Quote from: numroe on December 30, 2017, 02:38:56 PM

I'm not convinced ...

Assuming people wont be carrying batteries around, then they need wires to transmit (sell/buy) electrical power. The power distribution/transmission operators already have products to pay people for producing power. Those companies will retain control of any pricing and profit on power. So for mass adoption, any decentralised trading system is totally dependent on the owners of the existing wired grids. Own the wires and you own the trading. Masses won't be disconnecting from the grid. Why is this key point not discussed a lot more? No mention of it in their whitepaper. Government policy seems essential for Power Ledger to go big time. If this is a scam, then how far will the token price pump up before it crashes?

There are a few points why blockchain suits decentralized power trade, storage and distribution. I think one of the most important ones for consumers is that, with the help of the blockchain, you're able to see in an efficient way how much of the electricity grid you are using for your purchased or sold energy. This can give you bartering leverage, due to the transparency and thus result in lower network fees. As of now, these distribution costs aren't specified. The blockchain systems also provides the distribution companies an effective tool to see how the grid is used and when. This data can be used to optimize the grid stability. Renewable energy puts a big strain on the capacity to provide a stable grid and the more you know about the production, consumption, storage and distribution of energy the better and more effective you are able to provide a stable and fair distribution system. Blockchain technology is a hot topic in regard to smart cities and the energy supply in the Netherlands. Major players, such as Tennet (Dutch main grid exploitent) are now experimenting with the blockchain to optimize the grid stability. And, as far as I know, we have one of the most stable grids in the world so why would these companies research and test blockchain technology for the distribution of electricity? http://www.energiebusiness.nl/2017/05/10/tennet-batterijen-via-blockchain/. Also a new foundation has been set up to research and implement blockchain technology into the electricity supply system. http://energyweb.org/ . As you can see companies such as shell are involved and those parties aren't there if there isn't a possible or feasible business case.