new digital power meters

[allhailthebud]

hey FWF, so this new 'smart-meter' is a 2 way communication between your meter and the electricity company... now thats sketchy... on the website it doesnt give any further information regarding if thease will be a compolsury installation on all houses or a cost ??

 

it just says they no-long issue old meters, only smart meters.

 

So eventually everyone will get new smart meters installed ?? and the elect company will be able to tell when your on 18/6 or switching to 12/12.... ??

 

paranoia slightly increasing...

[Free Wheelin Franklin]

Na man I wouldn't stress too much

 

I think that all the old houses will have the old meters fitted, and for the newer houses and the folks that wanna save power with the on and off peak times you can get the new smart ones fitted.

 

I am no expert on this but i think you should be cool, otherwise everyone who grew indoors with a new meter would get busted.

 

 

FWF

[mull]

So eventually everyone will get new smart meters installed ??

 

That is their plan yes. They are apparently twice over budget already, which isn't really a problem (for them) - because we pay eventually(!) But this might slow the installation process some.

 

 

and the elect company will be able to tell when your on 18/6 or switching to 12/12.... ??

 

Yes, they will be able to tell when your heater or aircon come in on thermostat also.

If they will eventually use this data to bust growers, is unknown, but not highly likely imo.

More likely they use the data to work out how much supply increase is required. If distribution upgrades are required etc.

Also if there are e.g. heatwave temperatures and the lines/generators can't handle the loads being asked ( 10s of thousands of house aircons + plus industry must go on ..) , then the power co can load shed by switching off residences meters remotely - cutting power until the demand lowers. Same for natural disasters etc.

 

The cost will be on the house owner, if their meter board wiring including mains need upgrading prior to smart meter install. The smart meters will be paid for by the house owner with an extra fee in the power bills.

 

[Free Wheelin Franklin]

Thanks for that info Mull

Too much control to the powers that be Im thinking.

 

FWF

[allhailthebud]

yeh thanks for that mull. lets hope they put it off a while ey..