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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Will Mandated Smart Meters Save Money?

Last year the legislature passed Act 128, which forces utilities to force their customers to conserve electricity. Among the provisions is a mandate to install smart meters in every household and business within the next 15 years. And guess who's going to pay for it. . . the consumer.

An article from the Wall Street Journal questions if smart meters are worth the energy savings they claim, the average smart meter can cost anywhere from $250 to $500.

"What's more, the cost to consumers could go beyond the extra charges imposed by utilities. That's because consumers usually are left to their own devices (literally) when it comes to adding the in-home displays and home-area networks that use data from the meters to control appliances and other pieces of equipment."


I have nothing against smart meters, but I resent not having a choice in the matter.

2 comments:

bobguzzardi said...

Smart meters allow the government monopoly utility to reduce energy to your house or business from headquarters. I have a lot against smart meters because the government can now centrally control how much electric I use and when. Government rationing of energy usage is counterproductive. Smart meters are being represented.They are command and control devices. The military model for energy use...in our own homes. The government touches the totality of our lives. Tolitarian. Not a good thing.

Elizabeth A. Male said...

We don't need smart meters to tell us when electricity is cheapest. We need a 3 x 5 index card, and some timers for appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine/dryer, and a programmable thermostat.

Problem solved, WITHOUT government intervention.

Next?