XReddiWipX
Well-Known Member
I got a letter in the mail from my local power company telling me how excited I should be that they are in the process of switching all 'older' electric meters to these new fancy SmartMeters® that they are ordering from PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric).
This thing looks rather cool, for the average electric customer... But, I'm pretty sure I speak for most when staying "I'm not an average electric customer".
I'm a bit worried that this will give the electric company one hell of an ability to know more about what's going on in my house than I want for them to know. After Googling "SmarMeter" I found a few graphs that show what it will see and it's pretty damn freaky. That picture is attached below.
My "Legal" questions are....
Here's some more of what they had to say about the SmartMeter®...
Current Smart Meter customer benefits include:
Thanks for looking!
This thing looks rather cool, for the average electric customer... But, I'm pretty sure I speak for most when staying "I'm not an average electric customer".
I'm a bit worried that this will give the electric company one hell of an ability to know more about what's going on in my house than I want for them to know. After Googling "SmarMeter" I found a few graphs that show what it will see and it's pretty damn freaky. That picture is attached below.
My "Legal" questions are....
- How much harder is it going to be to hide a 400w light?
- What's the largest that can be hidden while one of these SmartMeters are being used?
- Are there any PG&E customers out there that already have one of these things and how has it effected you and your equipment use?
- Has anyone else had to deal with these things, are they a problem and if so, how did you overcome it?
Here's some more of what they had to say about the SmartMeter®...
Current Smart Meter customer benefits include:
- We will be able to read your meter and generate your bill without having a representative visit your property on a regular basis.
- Gives us the ability to check your meter remotely to ensure it is working properly.
- Enhances our ability to respond promptly to meter service requests as our customer base continues to grow.
- Since in-person meter readings will not be required, we'll reduce the number of vehicles on the road, reducing pollution and traffic while saving fuel.
- As Smart Meters are installed and enabled, the time needed to handle service orders, such as starting or stopping power, will be reduced.
- Power outage notification In the event of a power outage in your area, Smart Meter will help us better manage power restoration.
- Access energy usage information online You'll be able to better understand and monitor your own energy use.
- Once the program is installed, we'll be able to offer innovative rate options that meet your lifestyle You'll be able to better manage your energy usage and control your energy bill.
- The system will help reduce electricity theft.
- Additional features will come as technology advances.
Thanks for looking!
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