A smart meter is an advanced meter that identifies consumption in more detail than a conventional meter
Over the next 11 years every household in Britain will receive Smart Meters, one for gas and one for electricity. This project will be one of the largest infrastructure projects to have taken place since the Second World War. Perhaps most importantly, lower bills through lower energy consumption. Good for the wallet, great for the environment and would compliments any Eco Friendly Home
Early signs suggest thta trials are going well with consumers monitoring the consupmption of energy in there homes in extreme detail. One smaller British utility comopany "First Utility's" will be offering free smart meter in coming months, as First Utility continues its roll-out of smart meters across UK households on a region by region basis.
Questions remain unanswered
- Are these new meters really going tio save the planet?
- The cost, production and distribution will be costly to the environment will this be better for the environment in the long run?
- Will the advance of smart meter technology mean that suppliers can turn off your electricty remotely?
- By the time it takes to distribute these devices in Britain surely they will be out of date?
That is very interesting and I had not heard of these before.
In our area, these "smart" meters were installed several months ago. I've not heard anyone admitting to a lower electricity bill. The first bills that TXU Energy mailed out were not calculated correctly and billed two to three times the normal monthly average, creating an economic hardship on many unsuspecting less fortunate, as well as senior citizens. There have been several newspaper articles as well as radio discussions of residential electric bills in the $800 to $1,000+ range for some. Yes the electricity can be turned off remotely, and from what I understand, the meter reading is now remote too. It's too early to tell, but my 676sf real estate office is normally about $125/month in the last few years, but last month it was $195 which is the highest bill I have had since I built the office new 13 years ago.
Wow these seem really great... I have seen very high tech ones actually wired into the home on some new construction but never these meters before!
This is wonderful. Folks will feel better knowing more about the electricity they use.
Will they use less? NO!
Will the planet be better off? NO!
Will the environment be helped? NO!
The important thing is that folks will feel better.
Any cost effective and measurable energy saving device is worth it's weight in gold!
Smart meters are in the process of being installed on every property in the province of Ontario. Time-based billings have already started. In general, the prices are higher most of the time when you want to actually use electrical items. The price is a little bit lower late at night and on weekends. I thnk most people will have higher bills.
Great comments I think we are thinking along the same lines!