Comments on: Get Smart, Meters

By: Kook

Kook — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:42:52 +0000

Smart meters are in fact a good idea, since it is apparent that North Americans, me included, are generally too apathetic to control our uses for the betterment of the environment. So, it takes measures like this to impart change – i.e. control behaviours through financial incentive or disincentive. While I whole-heartedly wish that was not the way of the world, it is for most people.

To my knowledge, it is likely some homes and apartments will see their bills go up, simply due to old meters generally having become less accurate with age. Consider yourself lucky if you had one of those for the last couple of decades.

If you think you are all of a sudden getting ripped off, there are a number of really neat devices (Centameter, The Energy Detective, etc) that can help you monitor your own use real-time. I have a Centameter, and love it. It just lets you keep one eye open to your consumption and almost becomes a bit of a way of life, making sure that consumption is a low and as close to the phantom load as possible. What is a BIG SHAME is that the units that UK is installing do not have a simple, after-market add-on feature that can allow a homeowner to do the same thing as the Centameter and TED, without the $200-$300 expense. In fact, I dare say that it would have been awesome if UK had purchased such devices, AND provided an internal energy display meter to each owner.

By: Harvey Kirkpatrick

Harvey Kirkpatrick — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:28:01 +0000

I was visited last week by the folks that are installing these. I stood nearby to see how the install is done, and was permitted to peak over the installer's shoulder to see my device sync via gps. I joked that I didn't want a smart metre installed if it meant seeing my bill rise. The guy laughed and responded that at least one in a million pieces of the hardware are bound to fail. It's kind of like winning the lottery…in opposite ville.

By: michaelwc

michaelwc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:57:01 +0000

Here is another one for you guys. I think I am on a smart meter kick today. http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1589645
I am noticing there is alot of good info about these things out there but that the “downfalls” are conveniently buried. And of course when you do find the bad news…its really bad. IT always seems to be the same thing…More money coming out of our pocket and into the electric company. I know I will be asking my landlord if and when they will be switching to this system and be extra careful/cautious/vigilent.

By: michaelwc

michaelwc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:17:49 +0000

Another linking on the continuing issue of smart meters here in Kingston. More and More I am not looking forward to be put on this system. http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2220107

By: That Guy

That Guy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:33:58 +0000

Ok, so Kingston isn’t bleeding-edge, but I do see an effort. This is especially significant in my estimation considering we’re in an economic downturn/recession/depression (despite what the talking heads say).

As for the “most sustainable city” title, I think it isn’t a helpful one, as competition isn’t what this is about, but rather making steady progress.

By: Harvey Kirkpatrick

Harvey Kirkpatrick — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:17:14 +0000

@That Guy When it comes to sustainable practices, more often than not Kingston is following what other communities have already done. In other words, Canada’s most sustainable city is anything but a leader in sustainability. Sure the changes we are making should be applauded, but save for the Wolfe Island Wind Farm (which some don’t consider as belonging to Kingston proper), they are anything but revolutionary. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel with everything we do, but it would be nice to see us come up with at least one original idea.

By: That Guy

That Guy — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:05:02 +0000

I would characterize these strides as more than “modest” – the way to progress is through encouragement of the good stuff.

By: Harvey Kirkpatrick

Harvey Kirkpatrick — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:48:38 +0000

Thanks to the four of you for hooking up that link. Clearly I’m not a regular Whig reader to know that they’d already broached the subject.

By: Leif

Leif — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:35:08 +0000

@Harvey Two related stories in the Whig in the last month Steep hydro bill shocks family A real power struggle

By: Laura

Laura — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:46:16 +0000

Here's the article.