Posted on 11/19/2009 3:23:48 PM PST by opentalk
North America's electrical grid is one of the greatest technological achievements of the 20th century. However, at the time of its design, the main goal was to make sure the lights stayed on, with no serious thought to energy efficiency, environmental conservation, alternative energy sources, consumer-tailored choices, or cyber security. But times have changed, and today the grid offers a virtual window into your home – providing granular levels of information such as when you cook or shower, and for how long.
The information and communications technology revolution has changed our society in profound ways and these new technologies are being used to make the current electrical grid "smarter," commonly referred to as the "smart grid." But this is not the future. The deployment of smart meters in Ontario homes is already widespread, and the Ontario government has committed to installing this technology in all homes and small businesses by the end of 2010. President Barack Obama's infusion of $3.4 billion (U.S.) to build the smart grid is greatly accelerating the delivery of the program across the U.S.
Smart meters record and report electricity consumption on an hourly basis – even at the appliance level. Consumers can access their meter data and make individual choices about their energy use, benefitting by taking advantage of future rates.
(Excerpt) Read more at thestar.com ...
I was seriously thinking about going solar and getting off the grid. This just makes me more determined.
With all new tech there are ways to beat it
“You’re consuming too much, comrade. We are putting limits on your appliance usage for the rest of the month and until you can be more energy efficient.”
All part of reducing Americans standard living to that of 3 world nations. This is the communists takeover of our lives.
Your post deals with the matter on my mind. Will the powers-that-be decide on cutting back on the electricity in summer to make you turn down the air conditioning? You bet they will. Technology is always used.
As for the OP, well, I’m looking at getting one of those expensive, whole-house gasoline-powered generators to defeat just that possibility.
And they won’t be able to do a thing about it. I live in a wooded area, away from neighbors, so they can’t say it’s too loud for the neighbors.
Screw them and their controlling ways.
Yeah, this is probably the most likely outcome.
“We” can access our rates of usage and adjust accordingly?
Methinks Big Brother will be looking over our shoulder permanently once ‘we’ put these things in our homes!
Usage according to *who*? If we get to a certain point, will our electricity get nipped in the bud so we can’t go over, or will we have to pay outrageous fees/charges for usage above and beyond what we are ‘supposed’ to use? Who gets to decide how much my family needs or can use?!
DON’T LIKE THIS. Don’t like it at all. I smell something very rotten hiding behind a pretty facade...
President Barack Obama's infusion of $3.4 billion (U.S.) to build the smart grid is greatly accelerating the delivery of the program across the U.S.
There is a reason why they did not want the stimulus bill read. We have not had a say in this. They are doing this in Europe. Seems like there is a global agenda on all of this.
GE and google , I think will get some of the contracts.
“Smart meters record and report electricity consumption on an hourly basis – even at the appliance level.”
Only with appliances manufactured to identify what they are to the grid.
Well they can “try” to force it on me.. but its going to be out of service a whole lot. I don’t care if they threaten me with the, jail, fines, or the death penalty.. I will NEVER tolerate one of those meters spying on me.
Then one day I was walking around my house and scared the heck out of a guy installing a new smart meter that could be read as a guy drove through the neighborhood each month to check the consumption. This ended the AC control program, as well as me being able to fudge my Electric bill when I needed money some where else.
Connecting the dots...I think this is why one of the census questions requires you to report the hours you are away from your home each day. While you are away, they want to monitor to make sure you obeying centralized energy use demands.
Got a notice from San Diego Gas & Electric that im getting one shortly!
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