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I think it was more about money. If electricity is free then the govermnent and their business cronies will not be able to charge us for it. I think it was J.P. Morgan who asked Tesla "Does "it" have a meter?". Of course the answer was no, and that was the beginning of the end for Tesla. Many believe that big business and the government "blackballed" Tesla.

How else to better control a populace than charging them for basic needs which can be provided free?

True. I see your point :-)