The US energy grid could take an unexpected hit now that personal alternative energy sources are becoming cheaper to set up. The smart grid is a set of technologies that will make the US energy grid more capable of handling sudden shifts in supply and demand. But every year, disconnecting from the energy grid altogether has become a more palatable option. Cheaper installations coupled with the energy grids’ increasing rates (compensating for fewer customers) have made some people consider switching to personal solar systems, making the smart grid rather useless. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here