Smart meters (electric)

[Dionysus]

Doorbell rang this morning about 8:00 and there was a piece hanging on the doorknob about my new Centerpoint Energy Insight Smart Meter that the guy was installing at that very moment on the side of my house.

I've read a little about these but haven't dug into the details yet. Apparently, one benefit is that my electric provider can get a reading remotely, thereby saving them enormous amounts of money and so they'll charge me $3 a month for this savings.

 

[Roger]

you sure about the numbers? I think when they initially offered us we paid an upfront charge of $50 but they took $3 per month off of our bill.

 

[Dionysus]

One section of the flier that was hung on my door reads:

Texas law allows utilities to assess REPs (Retail Electric Providers) a surcharge to recover the cost of smart meters. The surcharge for each residential consumer [...] has been reduced to $3.05 per month.

I'm going to call them Monday and I may argue the charge. If it saves money for the provider then they can eat the cost of it.

 

[mcbrett]

I understand your point- if given the wording it was true. My real hunch however is that they are guilty of poor communications- not of ripping you off.

Smart meters are a no brainer in theory and in practice- of course, that practice depends on large part on the professionalism of your local utility. If they screw it up- they screw up the benefits of the smart meter.

Having real time pricing, and 10x the information for both the consumer and utility allows everyone to shift behavior to more economic load periods- enabling people to save money. It also allows smarter use of the AC and other appliances- many smart meters are connected to apps on your phone and could let you turn on the AC 30 minutes before getting home for example.

Smart meters are a great idea- I just hope for your sake the utility is also "smart."

Let us know,

 

[Dionysus]

My limited research into the smart meters and related technologies like Home Area Networks (HAN) shows a lot of promise. This is another one of those little steps into the future we're making. It won't be long before we log into our HAN from our phones as mcbrett stated and start managing some of our appliances.

Here's what the Smart Meter looks like. I wonder how hackable this thing is.

 

[accuratehorn]

Won't it be worth it since there will no longer be the monthly visit from some guy who opens your backyard gate, lets the dog out, leaves the gate open, and tromps around in your yard for a few minutes?

 

[nashhorn]

So just how exactly do these meters communicate with the utility provider?
Nice they do not have to come out anymore but the info as I understand it, is pretty comprehensive. Leading to "Mr So-and-So" you use a disproportionate amount of kilowatts for your house size, family size, whatever and we are going to raise your individual rates, cut your amperage, or otherwise punish you. That's my $.02

 

[accuratehorn]

It's a wireless computer, sends the info to ma computer somewhere.

 

[djimaplon]

Centerpoint and Oncor are TDU's (transmission distribution utilities). They are still regulated and as such provide a regulated return to their investors. Ultimately the cost of this rollout is passed through to the end user. Included in these recoverable costs are installation and infrastructure to receive the data. Plan on paying for these things for a while.