^ ^ ^ Maybe not laundry, but most definitely PoCo wants decision-making ability IF they give you power for Air Conditioning during peak hours !!
The Mrs Outlander may be doing laundry in a hot house.
My "smart thermostat" is the first step in the door, as I expect future will bring "smart" breakers that go on the A/C circuit so that PoCo can wirelessly shut down your A/C during peak demand, if they want to.
Main GIANT complaint I have is fact that PoCo is monopoly, or realistically an oligopoly (ie NO competitors), and most PUC's (public utility commission) have become rubber stamp for whatever rate increase PoCo's want. Around here, PoCo can earn certain Rate Of Return so all these 50 to 100 years, they have been putting dividends in pockets of shareholders, but yet PoCo hasn't done it's own grid upgrading, alternate power sources, etc. (ie wind or solar power) unless forced by PUC/Federal Govmt (then of course PoCo wants more ratepayer money for that).
For priviledge of having an oligopoly over customers across a state, the PoCo darn well SHOULD be handling peak demand (VAST Majority being big business) so booster generation plants need managed to stay within working peak limits / or conservation by businesses. Constantly pounding rate increases on little residential guy just pisses me off !! Plus, bunch of state rules allow PoCo to NOT pay you (or neglible amount) when windpower turns the meter backwards.