Back in late June, the guys at theWatt did an awesome podcast interview with Bill Kemp. If you’re not familiar with Bill Kemp, he’s the author of a number of books on off-grid living – most notably The Renewable Energy Handbook, a veritable bible for those of us making the move to unplugged life.

On Friday, the guys at theWatt published the transcript to that interview, so if you missed the original podcast or are dial-up impaired and were unable to partake in the 19MB file size then, now’s a great time to head over and check it out. Lot’s of juicy info to be had.

You can find both the transcript and podcast here.

Post from: Blisstree

theWatt’s Conversation with BIll Kemp

William lives completely off the grid. He collects rainwater via his roof gutters and filters it for his water. He has a septic system. Solar panels placed in the windows of his home juice up a rechargeable battery for limited electrical needs and he uses propane, kerosene and wood for heating in the winter. He stores his perishable food in the cool basement, never watches television but does listen to a battery-powered radio. Absolutely no wires or pipes connect his home to the world at large.

From an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette…

A self-proclaimed arch enemy of utility companies, he said, he stands determined to show the world how to stretch a dollar, reduce reliance on foreign oil and live the simple life. He also vows to fight for the right to refuse to use any public utilities.

And if the power company wasn’t enough of a hassle, officials from the local public sewer system are also insisting that he connect his home to the sewers. The threat of a lien on his property if he refuses is being held over his head.

You’d think that once you made it to the age of 76, you’d have earned the right to be left alone if you weren’t bothering anyone else. I hope William wins his chance soon.

Here’s that article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

[via The Good Human]

Post from: Blisstree

Off-the-Gridder Fighting ‘The Man’