I think this is OK in theory, but in the current US environment, Federal intervention would be a calamity.

• They wouldn't use their buying clout to stimulate efficiency
  
• They'd favour their know-nothing cronies
  
• They wouldn't have any environmental location parameters

But I could see it working at State level. And read Chris Cook for how that might work. Legal cooperation between State (coordination+legal), Utility companies (buying say, 10 years supply of a certain megawattage at a fixed price), and consumers (buying 10 years supply as above). The State could also buy.

For consumers there might be two rates, one pay as you go, the other where you can buy as many units as you like providing you have the funds (which you could also borrow)

I would have thought that 10 years would pay back the investment,  however the funds come in.

But the US government might change in 18 months - then it could be proposed at a Federal level. Or rather, projects like this should be outlined and presented to selected Democratic candidates as very smart solutions to the energy problems.

You can't be me, I'm taken