A workman from SoCal Edison installed a new SmartConnect™ electric meter on our residence today. The power outage was only a few seconds after the workman waited until the computers could be shut down. Other than resetting a couple of clocks, there was not much impact to us.
According to the brochure (pdf), the new meter eliminates the need for meter readers, since it communicates with the power company to report usage data. It’s sorta big-brotherish too, because of the two-way communications implications and wireless connection to “smart” appliances in the household. I’m not saying they will do it, but there is a real possibility that they will be able to shut off your air conditioning and other stuff. Given the current nanny attitudes state and federal officials have, we could be headed there.
From the brochure:
Smart meters collect hourly energy use data for the home and are capable of two-way communication. This means they can send and receive energy use and cost information from the home to the utility and back again, all through a secure wireless network.
Smart meters are also equipped with wireless radio chips inside to support home area networking. This will make it possible for the meter to communicate with “smart” appliances and devices, such as smart thermostats and refrigerators.
Emphasis mine.
I’ve heard about this and now I’m seeing it. Here’s what’s next…
Your daily allocation of power has exceeded it limits.
We are sorry for the inconvenience.
Have a Nice Day!
Orwellian, indeed.
The potential ability for the electrical company to control my air conditioning is something that scares me.
I have asthma — aggravated by heat, especially the extreme temps we get in Dallas Texas and getting inside to cool off can be a life saving matter to some.
I’m not quite at that point, yet, but in a couple of years I can truly see that possibility. Yet when I might need the cooling the most, the electric company could shut it off.
I’m sure there will supposed be controls in place to prevent that but what happens if I’m visiting others or the system fails to honor the exemption?
The Nannies are out of control. The other day when the Congress passed a bill that would require electric vehicles to generate noise so people could hear them coming down the street, I asked Damsel “What about deaf children? Next, they will requiring strobe lights on all vehicles to alert deaf citizens.” What a crock. Worse yet, they are regulating freedom out of existence.
Let’s nudge his t-stat up a tad. More zap for everyone!”
Cap’n, you won a t-shirt an age ago on my blog. (http://aardvarksplumbline.blogspot.com/2006/02/ok-i-couldnt-resist.html)
Email me so that I may honorably acquit my obligation!