Remotely Read Meters

[mrb]

Just as an FYI, most distribution companies don't do their own generation, at least not on any large scale.

Also, if the smart meters are used correctly and enough customer chooses to take part in the time of use programs, then additional generation will not be needed as soon. We have to design our power systems for peak loads. Although we may only hit these loads once or twice a year. By leveling these peaks out, you effectively increase the capacity of the system.

Tom

heh, just wait until everyone starts getting electric cars.

 

[Joe92GT]

As i understand it the only thing that can react quick enough is hydro (this was from a poco engineer in cali). .

Yeah, pump storage schemes work really well as large batteries to offset solar and wind power.

Its a good thing they have one planned right in the area, the greenies are thinking ahead.

Ohhhh...wait a second:http://newjersey.sierraclub.org/PressReleases/0054.asp

Some guy will make money off of it, so it must be evil. Never mind the millions/billions some guy named Al makes off being green.

 

[Arne73]

These smart meters will come in handy when the consumer is charged for carbon shares rather than kWh used.

 

[mrb]

These smart meters will come in handy when the consumer is charged for carbon shares rather than kWh used.

yeah great, dont give anyone any ideas


whats with all this CO2 reduction stuff anyways? Dont the greenies realize theyre starving the plants and trees???? Thats like the plants calling for O2 reduction...

(one volcano puts out as much CO2 as 20 years of industry...the planet is more powerful than us and self heals. While we do need to take care, keep from polluting groundwater, etc this whole CO2 thing is a bunch of ****. A bigger bunch of **** than wind and solar)

 

[rwhite692]

The power company we have (Pacific Gas and Electric) is a publicly traded company.

Their singular priority is to generate shareholder value, which means that profits must continually be maximized.

This has translated into PG&E having among the very highest rates in the entire nation.

PG&E has also been rolling out Smart Meters, and petitioned the Public Utilities commission for a rate increase, specifically stated to cover the cost of buying and implementing the Smart Meters.

Of course, the Public Utlities Commission, which is a lap dog of PG&E and largely made up of former PG&E folks, gleefully approved.

The idea that SmartMeters are somehow "good" for the customer is a fantasy of epic proportion.

Of course, a smart meter will enable you to save money! Just use your stove to cook your dinner at 4AM, and wait until around 11PM to do your laundry. And whatever you do, don't run your A/C during the afternoon (when it's hot)!

 

[Norcal]

PG&E has bungled the whole smartmeter program, here is 1 article about it & if one wants more info about it google "PG&E smartmeter".


http://www.bnet.com/blog/clean-energy/lessons-from-pg-e-how-to-avoid-a-smart-meter-backlash/3125

 

[walrus]

Who is making the smart meters anyway? China? I'd guess GE if being serious

 

[JBurgess]

Who is making the smart meters anyway? China? I'd guess GE if being serious

My utility uses rex meters made by Elster. They have over 1/2 milllion installed already. Plans are to have the other 1/2 of their customers changed over within a few years. I don't know where they are made.

 

[Teken]

The power company we have (Pacific Gas and Electric) is a publicly traded company.

Their singular priority is to generate shareholder value, which means that profits must continually be maximized.

This has translated into PG&E having among the very highest rates in the entire nation.

PG&E has also been rolling out Smart Meters, and petitioned the Public Utilities commission for a rate increase, specifically stated to cover the cost of buying and implementing the Smart Meters.

Of course, the Public Utlities Commission, which is a lap dog of PG&E and largely made up of former PG&E folks, gleefully approved.

The idea that SmartMeters are somehow "good" for the customer is a fantasy of epic proportion.

Of course, a smart meter will enable you to save money! Just use your stove to cook your dinner at 4AM, and wait until around 11PM to do your laundry. And whatever you do, don't run your A/C during the afternoon (when it's hot)!

Quoted for truth . . .

I always get a kick out of people when they say: Hey don't use the electricity during peak periods . . .

I dunno its 45'C before the humidex kicks in, my ballszz are sweating, pretty sure that AC is going to be used while its high noon around here!

 

[checkthisout]

I think the concerns about privacy are legitimate.

The thing is, I belong to a CO-OP. I pay 10% less for energy than the next closest utility and really DO have a say in what happens. When I installed my 320 amp panel, they came out provided 2 disconnects and recconnects, and the conduit and cabling at N/C. The neighboring public utility charges $400.00 for a disconnect/reconnect and $5.** a foot for conduit and cabling between the street and meter.

They will not have the ability to remotely turn off the power.

I would imagine these meters have a non-tamperable measuring system that could be checked only by having the unit in hand and and then checking that against that against the signal that has been broadcast back to the monitoring station if inaccuracies or fraud are suspected.

I agree we need more generating capacity but in the meantime, power prices are going to up and with rechargeable cars coming to market, you will probably be able to save money or at least not have as great of rate increases with the new systems.

I imagine the power company will also see increased revenue due to more accurate metering.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I imagine the power company will also see increased revenue due to more accurate metering.

Lots of mechanical meters out there that are slow due to age/friction of gears, bushings, etc. They just get slower and slower until they quit. Yes, the power companies/customers will see increased bills, even if only slightly, due to the new meters.

Charles

 

[Tscott]

heh, just wait until everyone starts getting electric cars.

Electric cars tend to be good for the peak. They usually charge during non peak times. There is also some talk about using them as storage batteries when hooked up. The grid would pull power from all the batteries in the millions of cars instead of firing up more generation. The idea is a long way from practice, but it is possible.

I seriously doubt there will be enough electric cars out there until battery technology improves though.

Tom

 

[mrb]

Electric cars tend to be good for the peak. They usually charge during non peak times. There is also some talk about using them as storage batteries when hooked up. The grid would pull power from all the batteries in the millions of cars instead of firing up more generation. The idea is a long way from practice, but it is possible.

I seriously doubt there will be enough electric cars out there until battery technology improves though.

Tom

as far as cars charging during 'non peak', all its going to do is add to the peak load in residential neighborhoods. Think about it: everyone gets home at 6 in the middle of summer, plugs in their car(s), and turns on the A/C and you have every house on the block pulling 120 amps.

as far as the grid using the car's batteries for peak shaving while a great idea, practically speaking it *****. You think I am going to let the poco put charge / discharge cycles on my 15K worth of batteries that are only good for 3000 cycles? i dont think so.

 

[ddawg16]

Here is some information on the hacking.....

Hacking into the grid....yea, right

You can put away the tin hat.....but if your THAT worried about it....go solar with your own storage batteries....