Smart Meters

[marvholly]

In my electric company service area we have an experimental smart meter program in a number of our burbs & a city neighborhood. Originally I thought this was a good idea for me as I am a VERY early riser and could easily do nearly all my heavy electric use in the cheapest rate hours.

However, I did a ‘search’ and now have MANY concerns:

Who has access to usage data?
How is the usage info protected from hackers/unauthorized users?
What are the hours of cheapest rates (no info on elec co site)?
What are the cheapest rates (no info on elec co site)?
Are rates going to be higher (increased home use) or lower (lower business use) on weekends/holidays?
How does the meter KNOW it is a weekend?
How will the meter know it is a holiday (we have several in IL that other states do NOT)?
What will I be charged for access to my own usage data (internet or print out)? I am sure it will be free in the beginning but what will it cost in a year, 5 years?
How much more is electronic ignition on my furnace, hot water heater and clothes dryer going to now cost me? These have LONG been touted as saving on natural gas costs.

Also, I did NOT see anything posted about anyone loving these meters because they saved SOOO much and I read the comments for the real (USA Today, WSJ) articles.

Also, I KNOW I will not be able to restrict 85-90% of my usage to cheapest rate hours. The freezer & fridge run 24/7/365. I NEED to run my furnace/ac. I NEED to have lights on in the kitchen (24/7/365) and bedroom and/or office whenever I am home. I turn the light on as needed in the bathroom – will ‘someone’ be able to check my bathroom habits? The crockpot will no longer be cheap to run, nor will the microwave or toaster oven. I can actually see me having to run up/down stairs to plug in/unplug my freezer. Am I going to have to eat breakfast at 5 am and dinner at 10 pm? Does the meter adjust for daylight savings time or do I have to do so?

I can see myself becoming my father: “turn off that gxx dxxx light. It’s costing MONEY”!!!

Even though I do NOT (yet) have a smart meter I AM being charged for one EVERY month on my bill. Elec Co says it is to pay for the entire program which to me means we ARE getting hit w/it and the current experiment is just window dressing.

Anyone have a smart meter? How has it worked out for you? Did your elec co do a GOOD job of protecting your info? Does time of day pricing really work? Has crime gone up in your area from burglars gaining access to usage info?