited supply.