Gridgoing

Gridgoing is a term that has emerged to describe the practice of individuals or groups intentionally and often repeatedly transitioning between different electricity grids or power sources. This behavior can be driven by a variety of motivations, including economic incentives, environmental concerns, or a desire for greater energy independence.

One common aspect of gridgoing involves exploiting price differentials between different electricity markets or utilities. If a consumer can easily switch to a provider offering lower rates, they may do so periodically to reduce their energy bills. This is more feasible in regions with deregulated electricity markets where multiple suppliers compete for customers.

Another driver for gridgoing can be the availability of renewable energy. Some individuals or organizations might connect to a grid that is heavily reliant on solar or wind power, or they might even have their own renewable generation capacity and only draw from the main grid when their renewable sources are insufficient. This allows them to align their energy consumption with their environmental values.

In some instances, gridgoing might also refer to strategic maneuvering within complex energy infrastructure. This could involve businesses that operate multiple facilities across different regions and optimize their power consumption by shifting loads between these locations based on grid conditions and pricing. The term is still relatively new and its definition may evolve as energy landscapes continue to change.