It looks like BC Hydro is getting smart meter installations underway in BC. Having participated in a focus group over the very subject matter months ago, I was privy to some of the features that might be enabled. Depending on the time of day, you’d be charged a certain amount on your monthly bill. Obviously this pointed to evening and off-peak preferred usage to save money, e.g. running the dishwasher after 10 pm. Luckily this scenario didn’t turn out be the case, as time-of-use rates are used in other jurisdictions with peak demand that exceeds BC Hydro’s ability to supply electricity to its customer base.
I’ve been reading various reports online that the smart meter may not be as intelligent a solution as BC Hydro gives it credit for. Further fueling my curiosity over the matter is a signed notice I came across today in my neighbourhood.
Attached to both the main house and basement sublet were signs posted that read “Do Not Install Smart Meter“. The notice outlined a few key concerns mentioned below, ending with not granting BC Hydro/Corix permission to be on the property for the purpose of installing a smart meter. The homeowner’s signature does authorize BC Hydro meter readers access for the purpose of reading the ‘non-wireless’ meter manually.
Let’s start with the price tag: $930 million dollars. Is the initial cost eventually going to outweigh the benefit down the road?
As well, think of how many jobs will be eliminated throughout the province. A job as a meter reader is valuable to those who hold the gig. Doing away with thousands of these positions will hurt that niche industry.
[Flickr photo credit: diffuse] *I chose this photo due to the conversation it’s generating. Click on the image to read the comment thread.
I’ve also heard that certain medical equipment could pose a health risk when coupled with the smart meter. If you know someone who wears a pacemaker, they should think twice about having one installed. I also couldn’t help wondering whether those ‘smart’ meters might interfere with other appliances.
According to BC Hydro’s website, “Updating BC Hydro’s meters is a key step in modernizing our entire electricity system, keeping our rates low and ensuring BC Hydro can continue to deliver safe, reliable power. More information about the status of the electricity grid will ensure BC Hydro can continue to deliver safe, reliable, low-cost electricity to homes and businesses across the province when it is needed.”
Feel free to comment below, regardless of your position.