Posted on 08/29/2010 2:59:28 PM PDT by TMD
We just received notice that PGE will be installing a "smart meter" at our house. I guess since California is so flush with extra money, they can afford another gigantic expense to further regulate our lives and determine our comfort level.
Anyone have any experience with the new and improved "smart meters"? Doing a quick google on smart meters lists all kinds of problems people are having with them. Even ultra-liberal Santa Cruz is considering a moratorium as of Aug 25th, on them until problems get straightened out.
Can I tell them not to install it?
we had one installed a year ago, never even noticed a difference. The Gas company did the same, no difference in service.
I would tell them NO.
You can expect higher bills and they won’t let you keep the old one
...since California is so flush with extra money,...
It's PG and E, not CA, and I think they have bunches of bux.
I had one forced on me last year. My lecky bills went through the roof. I’m thinking of getting a second mortgage.
Exactly, it’s a utility. I have one no big deal. It works and I don’t have someone peering over my fence anymore.
Yep. Got one. My electric bill is actually lower this summer than it was last year, and it’s hotter outside.
The government likely isn’t paying for it — at least not here in Texas. Instead, you will. They’ll tack on a small charge to your monthly bill until it is paid for. My bill’s still lower — which means my old meter was overcharging me.
It’s just new technology. I’m not concerned about some government conspiracy.
It will cost the utility company less, because the meters can be read electronically and remotely. Saves on mileage/gas, and you won’t have a meter reader in your backyard.
It also allows for designer rate plans, where you pay less for what you use in off-peak periods. The smart meters record not just how much, but when you use power.
There are arguments against them, but I don’t have a problem so far. Remember the old saying, that “nobody likes change except a wet baby.”
I had one installed this summer. Installation was mandatory.
We were informed that we could save $50 a year if we allowed the company to control the thermostat during periods of peak use. I opted out in writing.
Result: the company controls my thermostat anyway and I can’t make it cooler during the hottest part of the day, even though I am willing to pay for the cool air.
I’m not getting the $50, either, because I did not enroll in the “program.”
..anyone know if commercial meters are available? Seems one would be able to monitor use before and after the smart meter to take to court if necessary.
Don’t be paranoid! Smart meters are just remote reading systems. The only ones who need be afraid are the $22/hr union meter readers!
The only time my bill goes up is when my granddaughters come by and use the washer/dryer.
I’m in a village south of Santa Cruz. Haven’t had any notices from PG&E, but just yesterday I put two very large signs on my two meters (one is a water well) that say: “NO SMART METERS ALLOWED ON THIS PROPERTY.”
I’ve heard that the Sheriff here will actually back you up and send PG&E packing.
“Result: the company controls my thermostat anyway and I can’t make it cooler during the hottest part of the day, even though I am willing to pay for the cool air.”
They have to have a radio-controlled switch installed on the power supply to your compressor unit outside.
Perhaps a previous owner had it installed?
You should be able to have them remove it.
I’m looking forward to having one installed here by ComEd. It’s not “smart” in the sense that they will be able to do remote monitoring or demand control. It will only have the ability to measure usage in hourly increments, so I will be billed on the cost at the time of usage. Typical users are saving 30% off their electric bill by becoming smarter customers and voluntarily time-shifting their power usage to save money.
If you give most people a financial incentive to be smarter customers, they will take it, and this approach does not involve any “big brother” tactics, just making information available to the consumer so he can make his own decisions.
Stick a room conditioner in a window for emergencies.
The new smart meters can be shut off remotely and may be vulnerable to hackers.
“Don’t be paranoid! Smart meters are just remote reading systems. The only ones who need be afraid are the $22/hr union meter readers!”
The entire premise of “smart” meters and “smart” grid is to measure and demand-price electricity.
Wireless meter reading was the previous generation.
Remember, just because you haven’t seen it yet, doesn’t mean you won’t. If the government can tax you on your usage/time of usage like they can with “smart” meters, you can be sure that they will if they think it will make them more money.
The guy will come and say "I am here to install the new smart meter for PG&E."
This is a very cleverly crafted ruse by PG&E attorneys. He is really asking for permission to come on the premises and change the meter.
DO NOT GIVE HIM PERMISSION!
Say "You may not trespass on my property."
He will say, "But we have an easement!"
This is FUD. PG&E has an easement to *READ* the meter not change it and, and this is the critical reason you can get away with refusing, HE IS NOT A PG&E EMPLOYEE.
Don't let them on your property.
Do not mention higher bills. The way this is going to be won is "radiation exposure." Go here and send the message to the CPUC that you decline to use a smart meter.
Place a lamp under the thermostat, just enough to warm it a bit and extend the cooling cycle.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.