“Yes, and how many times can a man turn his head, and pretend that he just doesn’t see?

The answer my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.  The answer is blowin’ in the wind…”

Isn’t it amazing how some works can refresh themselves and remain relevant through changing times?  In 1963, Bob Dylan brilliantly, yet ambiguously, shares his views on war and social inequity (either the answer is so obvious it is right in your face, or perhaps, the answer is fleeting…) Well, does that not describe all the social & political issued tied to our current thirst for energy? 

Today, I learned about N-STAR’s “Green” program, http://www.nstar.com/residential/customer_information/nstar_green/nstar_green.asp - which enables consumers to have their energy delivered from wind power.  It’s interesting on a few levels, and perhaps as ambiguous as Dylan’s lyrics.  N-STAR’s marketing touts the environmental benefits of the renewable energy source.  But it’s offered at a premium to the consumer (about an extra penny per kilowatt hour.)  Apparently, the cost is required to move the energy from a wind farm in upstate NY to the New England power grid (and N-STAR feels the consumer should foot the bill for acting responsibly.)     

Perhaps this is great news.  If we all sign up, will that spike demand, and prompt more - and more immediate - investment in developing wind farms closer to home?  Green is good right?  But since we can’t tell the difference between a wind-generated kilowatt hour and a regular one, we’re left with one question – does N-STAR’s use of the word “Green” refer to the renewable energy source, or does it simply reflect the premium price paid by the consumer, and the incremental revenue generated by those trying to do the right thing?  The answer my friend, is blowin’ in the wind – yet the success (and the longevity) of this campaign is certainly worth following.  Stay tuned.