Smart Electric Metering

[tongodeon]

Summer is coming, which means it's power company scaremongering season. Specifically, the story about how power companies want to put "smart meters" and "smart thermostats" in your home so that they can "control your thermostat and appliances". Here's what's really going on

Comments

[soldiergrrrl]

I wish it only got up to the 90s a few days a year here. ;-)

However, I usually have the thermostat set at 80 and ceiling fans going full-bore.

[tongodeon]

I can imagine. It was pretty warm when I was there, and that was December.

[soldiergrrrl]

Luckily, we pretty much build for it, and have ACs everywhere. Unlike the PNW or more mild climates.

However, when it does snow around here, we're *screwed.*

:-D

There are a lot of times I miss the climate in Central California. It was lovely.

[freeasinbeer]

I have gotten about 4 offers from the power company here to sign up for a device that will cut power to air conditioning units during the hottest days (which are 100+ here). The duty cycle is half, if I recall correctly.

I'm thinking about it. They are offering immediate cash and a yearly check to be in the program.

[tongodeon]

Are the duty cycle governors opt-out? From what I've read, most governors will automatically drop reduce the duty cycle during peak demand but you can opt out at any time, hit an override button, and crank your AC up to 'high' if you really want to.

If that's what they're doing it would still be a win for the utility companies. You'd still shave a substantial amount off the peaks by reducing lazy habitual demand, like from folks who leave their AC on while they leave the house to go shopping.

[freeasinbeer]

Hmm, the website http://www.coolkeeper.net/faq_home.php says

[freeasinbeer]

elsewhere it does talk of "off and on for 15 minute periods"